Penile infections are medical conditions that involve the inflammation or infection of the penis. These infections can be caused by various factors, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other pathogens. In this article, we discuss the ten signs that show infection is growing in your penis.
Signs That Show Infection Is Growing In Your Penile
Pain or Discomfort
Many infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea or chlamydia, and penile yeast infections, can cause pain or discomfort in the penis. In this case, if you notice any pain or disconformity around that place, it is better to contact your doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Swelling of the Penile
Infections like cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection, or STIs such as syphilis or herpes, can lead to swelling of the penis. Cellulitis is a prevalent bacterial skin infection characterized by redness, swelling, and discomfort in the affected skin area. Without proper treatment, it can extend and lead to severe health complications. If you notice Swelling of the penis, please contact your doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Redness
Redness can be a result of inflammation caused by infections like balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or contact dermatitis (skin irritation from allergens). In this case, the treatment will depend on the case. The person should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of their condition. Once the doctor addresses the underlying issue, balanitis should resolve on its own.
Treatment options may include over-the-counter cephalosporin antibiotics, oral and topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole, and topical antifungal creams such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin.
Penile discharge
Several STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis, often present with abnormal penile discharge. Thick, yellow, or green discharge is commonly associated with gonorrhea. In the case of gonorrhea, treatment is essential to prevent the infection from progressing. Typically, antibiotics are used to treat it.
Seeking treatment promptly is crucial, as complications that may arise from the infection could become untreatable if left untreated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a single 500 milligram intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone (Rocephin) for treatment.
In the past, medical practitioners used to prescribe ceftriaxone in combination with azithromycin. However, in 2020, health authorities updated the guidelines due to the increasing resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, to azithromycin.
Penile itching
Yeast infections, including candidiasis, can cause intense itching in the genital area. Scabies, a parasitic infection, can also lead to severe itching.
Yeast infections can vary in severity, and your doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. The treatment chosen typically depends on the extent of your symptoms.
Doctors often prescribe antifungal creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories for yeast infections, and the duration of treatment can range from 1 to 6 days. These medications are available both as prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) options. Common antifungal medications for yeast infections include:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Miconazole (Monistat)
- Butoconazole (Gynazole)
- Terconazole (Terazol)
Unusual Odor
Foul odors can result from bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis (in sexual partners) or STIs such as trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can result in vaginal discomfort and pain. It occurs when there’s an imbalance in the natural bacteria levels in the vagina. Normally, balanced bacteria levels help maintain vaginal health. However, when certain bacteria overgrow, it can lead to BV.
On the other hand, Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-celled protozoan, a tiny parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite is transmitted between individuals through genital contact, which includes vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The infection can be transmitted between men and women, between women, and sometimes from men to women. If you notice any unusual odor via your penis or virginal, act fast by contacting your doctor.
Sores or ulcers around your penis
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, both HSV-1 and HSV-2, can cause painful sores or ulcers on the penis. Syphilis can also lead to painless ulcers.
To alleviate your symptoms and expedite your recovery, you can use an antiviral ointment or cream, but it is most effective when applied soon after the outbreak begins. Many individuals with HSV-2 take daily oral medications to prevent outbreaks.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe either a topical (applied to the skin) medication or an oral medication like:
- Acyclovir (brand names: Sitavig, Zovirax)
- Famciclovir (brand name: Famvir)
- Valacyclovir (brand name: Valtrex)
Difficulty Urinating
STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can infect the urethra, leading to painful urination. If you have gonorrhea, you will usually get two kinds of antibiotics to treat it. The main treatment is an antibiotic shot, followed by a single antibiotic pill. If you can’t get the shot, you’ll need to take two different antibiotic pills. This treatment also works against chlamydia. It’s super important that your sexual partners also get tested and treated.
For chlamydia, you’ll take an antibiotic, and it’s essential that your sexual partners get tested and treated too. This includes anyone you’ve had sex with in the last 60 days or your most recent partner. Make sure to finish all your prescribed medicines.
Even while you’re getting treated, chlamydia can still spread to your sexual partners. So, it’s best to avoid having sex until after you’ve finished treatment, and your partners should do the same. You should also get tested again for chlamydia three months after you finish treatment to make sure it’s gone.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are serious infections. So, if you notice any difficulty urinating, please contact your doctor immediately for fast treatment.
Penile Rash or Changes in Skin Texture
Skin conditions such as contact dermatitis or psoriasis can cause rashes on the penis. Syphilis and secondary syphilis can manifest as skin rashes as well. Check the Penile Itching section above for treatment options for Penile Rash or Changes in Skin Texture.
How to avoid Penile infections
- Keep your panis clean: Wash your panis gently with mild soap and water daily, then pat it dry.
- Use condoms during sex: Always use condoms during sex to prevent infections.
- Always stay hydrated: Drink enough water to help your body stay healthy.
- Stop using harsh soaps: Avoid strong soaps and perfumed products on your genital area.
- Remember to Pee after sex: Urinate after sex to flush out bacteria.
- Maintain Foreskin care: If uncircumcised, clean under your foreskin regularly.
- Don’t share personal items: Avoid sharing personal items like towels.
- Get tested: Consider regular testing for sexually transmitted infections.
- Live a healthy lifestyle: Eat well, exercise, and manage stress for a strong immune system.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that the above signs can have various causes, and a healthcare provider’s examination is important to determine the exact infection and appropriate treatment. Seeking prompt medical attention if you notice any change in your penis is very important for an effective treatment option.
