Pain of the man during sexual intercourse or pain during sex is not only extremely unpleasant, it can severely impair the sexual act or even make it impossible. The pain can occur quite differently localized, for example, on the penis, in the region between the anus and the scrotum (perineum), on the scrotum (scrotum) or even above the pubic bone (Os pubis). The reasons may be harmless, but sometimes an underlying disease requiring treatment is responsible as a cause of pain in men during sexual intercourse.
What is pain during sex (male)?
The form of pain of the man during sexual intercourse ranges from burning to stinging to dull pulling pain. Pain of the man during sexual intercourse or pain during sex occurs either before the actual act or they occur during it and are sometimes intensified by it. They can either make an erection impossible or prevent an orgasm. The form of the pain of the man during sexual intercourse ranges from burning to stinging to dull pulling pain, which can suddenly occur very strongly and slowly become stronger or develop over a longer period of time and then become chronic. Reasons for male pain during sexual intercourse can be harmless in nature and are then easily treatable. However, there are also more complicated causes for the pain. Therefore, in the case of frequently occurring or prolonged complaints, an experienced specialist in urology should be consulted, who will clarify the causes and, if necessary, initiate a necessary therapy against the pain of the man during sexual intercourse.
Causes
A quite common cause of pain of the man during sexual intercourse is a narrowing of the foreskin of the penis (phimosis). As a rule, such a narrowing of the foreskin should be corrected by a specialist in urology already in childhood. If this is not done and it remains until adulthood, the man suffers pain during sex, usually already during erection, which ultimately makes the sexual act impossible. And not only that. It also means a hygiene problem, because if the foreskin cannot be pushed back over the glans, thorough hygiene of the penis cannot take place and this in turn can lead to other health problems, including those of the sexual partner. In addition to phimosis, injuries to the penis are also a possibility for pain in men during sexual intercourse. For example, improper manipulation during sexual intercourse can cause the sensitive frenulum praeputii to tear, leading to bleeding and pain. In induratio penis plastica, a disease of the penis, pain and/or non-natural severe bending of the penis occurs during an erection. Very severe acute male pain during sexual intercourse is caused by tearing of a cavernous body, called penile fracture. Inflammation of the glans (balanitis) and the foreskin (posthitis), the urethra (urethritis), the prostate (prostatitis), the urinary bladder (cystitis) or the colon (diverticulitis) also cause pain in men during sexual intercourse. Diseases of the prostate gland, such as prostate cancer, cause pain in men during sexual intercourse, especially in advanced stages, either before and especially during the sexual act. Naturally, venereal diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid ulcer, chlamydial infections, genital herpes, trichomoniasis or fungal diseases also cause pain in men during sexual intercourse. There are also cases where the male mucous membrane environment of the genitals does not “get along” with the female one, i.e. allergic reactions may occur. Triggers are often certain hygiene products or even spermicides (sperm-killing agents) that have been used, which then lead to incompatibilities and thus to pain for the man during sexual intercourse.
Diseases with this symptom
- Foreskin constriction
- Penile hernia
- Molle ulcer
- Chlamydia
- Acornitis
- Urethritis
- Prostatitis
- Genital herpes
- Prostate cancer
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Diagnosis and course
In the case of pain in the man during sexual intercourse, an experienced urologist should be consulted, who will first conduct a detailed questioning about the course of the complaints. This includes questions about the nature of the man’s pain during intercourse, such as the time of onset and any accompanying symptoms (for example, pain during urination). This is followed by a thorough physical examination of the external genital organs and adjacent areas of the body. Unpleasant but necessary is the rectal palpation by the doctor. Furthermore, blood and urine are examined for any abnormalities as well as pathogens and a smear is taken for the purpose of testing for any pathogens. Specific examinations by means of ultrasound of the genital organs and urinary tract and/or a computer tomography of the pelvis complete the medical examination results. The further course of the pain of the man during sexual intercourse is co-determined by the subsequent therapy.
Complications
Pain during sexual intercourse in men can have various causes, which can end in many complications. Narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) increases the risk of penile infection, which can also be chronic. This can also increase the risk of cancer. In addition, phimosis makes it difficult to urinate. This leaves more urine, which can lead to urinary tract infections. In the worst cases, the foreskin can no longer be pulled over the glans, the blood supply to the penis is severely restricted and the tissue can die as a result, necrosis develops. In addition, the inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) can spread to the bladder and also to the kidney. In the bladder, the inflammation can also pass into the blood in the worst case. Urosepsis is the result, which must be treated immediately. In most cases, the outcome is fatal. In the kidney, the inflammation can progress to kidney weakness (renal insufficiency) or even failure. Similar consequences occur with inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis). Acute inflammation can easily turn into chronic inflammation. As a result, those affected often have to take medication for a long time. In addition, the quality of life is severely limited, affected people usually also have psychological problems, which can go as far as depression.
