Differential Diagnosis for Painful Penile Erection
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peyronie's Disease: This condition is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, leading to curved, painful erections. It's a common cause of painful erections and fits well with the presentation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Priapism: A condition where the penis remains erect for hours, causing pain and discomfort. It can be due to various reasons, including certain medications, medical conditions, or trauma.
- Penile Fracture: Although more commonly associated with trauma, a penile fracture can cause painful erections if the injury affects the erectile tissue.
- Urethritis or Epididymitis: Infections of the urethra or epididymis can cause pain during erection due to inflammation and swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Penile Cancer: Although rare, penile cancer can cause painful erections among other symptoms. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Acute Ischemic Priapism: A medical emergency where the blood flow to the penis is compromised, leading to a painful erection that requires immediate attention to prevent permanent damage.
- Sickle Cell Disease: In patients with sickle cell disease, priapism can occur due to sickling of red blood cells within the penis, leading to ischemia and pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Fabry Disease: A genetic disorder that can lead to painful erections among other systemic symptoms due to the accumulation of a particular type of fat in the body's cells.
- Cavernosal Arterial Aneurysm: A rare condition where an aneurysm forms in the arteries supplying the penis, potentially causing painful erections.
- Penile Thrombosis: Blood clots in the penile veins can cause painful erections, though this is exceedingly rare and usually associated with other underlying conditions.