![Pain during sex for men only happens when something is wrong. Possible reasons for painful intercourse in men include infection (thrush, STIs), allergic reactions, a tight foreskin, small tears in the foreskin, inflammation, testicular pain and swelling, and prolonged erection (priapism).](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/20-reasons-why-people-have-sex.jpg?output-quality=75)
Men should not feel pain during sexual intercourse unless something is wrong.
If a man experiences pain during intercourse, there are a number of possible causes, such as:
- Infection
- Allergic reactions
- Spermicide
- Latex
- A tight foreskin
- Small tears in the foreskin that may not be visible
- Inflammation of the head of the penis (balanitis)
- Irritation from previous sexual activity or other non-sexual activities
- Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis)
- Testicular pain and swelling
- Prolonged erection (priapism)
- Priapism is a medical emergency – see a doctor if you experience an erection that lasts more than 4 hours
What Is the Treatment for Men Who Have Pain During Intercourse?
Treatment for men who have pain during intercourse depends on the cause.
- Infection
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Allergic reactions
- Avoid the product that is causing the reaction
- A tight foreskin
- Stretching exercises
- Topical steroids
- Surgery to remove the foreskin
- Small tears in the foreskin that may not be visible
- Most of the time, it will heal on its own
- Clean well, apply moisturizer as directed by a doctor
- Use lubrication when you have intercourse
- Inflammation of the head of the penis (balanitis)
- Depending on the cause:
- Antifungal cream
- Antibiotics
- Topical steroids
- Depending on the cause:
- Irritation from previous sexual activity or other non-sexual activities
- Avoid sexual activity or any other irritating activity until the pain subsides
- Use lubrication when you have intercourse
- Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis)
- If the condition is acute
- Antibiotics
- Pain medications
- Drink plenty of fluids
- If the condition is chronic
- Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
- Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin (Flomax) and silodosin (Rapaflo) to relax the muscles in the prostate and part of the bladder
- Lifestyle changes
- Warm baths
- Relaxation exercises
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- If the condition is acute
- Testicular pain and swelling
- Depends on the cause and may include:
- Pain medications
- Antibiotics
- Rest
- Ice
- Scrotal support
- Surgery
- Depends on the cause and may include:
- Prolonged erection (priapism)
- At home:
- Try to urinate
- Take a warm bath or shower
- Drink plenty of water
- Go for an easy walk
- Exercise: climb stairs, run in place, squats
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
- If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, go to a hospital where treatment may include:
- Drugs injected directly into the penis
- Draining blood from the penis using a needle
- Shunt surgery
- At home:
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References
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/why-does-sex-hurt/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/balanitis-in-adults?search=Balanitis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~61&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H19
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/what-should-i-do-if-my-penis-is-torn/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prostate-problems
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436154-overview
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2036003-overview
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/priapism-painful-erections/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/balanitis-in-adults?search=Balanitis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~61&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H19
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/mens-health/what-should-i-do-if-my-penis-is-torn/
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prostate-problems
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436154-overview
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2036003-overview
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/priapism-painful-erections/