Sex is supposed to be enjoyable, not painful. And for most men, this is the case as they go about happily enjoying a pain-free sex life. Painful ejaculation is not something to brush off like a football injury that flares up when it rains, or those nagging allergy symptoms that hit full force every fall. Not only is painful ejaculation a major inconvenience, it could be an indication of a serious medical condition.

Five male penis health issues that can have unpleasant side effect are listed below, and though it may feel embarrassing to talk to the doctor about it, it is important that any man suffering from painful ejaculation make that appointment, and get himself checked out.

  • Urethritis: Urethritis is a painful condition that affects the urethra (the little tube that passes urine and semen from the body). When an infection takes place in the urethra, usually from the presence of bacteria, it becomes inflamed and irritated, creating a painful, burning sensation upon urination or ejaculation. Urethritis is easily diagnosed by a doctor and is generally treated with antibiotics.
  • Prostatitis: Prostatitis is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland and is caused by infection. Prostatitis may also occur when a man is exposed to a partner’s bacterial infection, or when small stones form within the prostate itself. Other causes include: poor hygiene, surgery, or swimming in polluted water. Patients may experience pain while urinating, pain in the penis, testicular pain, lower abdomen or back pain, and perineum pain. Prostatitis may also cause blood in the urine or semen and may cause painful and premature ejaculation.
  • Orchitis: Orchitis occurs when a bacterial or viral infection causes inflammation and swelling of one or both testicles. The most common cause is exposure to the mumps virus, though bacterial infections, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can also be to blame. Men who engage in high-risk or unprotected sex are at higher risk. Along with painful ejaculation, common symptoms include tenderness and swelling of the scrotum, painful urination, blood in the semen, penis discharge, enlarged prostate, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Bacterial orchitis can be treated with antibiotics, while viral orchitis needs to run its course and cannot be medically treated.
  • Epididymitis: Epididymitis is a condition in which the epididymis, or tube at the back of the testicles which stores and transports sperm, becomes inflamed. This inflammation is caused by bacteria or sexually transmitted infections, most commonly gonorrhea and chlamydia. It can also originate from urinary tract or prostate infections. Men who have unprotected sex, are uncircumcised, have structural issues in the urinary tract, or have an enlarged bladder are at higher risk for the condition. In addition to painful ejaculation, symptoms include tenderness and swelling of the area, discharge, low-grade fever, chills, enlarged lymph nodes, and blood in the semen. Treatments include antibiotics, elevating the scrotum, and -- in severe cases -- surgery to remove all or part of the epididymis.

Prostate Cancer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state the prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men of all races. Symptoms of the condition are different across individuals but may include: difficulty urinating, painful urination, interrupted urine flow, blood in urine and semen, painful ejaculation, and lower back and pelvic pain. Treatments vary depending on when the cancer is found, but may include removal of the prostate, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Maintaining Penis Health

Several of these conditions originate from bacterial infections; luckily, there are steps to be taken to reduce the risk of contracting these painful conditions. Always use a condom during sex, be aware of any sexual health conditions partners have -- including STI’s -- and maintain proper penis hygiene. Integrating a penis health creme into the daily grooming routine (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help promote resistance to infections and increase overall penis health, as well as leaving the penis feeling smooth, supple and responsive.