A sore penis after sexual activity or intercourse isn’t always a cause for concern.

But if you’re experiencing other unusual symptoms, it may be time to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Although mild soreness can often be treated at home, infections and other underlying conditions require medical attention.

Here are the symptoms to watch for, ways to find relief, and when to see a doctor.

The friction of sex can irritate your penis skin, especially if your partner isn’t sufficiently lubricated.

Rubbing against another person’s body can wear away the upper layer of skin. This can expose the sensitive layer underneath that contains nerves and connective tissue.

This soreness may only last a day or so if you refrain from activities that further irritate the skin.

Other symptoms may include:

  • tight-feeling skin
  • flakes or peeling skin
  • cracks or lines on skin
  • unusual bleeding
  • redness or rash
  • itchiness

Having any type of sex for a while or doing it vigorously can make your penis sore.

This may result from being erect for a long time, which can strain and sometimes injure the muscles and tissues.

Blood can also pool in the corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum after a prolonged erection.

Suddenly thrusting your penis into your partner’s body at high speeds can also injure the tissue.

Your penis may feel tender or strained until your penile tissues recover. This pain may last a few days, depending on how long or vigorously you had sex.

DE occurs when it takes more than 30 minutes to ejaculate from sex or masturbation.

Some people are born with DE. It can also result from:

Not being able to ejaculate can cause swelling, soreness, and tenderness in your penis and scrotum. These symptoms may last a few hours after sex or until the blood fully drains from your penis.

If this is the first time you’ve experienced DE, consider making an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare provider. They can help diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatment if needed.

It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the materials or chemicals in condoms, lubricants, sex toys, and other products.

This is known as irritant contact dermatitis, a type of allergic eczema.

Other symptoms may include:

  • redness or rash
  • scaly, thickened skin
  • fluid-filled blisters
  • dry or cracked skin
  • itchiness

Depending on the severity, these symptoms may take anywhere from a few a few days to a few weeks to clear up. They may fade more quickly with over-the-counter (OTC) allergy treatments.

In some cases, soreness may be the result of an STI. Although many STIs are asymptomatic, soreness may occur with the following conditions:

This soreness will only fade with treatment. You should see a doctor or other healthcare provider if you suspect that you have an STI.

Other symptoms may include:

  • pain in your testicles or lower abdomen
  • pain or burning during urination
  • pain when erect
  • fluid-filled blisters
  • itchiness
  • unusual discharge
  • vomiting

Prostatitis happens when your prostate gland gets inflamed or infected. The prostate is a small gland under your bladder that produces one of the components of semen.

In some cases, penile pain may go away on its own after a couple of days. If the pain persists, it may be the result of an underlying infection.

Other symptoms may include:

  • pain in your lower back or abdomen
  • pain during ejaculation
  • pain or burning during urination
  • difficulty urinating
  • foul-smelling urine
  • fever
  • chills

You should see a doctor or other healthcare provider if your pain persists or if you experience other unusual symptoms.

Phimosis occurs when you can’t pull the foreskin back from the tip of your penis.

It often results from an infection of the head of your penis. Infections can cause this area to swell and make it difficult for you to pee, get an erection, or ejaculate without discomfort.

Other symptoms may include:

  • color changes in the tip or foreskin due to lack of blood flow, causing skin to look pale, two-toned, or grayish
  • rash
  • itchiness

Soreness and other symptoms will only fade with treatment.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause and advise you on any next steps.

Yeast infections result from an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. This may be caused by one of several factors, including having a weak immune system, medication use, and poor hygiene.

Other symptoms may include:

  • unusual discharge
  • irritated, scaly skin
  • itching
  • burning
  • rash

Soreness and other symptoms will only fade with treatment.

If you suspect that you have a yeast infection, your doctor or other healthcare provider can confirm your diagnosis and recommend treatment.

UTIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Depending on the severity, pain and other symptoms can also show up in your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Other symptoms may include:

  • pain in your anus or rectum
  • pain or burning during ejaculation or urination
  • frequent, strong urge to urinate, but releasing little urine
  • cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
  • foul-smelling urine

Soreness and other symptoms will only fade with treatment. If you suspect a UTI, make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare provider. They can advise you on any next steps.

Peyronie’s disease occurs when scar tissue builds up in the penis, causing it to curve sharply to the side or upward when you’re erect.

This can make your penis sore during or after sex.

Although the cause is largely unknown, Peyronie’s may be autoimmune in nature or related to an underlying injury.

Other symptoms may include:

  • pain when flaccid
  • difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
  • hardened tissue on the top, side, or bottom of the shaft
  • a band or ring of scar tissue around the shaft
  • indentations that give an “hourglass” appearance when erect
  • penis shortening or shrinkage

Soreness and other symptoms will only fade with treatment.

If you suspect that your symptoms are the result of Peyronie’s disease, make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare provider.

POIS is a rare condition thought to be caused by an allergic reaction to your own semen or to the chemicals and hormones released after you orgasm. Its exact causes aren’t entirely clear.

Other symptoms may include:

  • pain in your bones, muscles, or joints
  • difficulty focusing, speaking, or understanding speech
  • temporary memory loss
  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • fever
  • chills
  • headaches
  • fatigue

POIS symptoms usually occur right after you ejaculate. They may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare provider.

You may be able to relieve mild symptoms with one or more of the following:

  • Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Ibuprofen (Advil) and other NSAIDs can help relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Apply a cold compress. Wrap an ice pack in a clean towel and press it to affected area to relieve pain and swelling.
  • Apply a topical cream or ointment. OTC corticosteroid ointments can help reduce inflammation. Lotion with shea butter or vitamin E can help relieve dryness.
  • Wear loose, cotton underwear. Loose underwear can help prevent chafing or rubbing. Cotton is breathable material, which allows the area to ventilate. This can help prevent bacteria or fungi growth.
  • Avoid sexual activity, exercise, and other strenuous activities. Waiting on these activities until your condition has fully improved will reduce your risk of further injury, as well as prevent the spread of any infectious diseases.

You may be able to treat mild soreness at home. But if you’re experiencing other unusual symptoms, you should avoid sexual activity until you’re able to see a doctor or other healthcare provider.

They can determine what’s causing your symptoms and advise you on any next steps.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing:

  • sudden or intense pain during an erection or ejaculation
  • loss of sensation in your penis
  • bleeding
  • confusion
  • memory loss

Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.