Painful intercourse in men is unusual but does occur. If the foreskin of an uncircumcised male is too tight, he can experience pain during an erection. Under such circumstances minor surgery may be indicated. Inadequate hygiene of an uncircumcised penis can result in the accumulation of smegma beneath the foreskin, causing irritation of the glans during sexual stimulation. This problem can be prevented by routinely pulling back the foreskin and washing the glans area with soap and water. Infections of the urethra, bladder, prostate gland, or seminal vesicles can induce burning, itching, or pain during or after ejaculation (Davis et al., 2009; Davis & Noble, 1991). Proper medical attention can generally alleviate these sources of discomfort during coitus.
Another possible source of pain or discomfort for men is Peyronie’s (PAY-run-eez) disease, in which fibrous tissue and calcium deposits develop in the space above and between the cavernous bodies of the penis. This fibrosis results in pain and curvature of the penis upon erection that can interfere with erection and even intercourse (Casabe et al., 2011). Peyronie’s disease is usually caused by traumatic bending of the penis during intercourse or by medical procedures involving the urethra (Rees, 2008). Surgical procedures can sometimes be effective in addressing this condition (Djinovic, 2011; Shaeer, 2011).