The erection of the penis is never painful and if pain occurs during erections, then it needs medical attention to rule out the cause, and proper treatment at the right time. With painful erections, pain can occur in the entire penis or part of it. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe. Pain can be felt every time an erection occurs or only during erections at night. In some cases, immediate treatment is required. There are several causes for painful erections. The first reason behind painful erections is Peyronie’s disease. It is the most common reason behind painful erections. This condition occurs when scar tissue occurs in an area within the penis, resulting in an abnormal curvature of the penis. This results in pain during erection. The reason behind this condition is not clear, but it is believed to result from an injury to the penis that leads to the formation of scar tissue as part of the healing of the injury.
Peyronie’s disease can also occur without any history of injury to the penis. Having a family history of this condition, diabetes, erectile dysfunction (inability to get or maintain an erection strong enough for intercourse), and prostate cancer surgery increase the risk of Peyronie’s disease. This condition affects men aged 40 or older. It is estimated that approximately 65% of people suffering from this disease experience painful erection problems.
Other reasons include injury to the penis or pelvic area, urinary tract infections (UTI), sexually transmitted infections (STDs), penile rupture (rupture of the membrane surrounding the corpora cavernosa, meaning the erectile tissue, which is a medical emergency), use of certain medicines, such as certain medicines to treat high blood pressure, use of recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and alcohol, benign penile tumor (non-cancerous tumor that forms on the blood vessel or nerve of the penis).
Another reason may be a condition called priapism. It refers to maintaining an erection for several hours without sexual stimulation. This consists of three types. First is ischemic priapism, the most common type. In this type, the blood cannot be withdrawn from the penis after an erection. The reasons may include the use of recreational drugs, certain medications, blood cancer and penile cancer. The second type is intermittent/stuttering priapism, a variant of ischemic priapism usually related to sickle cell disease, which affects the shape of red blood cells and makes them crescent-shaped, slowing or blocking blood flow. The latter is non-ischemic priapism, in which the body continues to pump an excessive amount of blood into the penis, leading to engorgement. This type usually results from an injury to the perineum (area between the anus and scrotum) or the penis. Painful erections occur in ischemic priapism and not in the non-ischemic type.
Priapism is a medical emergency when erections last 4 hours or more and pain increases. The blood that accumulates in the penis tends to lose its oxygen, leading to damage to the tissues of the penis that can be permanent. This can lead to erectile dysfunction, change in the appearance of the penis, formation of scar tissue in the tissues of the penis, infertility and rarely gangrene. So priapism should be treated immediately because priapism can cause permanent damage to the penis if not treated early.
The final reason for painful erections is SRPE (sleep-related painful erection), a rare condition that refers to the occurrence of a painful erection during sleep, but normal erections when awake.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy can be very helpful for painful erections. Homeopathic medicines give excellent results by treating the cause of this complaint. Homeopathy is recommended only for mild to moderate cases and not for severe and severe cases. Before prescribing homeopathic medicines, various factors (such as the frequency and intensity of the problem, the reason behind it, the duration for which the erections with pain last) are taken into consideration and evaluated. After this, homeopathic medicines are prescribed in each case individually, after ensuring that the condition is not serious. Homeopathic medicines should be taken under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and under no circumstances should self-medication be practiced.
Homeopathy is recommended for mild to moderate intensity and for a painful erection that lasts only a very short time. In any case, the condition appears severe, or there are prolonged erections, usually lasting 4 hours or more. It is a medical emergency and should be attended to immediately with conventional treatment. Homeopathy has limitations in helping severe cases or when it has a serious cause (such as priapism, penile injury).
Homeopathic medicines for painful erections
1. Cantharis
Cantharis is a very effective medicine to treat cases of painful erections. Men who require this medicine may experience erections at night that are accompanied by aching pain along the urethra. They have an increased sexual desire. It tends to disrupt sleep at night. After coitus, a burning sensation may be felt in the urethra. The glans may be swollen and painful when touched. This medicine is also a top remedy for urinary tract infections and their associated symptoms. Cantharis is also specifically indicated for cases of painful erections that occur without sexual stimulation and in gonorrhea.
2. Argentum Nitricum
This medicine is well indicated when there are painful erections and difficulty urinating. These erections can occur without any sexual stimulation. A cutting pain may be felt in the urethra with painful erections. There may be a decreased desire for coitus. Like Cantharis, this medicine is also indicated for painful erection in cases of gonorrhea.
3. Caladium
Caladium is an important medicine for painful erections without sexual desire. This usually happens in the morning. The glans can be very red. The foreskin is swollen and very painful. Biting pain is felt in the foreskin during urination. This medicine is also indicated if painful erections occur after coitus.
4. Cannabis Sativa
This drug is suitable for men who feel a kind of stretching pain in the penis during erections. There is an increased sexual desire. In some cases, swelling may occur in the penis, glans and foreskin (foreskin). The glans and foreskin may be red. In addition to the above symptoms, pain in the penis can also be felt while walking.
5. Peppers
Capsicum is a very beneficial medicine for painful erections that occur at night. This may be accompanied by a creamy discharge from the urethra. Sometimes the discharge also contains blood. Pain may be felt in the urethra, which may be of the cutting or stabbing type. During urination, a burning pain in the urethra may be felt. The urethra can be painful to touch.
6. Nux Vomica
Nux Vomica is a useful medicine for painful erections in the morning, even if the erections are weak and not strong enough. There is an increased desire for sex in those who need this medicine. They may also complain of involuntary discharge of semen during sleep with dreams. It is accompanied by back pain, irritability and weakness.
7. Cannabis indica
This drug works well when painful erections occur without any thought of sex. It can occur while walking or sitting. There may be a burning sensation in the penis and urethra. This is accompanied by frequent urges to urinate.
8. Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a valuable medicine for painful erection with an increased and irresistible urge for coitus. Frequent erections occur along with pain. Semen may be released involuntarily at night.