What is penis injury, swelling or pain?

It is normal for the penis to swell with blood during sexual arousal to form an erection. But sometimes the soft tissues in the penis can get swollen and painful due to an injury.

The skin on the foreskin and scrotum is very sensitive and can get swollen, inflamed and painful after an injury.

Blood at the tip of your penis or in your urine (pee) is a sign of a serious injury. If you are worried about penis swelling or pain, see your doctor.

What injuries or conditions can cause a swollen penis?

Penile injuries

Injuries to the penis can happen during sexual intercourse (sex), or because of:

• scratches
• bites
• knocks
• burns

You can cause an internal injury if you put an object into your urethra (the tube in your penis that urine and semen come out of).

You can also injure your penis if you put a tight ring or stiff object around it, blocking blood flow.

Skin allergies

Sometimes, creams and lotions can cause a local allergic reaction leading to painful swelling.

Penile fracture

You can fracture (break) your penis if there is too much force on it while it's erect, such as during sex or when masturbating. You might hear a crack or a pop. Since there is no bone in the penis, it can't break in the same way a leg can. However, the soft tissue in the penis can tear, causing bruising and pain. A fractured penis needs urgent surgery, preferably within 6 hours of the fracture.

Peyronie's disease

The penis can also become hard and swollen if you have Peyronie's disease. This condition can cause the penis to be painful, bent or less flexible. Speak to your doctor if you have Peyronie's disease and you have pain in your penis.

How do I look after my injured penis at home?

Here are some tips to help if you hurt your penis:

• Minor bleeding — Apply direct pressure to the site for at least 10 minutes using your fingertips and a cloth, gauze or dressing.
• Swelling — Use an ice pack to help ease swelling, but don't place it directly on your skin. Wrap a bag of frozen peas in a cloth and mould this around the swollen area.
• Foreign object —If there is anything tight around your penis or scrotum, remove this right away — if you can without injuring yourself.
• Cuts or grazes — Cover with a clean, dry dressing or thin cotton cloth.
• Burns — Loosely cover the area with clean cling film (plastic kitchen wrap). This is a good option as a dressing for burns.
• Pain — Wear close-fitting underpants to give support to the painful area.

If you are in pain, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on medicines you can take.

For health advice, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

What should I avoid if I have penis swelling, injury or pain?

Things to avoid if you have penis swelling, injury or pain:

• Don't wrap anything around the penis or scrotum, including bandages, a tourniquet or sticky tape.
• Don't use any creams, lotions or homemade remedies on any wounds.
• Don't have sex or masturbate until the pain settles.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

• your penis is very red and swollen or very bruised
• it hurts to pee
• there is a discharge or pus coming your penis
• you have severe pain in your genital area

Protect the area as much as possible to stop further damage or injury when going to see your doctor or to hospital.

To find your nearest hospital emergency department or after-hours medical service, use the healthdirect Service Finder tool.

When should I seek urgent care?

If you think you may have fractured your penis, you should seek urgent care at the hospital.

If you have a foreign object stuck in or around your penis don't try to remove it, as this may cause more damage or serious bleeding. Seek urgent care to remove it safely.

Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you've fractured your penis and are unable to get to a hospital.

Do you think a child's injury was deliberate?

If you suspect that a child's penis injury was inflicted on purpose it is especially important to see a doctor. The child's doctor will examine the child, document their findings and will treat the child as needed.

If the doctor suspects sexual or physical abuse, they are obligated by law to report the case to government authorities.

Resources and support

For related genital health information see healthdirect's articles:

• penis care — with tips on hygiene to prevent irritation and infection
• testicular torsion — what to check for if you have pain and swelling in the scrotum
• balanitis — when the head of the penis (the glans) becomes inflamed

For more information about Peyronie's disease and fractured penis, see the Healthy Male website.

Children's Health Queensland has more information about penis injuries in children.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.