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Last updated: October 4, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Painful Ejaculation

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Prostatitis: This is a common condition that can cause painful ejaculation due to inflammation of the prostate gland. The pain is often described as a sharp or burning sensation and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as frequent urination, pain in the groin or pelvic area, and discharge.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm, can cause painful ejaculation. This condition is often caused by a bacterial infection and can be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pain in the testicle.
    • Seminal vesiculitis: Inflammation of the seminal vesicles, which are glands that produce a significant portion of the fluid in semen, can cause painful ejaculation. This condition can be caused by a bacterial infection and can be accompanied by symptoms such as pain in the pelvic area and frequent urination.
    • Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body, can cause painful ejaculation. This condition is often caused by a bacterial infection and can be accompanied by symptoms such as burning during urination and discharge.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Testicular cancer: Although rare, testicular cancer can cause painful ejaculation and should not be missed. It is essential to perform a thorough physical examination and consider imaging studies if necessary.
    • Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer can also cause painful ejaculation, and it is crucial to rule out this condition, especially in older men.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Orchitis: Inflammation of one or both testicles, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, can cause painful ejaculation.
    • Interstitial cystitis: A chronic condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, can cause painful ejaculation in some cases.
    • Spondyloarthritis: A type of arthritis that can cause inflammation in the spine, joints, and other parts of the body, can cause painful ejaculation in some cases.
    • Neurological disorders: Certain neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy, can cause painful ejaculation due to nerve damage.

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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