Differential Diagnosis for Pain with Erection at the Tip of Penis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Phimosis or Paraphimosis: This condition involves a tight foreskin that cannot be fully retracted over the glans penis, leading to pain during erection. The pain is typically localized to the tip of the penis and can be exacerbated by erections.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis, often due to infection or poor hygiene, can cause pain at the tip of the penis, especially during erections.
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can lead to pain during urination and erections, including pain localized to the tip of the penis.
- Yeast Infection (Candidiasis): A fungal infection that can cause itching, redness, and pain on the penis, including the tip, which may worsen with erections.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Penile Cancer: Although rare, penile cancer can present with pain, especially if the cancer is advanced. It's crucial to rule out this diagnosis due to its severe implications.
- STIs (e.g., Herpes, Syphilis): Certain STIs can cause painful ulcers or lesions on the penis, including the tip, and it's essential to diagnose and treat these conditions promptly to prevent complications and transmission.
- Peyronie's Disease: A condition characterized by the development of scar tissue inside the penis, leading to curved, painful erections. While not immediately life-threatening, it significantly affects quality of life.
Rare Diagnoses
- Fabry Disease: A genetic disorder that can lead to the accumulation of a particular type of fat in the body's cells, affecting many parts of the body, including causing pain during erections due to vascular and neurological involvement.
- Sickle Cell Disease: A condition that affects hemoglobin production, potentially leading to episodes of pain, including genital pain during erections, due to sickling crises.
- Penile Trauma: Direct injury to the penis can cause pain, especially if the injury affects the tip of the penis or leads to conditions like a penile fracture, which is a medical emergency.