Discomfort at the Base of the Penis When Reclining
A 31-year-old male in good health is experiencing an unusual sensation. About a month ago, after engaging in extended masturbation, he noticed a dull pain located near the base of the penis, particularly along the sides of the erectile tissue situated just behind the testicles. Initially mild, the discomfort persisted and recurred over the following nights, notably only while lying down to sleep. Upon examination, he detected what seemed to be swelling in the internal erectile tissue, specifically around the perineum and root, while the shaft remained unaffected. He found that applying pressure to the swollen areas provided temporary relief; however, the pain significantly disrupted his sleep. After consulting with his physician and identifying the painful regions, the doctor suspected epididymitis and recommended a course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, after ten days of treatment, he found no relief and decided to reach out to his doctor once more, only to receive a suggestion to take naproxen for managing discomfort. Despite fears of potential damage to his erectile tissue, he is still able to achieve erections without experiencing pain. The discomfort occasionally arises in various positions, though it is most pronounced while lying down. He now grapples with uncertainty regarding the next steps. If further medical evaluation is pursued, he wonders whether any helpful treatments will be offered or if he would simply be advised to reduce masturbation. If the latter is the case, he’d prefer to keep this matter private to avoid any additional embarrassment.
Answers (1)
8/5/2025, 10:20:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent discomfort at the base of your penis, particularly when lying down, which is understandably concerning. This situation can be frustrating, especially after seeking medical help without finding relief. Here’s a clear outline of your situation and suggested next steps.
Main Points:
- You’ve been experiencing persistent discomfort at the base of your penis, especially when reclined.
- Initial treatment for epididymitis with antibiotics has not helped.
- You’re seeking further guidance on managing symptoms while retaining privacy.
Explanation:
The sensation of discomfort you're feeling near the base of the penis could stem from various causes, such as pelvic floor muscle tension, irritation in the nerves or blood vessels, or even residual effects from previous activity like masturbation. Since you have been able to maintain sexual function without pain, this is a positive sign, but the persistent discomfort still warrants attention.
Next Steps:
-
Self-Care Measures:
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Consider incorporating gentle exercises for pelvic floor relaxation. Techniques such as Kegel exercises, which strengthen pelvic muscles, can sometimes help alleviate discomfort.
- Position Adjustments: Experiment with different sleeping positions or try using a cushion to relieve pressure when lying down.
-
Pain Management:
- You mentioned naproxen for pain relief. Continue to use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, ensuring not to exceed recommended dosages.
-
Symptom Tracking:
- Keep a log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any activities that seem to worsen or relieve them. This can help identify patterns and guide future discussions with healthcare providers.
-
Follow-up with Healthcare Providers:
- If discomfort persists, consider seeking a consultation with a urologist, who specializes in male reproductive health and may offer more targeted evaluations. You can ask about other possible conditions such as pelvic pain syndrome or nerve-related issues, which may not have been previously explored.
-
Discuss Concerns Openly:
- When you meet with a healthcare provider, express your concerns about possible changes in sexual activity and ask specifically about treatments beyond lifestyle modifications. Having an open dialogue can help address your questions and ensure you receive the support you desire.
By taking these steps, you may begin to clarify the underlying causes of your discomfort and explore appropriate management strategies. Remember, prioritizing your comfort and understanding is key. If you have further questions or need support along the way, feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
Exploring Non-Prescription Pain Relief After Dental Surgery
Just six days ago, I (23 years old) underwent a surgical procedure to remove two baby canine teeth and to reveal the adult teeth situated in the upper part of my mouth, allowing them to descend properly. I received a prescription for 16 tablets of 5/325 Percocet, which I have been using cautiously, along with a supply of 28 pills of 600mg ibuprofen that have provided me with little to no relief. Initially, my pain level hovered around a 6 out of 10, which I could manage. However, the discomfort has escalated to the point where eating, even soft foods and liquids like soup, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and yogurt, has become a significant struggle. Over the past week, I've consumed only about one meal's worth of food. On Monday, my orthodontist activated the chains attached to my braces, and since that moment, the pain has intensified dramatically. I'm not one to typically succumb to tears from discomfort, yet I've found myself nearly crying throughout the day. The pain I've been experiencing is sharp, throbbing, and radiates to my right eye, making it excruciating to eat; every bite feels like a stab. I had anticipated only mild to moderate soreness, so this extreme level of discomfort took me completely off guard. To better understand the source of my pain, I snapped some photos of my mouth (images linked in the