Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, RN, EdD

The penis is the male organ of copulation and encloses the urethra, a tubular channel, through which urine passes out of the urinary bladder. The skin covering the external surface of the penis is drawn into a hood-like, retractable extension called the prepuce, which surround the glans, or tip of the penis. The glans is richly supplied with sensory nerve endings that have an importance to penile erection and ejaculation. Since secretions tend to collect between the prepuce and glans, many physicians prefer that males be circumscribed after birth.

Carcinoma of the penis is more common in uncircumscribed men who practice poor local hygiene. Men who have genital candidiasis or yeast infection may complain of irritation and soreness of the penis especially after intercourse. Occasionally they may notice a slight discharge from the end of their penis. The penis may also appear red and white, cheesy material may adhere to the surface. In severe cases, swelling may occur causing constriction of the foreskin.
See: Yeast Infections for more information.

Gonorrhea can be spread through sexual contact. The period between exposure and the appearance of symptoms is 2 to 10 days. In a man, the infection can spread from penis to prostate gland, tubes and testes. Although there may be no symptoms, often there is a green, pus-like discharge from the penis, burning on urination, itching feeling in the penis and swollen lymph nodes in the genital area. Externally, the tip of the penis (urethra) may be red and swollen. Treatment with antibiotics is needed.


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