AboutArthur Goldstein, M.D. Expertise Any problems or questions related to the field of urology; ie urinary stone disease, urinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, etc.), urinary infections, impotency, etc.
Experience I am retired from the active practice of urology. My 34 years was totally in the clinical field and involved the entire gamut of genitourinary problems, with special interest in male impotence and endourology.
Organizations American Medical Association, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons
Question Hello, Doctor Goldstein. I was experiencing some pain at the base of my penis a few days ago. After typing the symptons online, I found that I was feeling strained ligaments in my penis. I stopped masterbating for a few days, but two days ago I started again after I felt better.
Now, on the right side of my penis (I use my left hand to masterbate) there is some swelling. The area isn't secreting anything, it doesn't hurt to urinate or to ejaculate, and I don't have any problems getting an erection. The swelling itself isn't painful, unless direct pressure is put to it (ie, if I squeeze the area or something is pressed against my groin). Upon examining the swelling, it feels that there is a small lump under my skin.
Can you please help me?
Answer Marc, without the opportunity to do a physical examination, it is not possible to give an exact diagnosis. However, the penis does not have any ligaments. The "lump" you feel most likely is related to the pain. This could be one of a number of things including bruising of the corpora cavernosa (erectile body) from sexual trauma, an inflamed cyst (such as a special type of sweat gland common in the genital area called a sebaceous cyst) or a thrombosis of a lympghatic vessel. Lymphatics are tissue vessels that are present all over the body connecting lymph nodes. It is a distinctly separate system from blood vessels (arteries and veins). Rather than blood, they carry an opaque fluid called lymph. Their function is to keep the tissues healthy by filtering out harmful substances (such as bacteria, viruses, tumor cells, etc.) and enhancing immunity. Sometimes during sexual activity, the lymphatics get bruised resulting in subsequent clot formation. One notices a firm, often finely beaded vessel under the skin of the penis that is mildly tender. Occasionally, it may just present as a solitary nodule. This is not a dangerous condition and the clot resolves on its own in a few weeks unless there is recurrent trauma to the area. Therefore, sexual activity (intercourse or masturbation) should be curtailed until healing has occurred. When you resume sex, use a good lubricant and try to avoid excessive trauma to the penis. These recommendations apply to any of the possibilities mentioned. If the area becomes reddened and inflamed, put on warm wet compresses 3-4 times a day for 20 minutes. If the problem persists more than a week or two, or if it suddenly worsens (unlikely) consultation with a urologist is recommended. Good luck!
