Male Genital Problems and Injuries
Topic Overview
problems and
injuries can occur fairly easily since the
and penis are not protected by bones. Genital
problems and injuries most commonly occur during:
- Sports or recreational activities, such as
mountain biking, soccer, or baseball.
- Work-related tasks, such as
exposure to irritating chemicals.
- Falls.
A genital injury often causes severe pain that usually goes
away quickly without causing permanent damage. Home treatment is usually all
that is needed for minor problems or injuries. Pain, swelling, bruising, or
rashes that are present with other symptoms may be a cause for concern.
Male genital conditions
- . This is the most
common cancer in men 15 to 35 years old. Testicular cancer is more common in
white men than in black men. Many growths in the scrotum or testicles are not
cancer (benign). But a painless lump in a testicle may be a sign of
cancer.
- An
. This may occur when blood vessels
that supply the penis are injured. A man may not be able to have an erection
(erectile dysfunction), or the erection may not go away naturally (),
which is a medical emergency.
- . This occurs when a testicle twists on the spermatic cord and
cuts off the blood supply to the testicle. This is a medical emergency.
- Scrotal problems. These problems may include a painless buildup of
fluid around one or both testicles () or
an enlarged vein (varicose vein) in the scrotum ().
Usually these are minor problems but may need to be evaluated by your doctor.
- Problems with the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis. Conditions
that make it hard to pull the foreskin back from the head of the penis
() or that prevent a tightened, retracted
foreskin from returning to its normal position over the head of the penis
() need to be evaluated.
- . This is a common birth defect where the
does not extend to the tip of the
penis.
- (cryptorchidism).
This occurs when one or both testicles have not moved down into the
scrotum.
- An
. A hernia occurs when a small portion
of the bowel bulges out through the inguinal canal into the
groin.
- A
. A stone forms from minerals in urine
that crystallize and harden. Kidney stones are usually painless while they
remain in the kidney, but they can cause severe pain as they break loose and
travel through narrow tubes to exit the body.
- A
. A cyst that is filled with a
cheeselike, greasy material may develop beneath the outer layer of the skin in
the scrotum.
Infections
Infections can occur in any area of the
genitals, including:
- A testicle ().
- The epididymis ().
- The urethra ().
- The prostate ().
- The bladder ().
- A simple hair follicle () or deeper abscess in the scrotum that may
involve the testicles, epididymis, or urethra.
- The genital area
(Fournier's gangrene).
- The head of the penis. The infection may occur under the foreskin. This is called balanitis.
Rashes
Rashes in the groin area have
, such as ringworm or yeast. Most rashes
can be treated at home.
A rash may be the first symptom of a
. If you may have
been exposed to an STI, do not have sexual contact or activity until you have
been evaluated by your doctor. This will reduce the risk of spreading a
possible infection to your sex partner. Your sex partner may also need to be
evaluated and treated.
Male genital problems may be related to whether the
or not. For more information, see
the topic
Circumcision.
Little boys may play with
toys or other objects near their penis and accidentally cause an injury.
Anything wrapped around the penis or an object in the penis needs immediate
evaluation to avoid problems.
If you use a urinary catheter to
drain your bladder, your doctor will give you instructions on when to call to
report problems. Be sure to follow the instructions your doctor gave
you.
Check your symptoms to decide if and when you
should see a doctor.
Last Updated:March 15, 2011