Male Genital Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have a change in the appearance or feel of your penis?

See significance of a change in the appearance or feel of your penis if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is your foreskin pulled back (retracted) and swollen, and you are unable to return it to its normal position?

Yes

Is your flow of urine partially or completely blocked by a very tight foreskin?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you felt a lump or hardness for longer than 24 hours in the shaft of a soft penis?

Yes

Has your penis stayed red and swollen longer than 24 hours after being exposed to irritating chemicals?

Yes

Are you unable to pull back (retract) your foreskin from the head of the penis for 24 hours or longer?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have a new curve in the shaft of your penis when it is erect?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	March 29, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer