BE honest: if you spot a lump, bump or change down there, are you likely to raise it with a GP or do you just hope it goes away on its own?
Symptoms cropping up on your penis or balls can seem a little embarrassing – but you might want to get them seen to, rather than shoving them to the back of your mind.
Problems affecting your penis or balls can point to underlying health conditions[/caption]
Dr Amos Ogunkoya, a GP in London, tells Sun Health: “Men can be quick to dismiss symptoms or hope they’ll just go away.”
This is backed up by research in the American Journal of Men’s Health, which found men were a quarter as likely as women to have seen a doctor over a one-year period.
But Dr Ogunkoya warned: “The reality is that problems affecting the penis or testicles can sometimes point to underlying health conditions that need attention.”
Whether it was you who noticed something different or your partner, it’s worth seeking help over key red flag symptoms.
From pain when you pee to a swollen penis, here’s what your symptoms may mean and when you should seek help.
1. A lump in your balls
If you notice a lump in either one of your testicles, it might leave you a little worried.
However, Dr Ogunkoya says lumps in testicles could be something harmless, such as a cyst or fluid-filled sac.
If they are large or uncomfortable, then surgery to remove them may be an option.
“But, your lump could also be a sign of testicular cancer, especially if it’s painless, firm and gradually increasing in size,” the GP warns.
According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 2,400 new testicular cancer cases in the UK every year making it the seventeenth most common cancer for men.
So, while the chances of your lump being cancerous are very slim it’s still worth getting it checked.
Dr Ogunkoya says: “It’s always best to get any new lump checked by a doctor, ideally within a week or two of noticing it. Early detection makes a big difference.
“Your GP may refer you for an ultrasound scan.”
2. Swelling at the head of your penis
Although it’s usually nothing serious, if the head of your penis is swollen and sore, it’s worth finding out what’s causing it.
Dr Ogunkoya explains that balanitis is the likely cause.
“Balanitis is inflammation usually caused by irritation, infection, poor hygiene or underlying conditions such as diabetes.
“Other symptoms can include redness, soreness, itching or a discharge under the foreskin.”
Balanitis affects approximately three to 11 per cent of men during their lifetime.
A condition called phimosis could be another cause of your swelling.
Dr Jeff Foster, a GP specialising in men’s health and Medical Director of Manual healthcare, explains: “This is where you can’t pull the foreskin back properly.”
Urine or other fluids may get trapped underneath, leading to inflammation and swelling.
Your GP can check for infections and prescribe creams or antibiotics.
3. Pain while peeing or ejaculating
Whether it’s burning, stinging or even a sharp twinge, it’s not normal to experience pain when you wee or ejaculate.
Dr Foster says the causes can be very wide ranging.
“Pain on ejaculation may be caused by problems with the prostate, urinary tract or pelvis,” according to Dr Foster.
It also may be due to prostatitis, Dr Ogunkoya adds, which is inflammation of the prostate, a gland found in the male reproductive system.
The prostate produces a fluid that’s mixed with sperm to create semen, which is then ejaculated.
Radiating pain in your genital area can come from your testicles, prostate, bladder or kidneys[/caption]
Dr Foster adds: “Both urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) can cause pain on urination.
“Many STIs are asymptomatic in men, but classic infections that can cause pain include syphilis, which causes an ulcer, gonorrhea and chlamydia (often associated with a discharge), trichomoniasis and genital herpes.”
Dr Ogunkoya warns: “If the pain lasts more than a couple of days, comes with fever, blood or testicular pain, or happens regularly, it’s vital to get checked by a GP or sexual health clinic.”
4. Blood in your semen
Noticed blood in your semen?
The sight may be alarming, but Dr Foster says that a single episode isn’t a worry.
“Trauma is the most likely cause. This can be anything that causes you to injure your scrotum,” he explains.
“So, classic things like being hit in the groin by a ball during a sports game, or even mild things like a fall, light scrape or bump.”
But, if you experience more than one episode of blood in your semen and/or it’s accompanied by pain, it could be a sign of testicular cancer and you must visit your doctor.
Dr Foster notes: “It may also be accompanied by a hard gravelly lump attached to the testicle, however this isn’t always the case.”
