Burning in the penis: what can be and what to do

The burning sensation in the penis usually arises when there is an inflammation of the head of the penis, also known as balanitis. Although in most cases this inflammation occurs only by a small allergic reaction or by friction in the underwear tissue, there are situations in which this inflammation can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection or a sexually transmitted disease.

However, these conditions are accompanied by other symptoms that help to alert you that something is not right, such as redness in the penis, bad smell, severe itching, swelling or even the release of pus through the urethra.

In addition, the burning sensation can also happen only when you need to urinate, for example, and there, it is usually related to a urinary tract infection.

Since there are several causes that can cause burning in the penis, the ideal is to consult a urologist, especially if this change happens very often, if it is accompanied by other symptoms or if it takes more than 1 week to disappear. However, the most frequent causes are:

1. Friction in the underwear

This is the main reason for the burning sensation in the head of the penis that is not accompanied by other symptoms. This type of alteration is more frequent in men with sensitive skin, during the summer, due to the heat in the intimate region, and in those who use synthetic fabric underwear, such as lycra or viscose, for example.

Although it is very common, it can be one of the most difficult causes to identify, since it is not caused by any specific situation, arising only by the friction of the skin in the underwear fabric.

What to do: to relieve irritation, you must maintain proper hygiene of the intimate region, as well as prefer to use underwear with natural fabric, such as cotton. In addition, sleeping without underwear can also help reduce burning, as it prevents friction with the underwear during sleep.

2. Allergic reaction

In case of allergic reaction, the burning sensation usually appears after using some type of product in the intimate region, which can go from a shower gel that was used directly on the penis, to some type of moisturizer that may have been applied in the region in return.

In addition, wearing briefs with synthetic fabric can also result in an allergy, causing similar symptoms.

What to do: wash the penis with warm water and, if possible, use a soap suitable for the intimate area. In addition, it is also recommended to use natural fabric underwear, such as cotton.

3. Friction during masturbation or intercourse

Although it is very similar to friction in the underwear, in this cause, the burning sensation arises after masturbation or intimate contact without adequate lubrication and can affect almost all men.

In addition to the burning sensation, this type of rubbing can make the penis very red and painful, especially in the region of the glans. Because it has more symptoms than burning, this type of cause can be confused with a more serious problem, such as a sexually transmitted disease.

What to do: Ideally, lubrication should always be used during sexual contact or during masturbation, especially if a condom is not used. However, if there is already a friction burn, you must maintain proper penis hygiene and consult the urologist if the sensation does not improve in 3 days or if a sexual disease is suspected.

4. Sexually transmitted diseases

The burning or burning sensation in the penis is one of the most common symptoms of any sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea or chlamydia, for example.

However, in addition to the burning, it is common for other symptoms to appear, such as pus output, the presence of wounds or very intense redness. This type of illness is more common in men who have more than one sexual partner and who do not use a condom. Better understand how to identify a sexually transmitted disease.

What to do: whenever there is a suspicion of having a sexually transmitted disease it is very important to consult a urologist to make the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment, since according to the type of infection, it is necessary to use different medicines and doses.

5. Candidiasis

Candidiasis consists of the excessive development of fungi on the penis. Although this is a less frequent situation in men, it can happen when there is poor hygiene in the intimate area or when you have unprotected intimate contact with another person with a yeast infection.

In addition to the burning sensation, other symptoms of candidiasis include intense redness of the head of the penis, the emergence of white pus, constant itching and even the presence of small white plaques on the head of the penis. See how to identify a case of candidiasis in men and how treatment is done.

What to do: if there is suspicion of candidiasis it is important to consult a urologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment with an anti-fungal, usually Fluconazole, to eliminate the fungus and relieve symptoms. During the candidiasis crisis it is also important to keep the intimate area dry and washed, as well as to avoid excessive sugar consumption.

6. Urinary infection

Urinary tract infection is usually easy to identify, as it presents very specific symptoms, such as burning when urinating, a feeling of heaviness in the bladder and frequent urge to urinate, for example.

Although the burning sensation is usually associated with the urge to urinate, some men may also experience a constant burning sensation in the penis, especially in the urethra.

What to do: urinary tract infection needs to be treated with an antibiotic. Thus, if there is suspicion, it is important to consult a urologist to start the appropriate treatment. In addition, it is important to take other precautions such as drinking lots of water and maintaining proper hygiene of the intimate region. See more about how to treat and even prevent a urinary tract infection.