What is the cause of dysuria (painful urination) and burning sensation in the penis?

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Differential Diagnosis for Burning Pain in Penis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a common condition that can cause burning pain in the penis, especially during urination. The pain is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra can cause burning pain in the penis, often accompanied by discharge and difficulty urinating.
    • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause burning pain in the penis, as well as pain in the perineum, testicles, and lower back.
    • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection: Genital herpes can cause burning pain in the penis, along with vesicles, ulcers, and lymphadenopathy.
    • Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis can cause burning pain, itching, and redness, often due to poor hygiene or allergic reactions.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Testicular torsion: Although this condition typically presents with acute testicular pain, it can sometimes radiate to the penis and cause burning pain. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention.
    • Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis can cause burning pain in the penis, as well as pain in the testicles and scrotum. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as infertility and chronic pain.
    • Penile cancer: Although rare, penile cancer can cause burning pain, along with other symptoms such as a lump or ulcer on the penis.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Peyronie's disease: A condition characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the penis, which can cause burning pain, curvature, and erectile dysfunction.
    • Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause burning pain in the penis, along with dryness and inflammation in other parts of the body.
    • Fabry disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause burning pain in the penis, as well as other symptoms such as skin lesions and gastrointestinal problems.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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