comments). Surprisingly, the area where the baby teeth were removed is relatively pain-free. Instead, the real torment stems from the roof of my mouth and my gums. Both sides of my mouth show that the surgeon created deep incisions to reach the impacted teeth, and on the right, the wire from my braces seems to be buried deep within my gums, contributing to swelling. I was unaware of this until my orthodontist expressed concern and asked if it was painful. I had taken my pain meds beforehand, so I couldn't feel it at that moment, but now my gums are swollen and inflamed, with sharp throbbing pain when I try to drink or eat. Understanding the strict regulations surrounding narcotics, I realize it’s highly improbable that my surgeon will provide another prescription. I am reaching out for advice from anyone knowledgeable in post-surgical care or pain management strategies to help alleviate my suffering. Additionally, I'm curious about the potential risk of infection. This pain seems likely to continue, especially since I will need the braces tightened regularly every four weeks. As a graduate student in social work, the thought of enduring this agony while managing my final two semesters, which include working five days a week with clients, is daunting. Any insights or suggestions you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Seeking Help for Widespread Red Bumps Turning into Scabs
Hello, everyone. I'm a 25-year-old male, and I’m in need of some advice as I’m feeling quite anxious about a recent skin issue. While riding in the car with my mother, we both noticed several red bumps appearing on my arm. I’ve had acne issues before and know I’m quite susceptible to breakouts. However, these bumps have spread to my legs, arms, and torso and are different from what I typically experience; some have even formed scabs that have begun to fall off. One bump, specifically on my leg, developed a scab, and I foolishly picked at it for reasons I can't quite explain. In an attempt to understand what’s happening, I made the regrettable choice to research symptoms online, which only led to increased worry. Although I realize that a proper diagnosis can only come from a medical professional, I’m seeking some insights or information regarding what this condition might possibly be in the interim, as it could take a week or two before I can visit my general practitioner. Any thoughts or experiences shared would be greatly appreciated!
Irritated Red Bump in Armpit
I'm a 29-year-old female currently on a regimen that includes Trintellix 10 mg, drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol tablets, and a daily woman’s multivitamin. Additionally, each night I apply adapalene gel and Winlevi on my face. Recently, I noticed a painful red bump in my left armpit that developed just yesterday. In the past, I've experienced similar issues in my right armpit, but none have ever been this swollen. Typically, these spots resolve on their own within a few days; however, I am uncertain about the nature of this irritation or its cause. The area is painful and feels warm when touched. On Sunday, I completed a 5.50-mile walk, and I had shaved my armpits a few days prior using an electric razor. My previous experiences with irritation have occurred regardless of the type of razor used, whether it was a safety razor, a disposable one, or a body hair trimmer. While I am unsure if shaving is the root of this issue, the timing seems to align with previous bouts, leading me to suspect a connection. I don’t feel or see any hair in the affected area (just as I haven’t in the other armpit), so it’s hard to determine if an ingrown hair is the cause. For context, my dermatologist has previously suggested that I might have eczema, which could be relevant to my current issue.
Discomfort in Ear After Insect Encounter
Introduction: Female, 25 years old, 5'4" tall, weighs 130 pounds, currently prescribed Breo and Albuterol for asthma; also uses a vape and smokes marijuana occasionally. Issue Description: Over a month ago, I experienced a distressing incident that occurred around 3am when I discovered an insect lodged in my ear. The sensation of it crawling and attempting to burrow was excruciating, especially when it moved. In a desperate attempt to resolve the situation, I poured water into my ear and rushed to the emergency room where the medical team successfully extracted the bug. They observed some inflammation and scratches, leading to a prescription for antibiotic ear drops. Although my ear felt fine for a short period, I have since started to experience some slight discomfort. The pain seems localized to the lower section of my ear and is triggered by pressure on that area or specific jaw movements. I've also noticed a reduction in hearing clarity in the affected ear, making it feel somewhat muffled compared to the other ear. I am scheduled to visit my doctor at the end of the month; however, I would appreciate any insights regarding the nature of this injury, potential risks to my hearing, and whether it might be advisable to seek medical attention sooner. Thank you!
Experiencing Pain During a Cavity Filling: Is It Common?
As a 20-year-old female in good health and a non-smoker, this was my initial experience with dental cavities. Today, I underwent my first filling. The dentist administered a local anesthetic through an injection, assuring me I would only experience pressure. Initially, that seemed to be accurate, but soon I began to feel intense pain. I could sense the drilling, and despite my attempts to express my discomfort, I found it difficult to communicate. I felt my body heat up, and every sensation was amplified. While I understand a degree of discomfort is expected, I was taken aback by the severity of the pain considering I had received anesthesia. Is this something many people experience?