When should one go to the doctor?
Affected persons should see a doctor for pain during sexual intercourse if the pain occurs repeatedly. If the pain recurs repeatedly, it cannot be explained by a one-time muscular tension, feelings of dryness or the like. Secondly, the doctor should be consulted when the pain increases in intensity. Pain that becomes more severe always indicates a process that is intensifying. In the case of genital pain, this should be clarified promptly by the specialist in order to quickly rule out serious causes. However, pain during sexual intercourse should also be discussed with a doctor if this type of pain seems completely unusual to the person affected and he or she cannot classify it. Finally, a visit to the doctor is also always indicated if the pain during sex becomes a mental burden. Pain during intercourse is a sensitive topic and not every man can talk about it openly with his partner. In this case, a specialist is a good contact to classify the complaints and clarify can.
Treatment and therapy
The therapy of pain of the man during sexual intercourse is always based on the causes of the present disorder. It will therefore be determined individually and will therefore vary from man to man. In any case, embarrassing genital hygiene of the man as well as of the sexual partner is important. Hygiene products should be checked for compatibility and, if necessary, replaced by other more suitable ones. If spermicides are used by the sexual partner, they must be replaced by other contraceptives if they are incompatible and cause pain for the man during sexual intercourse. In case of existing bacterial infections, the doctor will first recommend disinfecting antiseptic therapy. Persistent infections or even the presence of an STD will require the prescription of specific antibiotics. In these cases, the sexual partner must also be treated.It makes sense to refrain from sexual intercourse during this time or to use a condom for mutual protection of the sexual partners. If the man suffers pain during sexual intercourse due to phimosis, a small surgical incision (circumcision) is usually necessary to remove the non-sliding foreskin. In childhood, if necessary, the foreskin could already have been detached under local anesthesia without subsequent circumcision. Parents should therefore already in childhood of their son pay attention to whether a phimosis is present and in case of doubt ask a doctor who will arrange the necessary treatment. Thus, in adulthood, pain of the man during sexual intercourse is avoidable. Penile rupture requires immediate surgical intervention. If male pain during intercourse occurs as an accompanying symptom of another condition, such as prostate cancer, targeted treatment of that underlying condition is needed to relieve the pain.
Outlook and prognosis
Pain during male sexual intercourse can occur for a variety of reasons, requiring a variety of treatments. In many cases, they occur due to a narrowing of the foreskin and can be corrected by a doctor at a young age through surgery. This also prevents pain during an erection. The pain can also be caused by a lack of hygiene, when inflammation has developed on the penis. The pain during sexual intercourse of the man can likewise indicate an injury. In this case, the foreskin frenulum may tear, causing bleeding and severe pain. In many cases, cavalier pain also occurs when the man tries to delay orgasm for a long time. However, this pain disappears by itself after sexual intercourse. If the pain during sexual intercourse of the man occurs in the long term and does not disappear on its own, a urologist must be consulted. Treatment is usually with medication. Due to the pain, there may be restrictions in the love life and thereby partly also problems with the partner.
Prevention
Preventing pain in men during sexual intercourse always depends on the causes of the discomfort. If there are anatomical changes or a disease of the sexual or other organs of the man, these are to be treated causally by a specialist in urology. For example, circumcision (circumcision) should be performed as early as possible in childhood to ensure adequate hygiene of the sexual organs and to prevent later pain in the man during sexual intercourse. Sensible sexual hygiene of both partners as well as a gentle approach to sexual intercourse, for example with regard to sexual practices, should be a matter of course.
What you can do yourself
Regular pain during sexual intercourse can indicate a very serious underlying condition and must definitely be clarified by a doctor. In men with sensitive glans, a woman’s dry vagina can also cause him pain during intercourse. In older women going through menopause or menopause, a lack of vaginal secretions is normal. Lubricating gels from the pharmacy can provide relief. In younger women, a lack of sexual stimulation is often the cause of vaginal dryness. In addition, in men, incorrect or too vigorous movements or touching are often the trigger for pain in the penis or testicles. Accidental bruises can trigger extreme pain here, but usually remain without serious consequences. In addition, small injuries to the penis, glans or foreskin can be the reason for pain during sexual intercourse. Here, self-help measures should be refrained from and a doctor should be consulted. Immediate medical attention is also required if paraphimosis occurs, i.e. the glans is cut off by the retracted foreskin. A penile fracture is also a reason for an immediate visit to the doctor. More harmless are the cases when condoms are the reason for pain during sexual intercourse. Men and women can be allergic to the material, usually latex. In these cases, allergy condoms from the pharmacy help.
