What might cause pain in the glans of the penis?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the glans (head) of the penis is often caused by nerve irritation, infections such as balanitis or sexually transmitted infections, skin conditions, or trauma. Less commonly, underlying issues like nerve entrapment, circulation problems, or referred pain from the pelvis or lower back can be responsible. Symptoms may include burning, stinging, sharp pain, or increased sensitivity, and can occur with or without visible changes to the skin.

Because the causes vary widely—from easily treatable infections to conditions requiring specialist care—identifying the likely source of your pain is an important first step. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be behind your symptoms, highlight when to seek care, and guide your next steps with clarity and confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain in the glans of the penis can have several causes. One of the main reasons is nerve-related issues. Sometimes, the nerves in the penis can become damaged or irritated, leading to pain. This condition is known as penile neuropathy. It can happen due to various reasons, including injuries or surgeries that affect the nerves.

Another potential cause of pain is chronic conditions that affect the tissues in the penis. These conditions can lead to ongoing discomfort or pain in the area. In some cases, infections can also cause pain, as they can irritate the tissues and nerves.

Here are some possible causes of pain in the glans:

Nerve Damage: Problems with the nerves, such as in penile neuropathy, can lead to pain.
Chronic Conditions: Conditions affecting the tissues can cause ongoing pain.
Infections: Infections can irritate the glans, causing discomfort.

If you or someone you know is experiencing this kind of pain, you can get personalized insights about your symptoms by taking a free symptom checker test and seeking medical advice to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

(References)

Delavierre D, Rigaud J, Sibert L, & Labat JJ. (2010). [Symptomatic approach to chronic penile pain]. Progres en urologie : journal de l'Association francaise d'urologie et de la Societe francaise d'urologie, 21056371.
Klifto KM, & Dellon AL. (2020). Neurolysis of the Dorsal Nerve to the Penis to Restore .... Annals of plastic surgery, 31904648.
Amarenco G, Bosc S, & Goldet R. (1997). [Penile neuropathy: clinical and electrophysiologic study. .... Neurophysiologie clinique = Clinical neurophysiology, 9206758.

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