Penis Swelling

What is penis swelling?

The sensation of swelling in, on or around your penis may cause it to feel red, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Infection is a common cause of swelling and inflammation. The swelling of infection or inflammation must be differentiated from the normal swelling (erection) of the penis that occurs during the sexual response.

Penis swelling can be accompanied by bloody or pink-colored urine (hematuria), itching, rash, redness, or discomfort. Penis swelling can be extremely uncomfortable and create difficulty with daily living, sexual relations, and urination. In addition to symptoms in and around your penis, it can occur with flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains) or poor health in general.

Balanitis, an inflammation of the foreskin in uncircumcised boys and men—a condition often caused by poor hygiene, infection, or irritation—may also be associated with penis swelling.

Certain sexually transmitted diseases can cause penis swelling. These include genital warts, herpes, syphilis (sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria), and chlamydia.

Seek immediate medical care if you have penis swelling accompanied by high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), redness spreading into the groin, or severe testicular pain. Penis swelling is usually not an emergency, but it may be a sign of a disease that can be transmitted to others. Seek prompt medical care if symptoms persist or cause you concern.