A sore penis after sex is not uncommon, but it doesn’t always mean you got too jiggy. It could be a sign of an infection or other underlying problem, and it requires medical treatment.
You should see a doctor if your sore penis is accompanied by other symptoms, such as painful or bloody urination, pain with ejaculation, drooping foreskin and skin color changes, or pus-like discharge.
Causes
There are a number of reasons that the tip of your penis could be sore after sex. Some of these are surface problems, such as chafing due to friction, and can be treated at home with pain relievers and skin lotions. Others are symptomatic of underlying medical conditions, which need to be addressed by a doctor.
Yeast infections, which are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, are a common cause of soreness on the penis. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, poor hygiene, lack of lubrication, certain meds, and having a partner with a yeast infection.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) can also cause a sore penis after sex. STIs can include herpes, genital warts, and gonorrhea. The rash, soreness, and itching that accompany these conditions are often felt on the glans and vulva, and may even extend to other parts of the body.
The pain and tenderness of a sore penis after sex can also be caused by having a prolonged or vigorous erection, which can strain or injure the tissues. This type of pain usually lasts a day or two and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers and a hot or cold compress on the penis. In more serious cases, a doctor may recommend steroid injections to reduce the inflammation and ease the pain.
Treatment
Men who have pain in the penis after sex that doesn’t get better with home treatments may need to visit their doctor. A doctor can do a physical exam to find the cause of the problem. He or she will also ask questions about symptoms, medical history and sexual history. If the pain is due to a sexually transmitted infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
Some STIs like chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis cause pain with urination and ejaculation, notes Dr. Desai. These infections can only be treated with medication.
Another cause of sex pain is balanitis, a fungal infection that affects the tip of the penis. This infection is usually mild and not serious, but it can cause pain with urination or ejaculation and a burning sensation. Doctors can treat balanitis with antifungal creams or for severe cases, an antibiotic.
A sore penis after sex can also be caused by a contact allergy to latex or chemicals in lubricants and sex toys. This can be treated by switching to a latex-free condom or using an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy med. This will typically make the pain go away. The doctor may also recommend allergy desensitization treatment to help if the allergy is severe. This involves exposing yourself to the allergen over time to reduce your reaction. This can be done in a doctor’s office or at home.
Home Remedies
There are a few things you can try at home if your penis hurts after sex. If you think you have a cut or a tear, apply some cotton wool to the area and press firmly until the bleeding stops. Then apply a little Vaseline to soothe the wound. If you have an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for you. If the pain is due to friction or a lack of lubrication, use more lubrication next time you have sex and be sure you choose a safe, non-irritating lubricant. Pain relievers can also help with the discomfort.
Other causes of a sore penis include delayed ejaculation, balanitis, or penile irritation. Balanitis can occur if you rub against the skin of your penis too hard during sex, especially if your partner isn’t adequately lubricated. This can cause the skin layer to wear away, exposing the sensitive tissue underneath and leading to pain. It can also lead to an itchy, red and flaky penis.
Contact dermatitis, which can result from friction or from a reaction to an irritant, can also cause a sore penis after sex. This can be caused by a number of different things including soap, shower gel, laundry detergent, sweat, latex, or even an allergy to the chemicals in some lubes. Contact dermatitis can last for a few days to a couple of weeks and is treatable with special ointments and creams.
Call Your Doctor
If you continue to experience pain after sex, you should make an appointment with your doctor. This will allow them to find out the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment. A doctor will be able to diagnose the problem by performing a physical exam, asking about your symptoms and medical history, and running tests. Depending on the cause of your penile pain, they may prescribe antibiotics or other medication. They may also recommend practicing safe sex and using condoms.
Sometimes, the friction during sex can irritate the skin on your penis. This can happen especially if your partner is not using enough lubrication. It can also occur if you have an allergy to latex. In such cases, you should switch to non-latex condoms. You can also use a water-based lubricant to help with the irritation.
In some cases, your doctor may also want to perform a test for sexually transmitted diseases. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis. These infections can also cause pain in the penis. In addition to treating the infection, your doctor may recommend that you avoid sex for a while until your penile pain has subsided.
Pain after sex is not always a serious health condition, but it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. By taking precautions and seeking medical attention when needed, you can reduce penile pain during and after sex and enjoy a better quality of life.