Symptoms of testicular cancer
The most common sign is a lump or swelling on one of your testicles, which is normally about the size of a pea.
Not all testicular lumps are cancerous, while only four per cent of scrotal lumps are, but you should still always get your GP to take a look.
Here are the signs to look out for:
- A lump or swelling in the testicle
- A heavy scrotum
- A dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles and scrotum
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A difference in the texture or increase in firmness of the testicle
- A difference between one testicle and the other
To know if you have any signs of changes in your testicles, it’s important to know what feels normal.
It’s a good idea to have a hot shower before checking them, then gently roll your testicle between your thumb and finger.
Then repeat for the other testicle.
Repeat this every week so you get a feel for their shape and size.
5. Radiating pain
Sometimes you may feel pain in your genital region that radiates to the groin, lower tummy or even your back.
Dr Ogunkoya says pain in this area can come from the testicles, prostate, bladder or kidneys or it may be muscular pain.
“If it’s sharp and sudden, it could be kidney stones,” explains.
“Dull or aching pain could be prostate-related or due to a hernia. It may also come with urinary symptoms, changes in bowel habits or fever.”
Dr Foster adds: “A hernia is often accompanied by a lump in the groin which can descend into the scrotum.”
Meanwhile, kidney-related problems may also be accompanied by pain or bleeding when you pee.
Any ongoing or severe pain in these areas should be looked at by a GP, especially if it’s affecting daily life, according toDr Ogunkoya .
If your pain is accompanied by swelling, fever or difficulty weeing, call 111 for urgent medical advice.
6. Can’t get it up
Occasionally finding it difficult to get or maintain an erection is really nothing to worry about. But persistently having issues is known as erectile dysfunction (ED).
Well over half of UK men experience ED and it’s not just something that affects older men.
Three in four men between the ages of 25 and 34 experience it too, according to Click2Pharmacy.
Dr Ogunkoya says: “It can be caused by stress, anxiety, tiredness, alcohol or relationship issues.
“But it can also be linked to physical health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or hormone imbalances such as low testosterone.”
ED can be treated in three ways, according to Dr Foster.
“ED medicines can help such as sildenafil, tadalafil or similar medicines (available over the counter or via prescription), some creams or an injection called alprostadil.
“This works by injecting at the base of the penis and acts as a potent vasodilator so as to fill the penis with blood, even if you aren’t in the mood. It’s available on the NHS.”
What are the physical causes of erectile dysfunction?
There are four main types of physical condition that can cause impotence in men:
- Vasculogenic disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes affect the flow of blood to your penis and cause erectile dysfunction.
- Neurogenic conditions, which affect the nerves and include disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, are also responsible.
- A hormonal disorder, affecting your hormones, is another example of a physical problem that can lead to impotence.
- An anatomical condition is something that affects the tissue or structure of the penis and is the fourth physical cause. Old age is also commonly associated with impotence.
Finding the root cause of your ED can also help treat it.
It may be due to low testosterone, which can be tested by your GP.
Dr Foster explains: “The primary form of treatment is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which is literally like male hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and simply replaces the testosterone your body cannot produce itself.
“This can come in the form of topical gels, creams, short or long acting injections.”
Dr Foster also suggests psycho-sexual counselling, known as sex therapy.
“For those with ED, even with a medical cause, psychological support can make a real difference, especially if you do it alongside a partner.”
Visit the UK Council For Psychotherapy to find a therapist near you.
7. Bumps or sores on your penis
Noticed a new lump on your penis?
Often it’s the sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), each of which can present a little differently.
Dr Ogunkoya says: “Blisters may suggest herpes, ulcers could be syphilis and lumps might be genital warts (HPV).
“Some STIs are painless and symptomless at first, so that they can be missed.”
But bumps, sores, ulcers or blisters always indicate an STI.
Dr Foster adds: “There is a condition called Pearly Penile Papules which are little white pearly dots that appear on the penis. This is not transmissible and is completely benign.”
But he warns, if you have any new bump ulcer or sore, see a doctor immediately and do not wait.
If you think you may have an STI, Dr Ogunkoya recommends visiting a sexual health clinic.
“Most STIs are easily treated with antibiotics or antiviral medication once diagnosed.”
Bumps or sores on your penis are likely signs of an STI[/caption]
