What’s Going on Down There?-People with Penises
By: Cole Farhat
Understanding our reproductive health can be complicated, even more so when you’re experiencing something that’s unusual. But how do you know if a symptom you have is troublesome? Continue reading to learn about symptoms and infections that can impact people with penises.
This Seems Off…
A helpful way to identify a reproductive health issue is by monitoring your urination habits. If you’re experiencing burning or pain when urinating and/or with bowel movements, you should make an appointment with a provider to get your symptoms evaluated. Additionally, an appointment should be made if you need to urinate frequently and/or have urinary retention (the inability to fully empty your bladder).
Another way to determine if you have a health problem is by examining your genitalia yourself. If you have bumps, sores, blisters, itching, rashes, or inflammation around your penis or scrotum, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a provider.
People with penises can also experience pelvic pain, pain while ejaculating, and a drip (discharge) from their penis. However, it is very common to not have symptoms of an infection, especially in STIs, so Bridgercare recommends getting tested after every new sexual partner!
Types of Common Infections
Even if you’re experiencing some worrisome symptoms, don’t jump to any conclusions. There are multiple things that could be going on, so it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor in order to get to the bottom of it. Below are some common infections that COULD* be the root of your problem.
*Not all symptoms indicate one or any of these infections! Only a visit to a doctor can help you determine which symptoms could be indicating something more serious.
Epididymitis / Epididymo-orchitis
This infection often leads to a swollen, discolored, or warm scrotum, testicle pain or tenderness, frequent and urgent urination, and pain in lower abdomen, pelvis, or when passing urine.
This is an umbrella term for the inflammation of the prostate and/or areas around the prostate. Common symptoms are pain during or after urination, frequent and urgent urination, a weak/interrupted urine stream, and urinary retention (inability to fully empty bladder).
Inflammation of one or both testicles as well as a fever, nausea, vomiting, or malaise (general feeling of being unwell) can indicate this infection.
STIs
It’s very common to have no symptoms when you have an STI, which is why it’s important to get tested after every new sexual partner. Different STIs can cause various symptoms like burning/itching, a drip (discharge) from penis, sores, bumps, blisters, rashes, pelvic pain, and frequent and/or painful urination.
UTIs
UTIs are less common in people with penises since their urethra is longer, which makes it harder for bacteria to get to your urinary tract. However, frequent urination, a burning feeling when urinating, strong smelling urine, or urine that’s red, bright pink, or cola colored (indicators of blood in your urine) are all signs of a UTI.
Ways to Prevent Infections
Some ways to prevent infections are to use condoms every time you have sex, clean the area underneath foreskin regularly (if uncircumcised), drink plenty of water, and avoid holding your bladder for long periods of time.
When to See a Doctor
You should make an appointment with a medical professional if you have:
An inability to urinate
A painful or frequent need to urinate with or without a fever/chills.
Blood in your urine.
Pain in your pelvis and/or urinary tract
Pain or swelling in your scrotum, anus, or testicles.
Pain when ejaculating
Infections can become more serious if left untreated. If you’re experiencing some concerning symptoms, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional who can prevent the issue from getting worse!