Penis pain can be a very frightening situation, especially if a man doesn’t know what caused the problem. Sometimes the issue is obvious, such as irritation from rough handling – and in that case, extra attention to good penis care can quickly alleviate the pain and get a man back on track.
But sometimes penis pain can be caused by other medical conditions going on in the body. Those who suffer from Crohn’s disease are sometimes very surprised to learn that the problem can also affect their manhood.
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a very serious, chronic inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Those who suffer from Crohn’s disease often face troubling issues, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, fatigue and weight loss. Crohn’s symptoms might be limited, lasting only a short period of time, or it might be a lifelong struggle. There is no cure for Crohn’s, so the best sufferers can hope for is proper management of the symptoms.
How does Crohn’s lead to penis pain?
Though the vast majority of those who have Crohn’s disease deal with intestinal issues, there are other problems associated with the disease that might affect the genital area. One of the hallmarks of Crohn’s disease is the granulomas and ulcers that develop in the bowel. When those granulomas affect the skin in the genital area, it is known as genital Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms of genital Crohn’s disease vary from one person to another, but can typically include swelling of the area, as well as small fissures or cracks that can develop on the foreskin or the scrotum. There might also be tiny red papules or ulcers on the penis skin. All of these issues can lead to serious penis pain.
Is it really Crohn’s disease?
It might be easy to think that just because there have been no signs of intestinal issues, that the penis problems cannot possibly be a result of Crohn’s. However, sometimes the genital symptoms are actually the first signs that Crohn’s disease is present. That’s why it is so important to visit the doctor for testing as soon as swelling, fissures or penis pain appears.
The doctor will perform tests to determine what is causing the problem. The first tests will be simple swabs of the area to rule out balanitis, yeast infections and other problems that are more common. If those tests are negative, more tests will be performed that might point to Crohn’s. The earlier the problem is uncovered, the sooner treatment can start, and the more controlled the symptoms might be.
What’s the treatment?
There are many options a man can pursue to alleviate the penis pain from genital Crohn’s disease. The first line of defense is a potent topical steroid treatment, which can help significantly with mild cases. Antiseptic cleansers might also be recommended, as they can lower the risk of infection. Antibiotics are also an option. Compression underwear helps to alleviate the swelling.
If the problem is very severe, a man might need to undergo systemic therapy. This includes the use of numerous medications that work together to help keep Crohn’s under control.
In addition to these treatments, a man should speak to his doctor about options for home-based treatments. One way to keep the skin smooth and supple – and possibly help ease the symptoms – is to apply a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème that includes vitamin B5, known for maintenance of healthy tissue, and vitamin C, which helps build collagen for a healthy manhood. Natural moisturizers, such as Shea butter and vitamin E, are also integral to ensuring the best skin health possible.
