What Causes Swelling/puffiness Underneath Penis?

Posted on Sun, 13 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 13 Jul 2014 Answered on

Sat, 2 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello i am currently getting over a bad case of urethritus/uti. Std test negative. Urinalysis saw unidentifies bacteria and a few white
Blood cells. I have been on docxycycline since Tuesday and the pain/ burn while urinating is much better. I still feel a little discomfort but much better. Today however i have noticed some swelling/puffiness underneath the penis. More so along that ligament directly on the back side. Could this be do to urethritus as well. And will it subside

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly provide the following data...

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

I am sorry for the situation you are in. I am happy that your urinary problems are subsiding with little discomfort.

With regards to swelling/puffiness underneath your penis you have noted today, it might be to possible urethritis or phymosis (if you are not circumcised yet). I would like to know if :
- you have noted any discharge from your penis (yellow, white)?
- are you circumcised?
- do you feel any pain/itchiness/redness or other problem locally?

I advise to:
- keep your genital well cleaned (wash with warm water and hypoallergic soap; rinse well, try to pull the skin to wash inside if you are not circumcised yet; rinse with chamomile tea at the end).
- if no itchiness, can apply gentamycine cream locally (you can ask at your local pharmacy as it is usually sold over the counter)
- if itchiness and redness is there, can apply clotrimazole cream locally
- avoid sexual intercourse while on treatment until improvement
- drink plenty of water

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (9 hours later)

I am circumcised. In the beginnig i had itching in the uretha and bad smelling urine. Even had some puffiness at the meatus of the penis. All that has cleared up with the antibiotic. Just left with a little inflammation in the urethra and feel it from time to time. Wierd thing. I woke up this morning and the swelling is gone. I had a small amout of dischrage as well but all clear fluid. I did not see that this morning. I am in a same sex partnership and i am more prone to urethritus. I have had it before but always cleard up in a few days. This time has been rough.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Showing improvement...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Then, most probably, it might be a severe UTI associated with urethritis.

You are reporting that this time has been rough, then, this makes me think that you did not seek medical help in time. The earlier the infection is diagnosed and treated, the faster the results.

It is true that men do have little symptoms of UTI or genital infection (urethritis), thus, making them diagnosed late.

As you are reporting improvement, that is a great sign for the infection to subside. As you are more prone to urethritis, should schedule regular follow ups with urologist to eradicate the infection.

You can apply OTC antibiotic cream locally to subside penile symptoms. Once again, it is important to avoid sexual intercourse (although with the same partner) until improvement. Get your partner checked for common vaginal infection and UTI and get her treated as well.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
If my answer was at your satisfaction, kindly rate it while closing this thread. You can continue with further follow up questions; I'd be happy to assist you further!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar