A burning sensation in the penis is usually due to inflammation of the acorn, also known as balanitis, although in most cases this inflammation only occurs as a result of a small allergic reaction or friction caused by underwear, there are situations in which this inflammation may be a sign of a more serious problem , such as an infection or sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Burning sensation can also occur only when urinating, and this is usually related to a urinary tract infection (ITU).
- As there are several causes of the burning sensation in the penis.
- It is important to consult a urologist.
- Especially if this occurs very frequently.
- If there are other symptoms or if it takes more than a week to disappear.
- The most common causes are:.
This is the main reason for a burning sensation in the head of the penis that is not accompanied by other symptoms, this type of alteration is more common during the summer, due to the heat in the intimate area, and in men who wear synthetic underwear. , such as lycra or viscose.
Although this is very common, this can be one of the most difficult causes to identify, as it is not caused by anything specific, simply rubbing the skin against the underwear fabric.
What to do: Good hygiene of the intimate area is necessary to relieve irritation, and underwear of natural fabrics, such as cotton, is recommended. Sleeping without underwear can also help reduce burns by preventing underwear from rubbing during sleep.
In case of allergic reaction, the burning sensation usually appears after the use of a type of product in the intimate area, which can range from a shower gel that has been used directly on the penis, to any type of moisturizer that has been applied. in the area.
Wearing synthetic fabric underwear can also cause an allergy and cause similar symptoms.
What to do: Wash the area with warm water and, if possible, use a soap suitable for the intimate area. It is also recommended to wear underwear from natural fabrics, such as cotton.
Although very similar to the friction produced by underwear, the burning sensation after masturbation or sex is due to lack of proper lubrication and can affect almost all men.
In addition to the burning sensation, this type of friction can cause the penis to turn very red and painful, especially in the acorn. Because there are more symptoms than burning, this type of cause can be mistaken for a more serious problem, such as a sexual problem. Transmitted disease.
What to do: ideally use lubricant during sexual contact or masturbation, especially if no condom is used; However, good penis hygiene is critical if there is already a friction burn and an appointment with the urologist should be made if the sensation does not improve in 3 days or if a sexual illness is suspected.
Burning sensation in the penis is one of the most common symptoms of any sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea or chlamydia.
However, it is common for other symptoms to appear besides burning sensation, such as pus, sores, or very intense redness. This type of infection is more common in men who have more than one sexual partner and do not use a condom.
What to do: Whenever there is a suspicion of a sexually transmitted disease, it is very important to consult a urologist for a diagnosis and initiation of the most appropriate treatment, since it is necessary to use different medicines and dosages depending on the type of infection. .
Thrush is the excessive development of fungi in the penis, although this occurs less often in men, it can occur in cases of poor hygiene in the intimate area or when the man has unprotected sexual contact with another person with a fungus.
In addition to burning sensation, other common symptoms include severe redness of the penis head, pus, constant itching and even small white bumps on the penis.
What to do: If you suspect thrush, consult a urologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment with an antifungal drug, usually fluconazole, to remove the fungus and relieve symptoms, it is also important to keep the intimate area clean and dry during the candidiasis episode, as well as to avoid excessive sugar consumption.
Urinary tract infection is often easy to identify because it has very specific symptoms, such as a burning sensation when urinating, a feeling of heaviness in the bladder, and a frequent need to urinate.
Although the burning sensation is usually associated with the need to urinate, some men may also experience a constant burning sensation in the penis, especially in the urethra.
What to do: A urinary tract infection should be treated with antibiotics, so on suspicion of this infection it is important to consult a urologist to start proper treatment, in addition it is essential to take other precautions, such as drinking plenty of water. good hygiene of the intimate area.