We realize that painful ejaculation is not exactly a popular topic of conversation between men. And despite whatever social stigmas surround the issue, the truth is that experiencing some degree of tingling or burning after ejaculation is more common than you think. While any degree of pain after ejaculation might have you thinking “STD”, that’s simply not always the case. Believe it or not, painful ejaculation can be a sign of many different STD and non-STD conditions.
The silver lining here? Most ailments known to cause a post-ejaculation burning sensation are completely treatable and many are even 100 percent curable. The downside, of course, is that because painful ejaculation can be indicative of so many vastly different conditions (both sexually transmitted and otherwise), self-diagnosis is extremely challenging and on the verge of impossible. You should never be afraid or embarrassed to consult with your physician on sensitive matters like these. In addition, if you suspect you might have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, you can never go wrong by seeking out reputable STD testing services.
What Causes Burning After Ejaculation?
Generally, painful ejaculation or pain after ejaculation is brought upon by some sort of physical ailment, infection, or inflammation of the genitals or internal organs directly involved in ejaculation. These types of infections may or may not be transmitted sexually. In many cases, a man experiencing burning after ejaculation will feel the same discomfort after urination. In some instances, experiencing pain after ejaculation can be caused not by a physical ailment or infection, but by an underlying psychological condition. In any case, it’s best to consult with your physician to obtain a proper diagnosis and to begin the right treatment process(es).
STDs That Cause Painful Ejaculation
Keep in mind, there are many different kinds of STDs and no two are known to display identical signs. Furthermore, even a single STD can cause varying signs (or ranging severities of the same symptom). And to make matters even more perplexing, certain STDs are known to cause no signs whatsoever. Remember, when it comes to properly diagnosing an STD, your best bet is going to be proper STD testing. All that being said, there are certain STDs for which pain or burning after ejaculation is a key sign. STDs including…
Chlamydia
Arguably the biggest offender in this case is chlamydia, which happens to be the most commonly transmitted sexual disease in the United States. For men who have contracted this STI and are symptomatic, burning after ejaculation (or during urination) is one of the more common chlamydia symptoms. It’s often accompanied by a milky discharge from the penis and/or swelling of the scrotum. Luckily, this STI is a bacterial infection and can be treated with a course of antibiotics. This does not, however, bring about any sort of immunity. This infection can be contracted at any time (even after previous diagnoses and treatment regimens).
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (or “trich” for short) is another very common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. While trich is more common in women than men, men can certainly contract it and endure its associated trichomoniasis symptoms. Men who do experience signs may notice pain or burning after ejaculation or urination, itching, or unusual penile discharge. Like other STIs, trich can be treated and cured fairly easily and (unfortunately) contracted again down the line.
Gonorrhea
A third STD that can cause pain and burning after ejaculation is gonorrhea. Unlike trichomoniasis, men are more likely to contract this STI than women. Typically, the most common of gonorrhea symptoms is pain and burning in the genital tract (which directly correlates to a burning sensation in men after ejaculating). This can be accompanied by a thick, yellow discharge from the penis, as well as painful urination. Gonorrhea can be cured, but again, no known treatment can prevent a person from contracting this STI a second (or third, fourth, etc.) time.
Non-STD Causes For Pain After Ejaculation
Of course STDs aren’t the only explanation for unusual post-ejaculation sensations or discomforts. Burning or pain after ejaculation can be the result of any of the following instances:
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, or inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, can cause pain during or immediately after ejaculation or urination. A urinary tract infection can be the cause behind prostatitis.
Prostate Cancer
Difficult or painful ejaculation or urination, as well as bloody discharge may be an early sign of prostate cancer (especially in men over the age of 65).
Nerve Damage
Nervous disorders can negatively affect muscles and nerves in and around the penis, making ejaculation and urination both rather unpleasant.
Radiation Therapy
Recent radiation therapy to the pelvic region can cause a number of unusual (although temporary) side effects including painful ejaculation.
Kidney Stones
More times than not, kidney stones can be passed without interfering with the ejaculatory duct, but such is not always the case. Kidney stones can be the reason behind a number of painful penile sensations, not just ejaculation.
Psychological Conditions
If your doctor cannot pinpoint a physical ailment as the cause of your post-ejaculation discomfort, the problem may be psychological. For instances such as this, you’ll want to seek the services of a professional therapist.
Diagnosing Painful Ejaculation Conditions
Because burning after ejaculation and painful ejaculation in general are so common, and yet indicative of so many different possible conditions, there is no blanket solution for diagnosis or treatment. If you’re experiencing additional signs in line with a particular STD, or even if you’re asymptomatic but feel you may have been exposed, you can always take an STD test. Of course, hosting an open and honest discussion with your physician is always a reliable course of action.
Living With Painful Ejaculation
It’s perfectly normal and completely understandable for grown men to be at least a bit embarrassed about a condition such as this. Just know that it is nothing to be ashamed of and, unbeknownst to you, it has probably impacted (or is currently impacting) a number of your own friends and family members. It is far more common than people think. Fortunately, most of the conditions that can cause painful ejaculation are treatable if not curable. So if you are experiencing a burning after ejaculation, just know that it likely will not last forever (providing, of course, that you meet with your doctor and follow their prescription regimen accurately and fully). Your best bet is going to be to meet with your physician as soon as you notice something is out of the ordinary.
Treatment Options to Relieve Painful Ejaculation
STDs
Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea are all treatable and curable, typically through a regimen of antibiotics and your physician will be able to determine the best treatment regimen for you. It’s important that you abstain from sexual activity with partners until you’ve completed your regimen fully and the infection has completely subsided. In addition, if you do test positive for any STD or STI, you’ll want to notify any and all recent sexual partners so they can get tested and, if appropriate, begin treatment of their own. Remember, these STDs may cause no noticeable signs whatsoever. For this reason, reputable STD testing is highly recommended.
Non-STDs
Depending on the specific condition responsible for your ejaculation discomfort, your physician will be able to prescribe and guide you through the right treatment option(s). Some conditions can be cured by way of a simple injection or pill while others will require more complex plans of attack (surgery, radiation, etc.).
How to Minimize Your Risk
Unfortunately, certain conditions that cause pain after ejaculation are simply unavoidable and there’s no way around that. However, you can minimize your risk of developing certain conditions by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and generally taking care of your body. Regular checkups with your trusted physician are always suggested as well. In addition, you’ll want to always adhere to safe sex practices to help reduce the risk of contracting or spreading STDs.
In Summary
Experiencing pain after ejaculation is nothing to be embarrassed about. And as uncomfortable as it may be to address it openly, it is in your best interest to alert your physician as early on as you can. The sooner you consult with your physician and/or take a reliable STD test, the sooner you can start treatment and get back on the path to wellness. And if you’re looking for trusted STD testing services in your area, we can help.