There are multiple possible reasons for a penis that bleeds during erections, including cancer.

“If there is bleeding on the skin of the penis then it may be from phimosis in an uncircumcised male,” begins Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, a board-certified urologist specializing in chronic testicular pain and infertility, and co-founder of Drive 4 Men’s Health, a nonprofit public engagement campaign that has encouraged millions of men to be more active, eat well and get preventive medical screenings.

Phimosis is when the foreskin of the penis cannot be pulled back past its head.

“If the foreskin gets scar (diabetes, infection) then it will make it harder for it to retract with erections,” continues Dr. Brahmbhatt. cancer

“The scar then can crack and have bleeding. This can be treated initially with local ointments that have steroid and anti-fungal medication. The surgical option for this is circumcision.”

There are more possible causes to penis bleeding during an erection including cancers.

Dr. Brahmbhatt explains, “If the penis skin has open sores and they bleed, this may be from sexually transmitted diseases.

“These can be treated with medications (if there are medical treatments for that specific STD). cancer

“Any red area on the penis should always be checked by a doctor to rule out penile cancer.

“If it is penile cancer it may need to be cut off. If you wait too long then it may require a penectomy,” which may be whole removal of the organ or a partial.

“If the bleeding is coming from the urethra (where you pee from) then you need to get yourself to a doctor ASAP,” says Dr. Brahmbhatt.

“Bleeding from the urethra can be due to infection, enlarged prostate, urinary cancers, stones, scarring.

“You can even get bleeding from the penis if you have trauma to the penis. cancer

“When it comes to bleeding from the urethra, as urologists we get a thorough exam, lab work, imaging (usually a CT scan) of the abdomen and pelvis.

“The final part of the workup is a cystoscopy where we look inside the urethra and bladder with a small scope and camera.”

If your penis bleeds when you have an erection — even if this isn’t all the time —this is no laughing matter and it is no embarrassing matter.

It is a medical matter, and a potentially life-threatening one at that. Do not put off seeing a urologist, even if you do not have health insurance.

Dr. Brahmbhatt is the co-director of the PUR Clinic (Personalized Urology & Robotics) which specializes in urology needs such as vasectomy reversal, groin pain and testicular pain.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.  

 

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