What to Do About Painful Erections

An erection helps pave the way to intimacy and pleasure during sex, but when your erection is painful, it becomes a source of discomfort and stress. 

While your erections may feel like a private topic, there is no shame in getting the care you need because your sexual health is just as essential as other aspects of your well-being.

At Kane Health, serving the Silicon Valley, Atherton, and the San Francisco Bay area of California, our expert team specializes in treating Peyronie's disease (PD), a common cause of erection pain.

Let’s delve into these bothersome symptoms, including underlying causes and your treatment options. 

What causes painful erections

Erectile pain can stem from a range of causes, including:

• Injuries to your penis
• Priapism, which causes prolonged painful erections 
• Infections, such as sexually transmitted and urinary tract infections
• Certain types of cancer

Penis pain linked with Peyronie’s disease stems from inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, known as plaque. While you can have it without pain, one study showed that over 35% of men with Peyronie’s disease experience painful erections, pain in a flaccid state, or both.

Other Peyronie’s disease symptoms

When you have Peyronie’s disease, a layer of plaque forms near the tissue that hardens during erections. As a result, you may notice a bend in your penis once it’s erect. 

You might also notice:

• Flat lumps or hard tissue just beneath the penis skin
• Shortening of your penis
• Penile deformity, such as a narrowing or hour-glass shape 

Curvature and shortening of your penis may gradually worsen, but these symptoms usually stabilize within 3-12 months.

What to do about painful erections

If you’re experiencing painful erections, our team can help by conducting a comprehensive exam. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, overall health, and any medications or supplements you take. 

From there, your treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If you have priapism, for example, prompt draining of your penis with a special needle or medication to reduce blood flow is essential. Antibiotics help alleviate erectile pain fueled by many infections.

If it turns out that you have PD, Dr. Threatt will take an individualized approach to address your unique symptoms. Our Peyronie's treatment program is holistic and non-invasive, centering on micro-dosed proprietary medications and sound wave therapy to regenerate cells and boost healing. While results vary, we find that many people experience complete symptom relief after treatment.

To learn more about painful erections or to get the treatment you need, call Kane Health or request an appointment through our website today.