Localized swelling of the penis during and after sexual intercourse. Please help!

[MysterySwelling]

Hi,

I'm a 32 year old male with a very odd problem occurring. Every time I have sex with my partner, my penis swells in localized areas underneath the head. This problem has been happening for the past 8 months or so. My partner and I have been together for 4 years and we are monogamous. I have been to numerous urologists and dermatologists and they are stumped.

Here is some important information:

1) This does not happen when I masturbate.
2) This does not happen at the same severity level when using a condom.
3) My partner has a copper IUD.
4) The swelling started in just one area but lately has progressed to swelling in 3 different areas.
5) Ballooning/swelling will go down approximately an hour after sex, after which the skin will heal itself and flake off over a period of days to weeks.
6) This is not a problem of lubrication. My partner produces more than necessary for intercourse.
7) No new perfumes, dyes, soaps, or detergents have been present since this began.

My doctors and I have explored balanitis, lymphocele, yeast infection, etc. with no resolve. Sex is uncomfortable and it's getting to the point where it's affecting my personal life.

Could I have developed an allergy to copper or something in my partners body?

I have attached a picture showing one area of the local swelling. This same swelling occurs in 2 other spots on my penis. Can provide more images if necessary.

Thank you so much for your time.

[Nickjgdfuhd]

Did you ever figure this out? Same hapoen with me

[MysterySwelling]

Dr. Kaur,

I sincerely appreciate your response. I have been to multiple doctors but all of them are stumped. As I mentioned, lubrication is not an issue. My partner and I were able to have intercourse normally for 3 years before this popped up.

Seems like contact dermatitis but I cannot figure out the cause. Every doctor I've seen basically told me I had to live with it until it went away on it's own. When using a condom this issue does not occur.

Our next step is approaching a gynecologist and possibly allergist to see if the issue could be in my partner and not necessarily me.

Thanks again,

[Veee86]

Did it go away? I am currently experiencing the same

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but this swelling can be due to friction rub or chafing. Chafing is a continuous rubbing of the skin that causes redness or soreness.

Chafing occurs when the skin becomes irritated by the friction caused by rubbing – either against other skin or against a foreign material. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin.Also wear cotton undergarments. Application of mild corticosteroid cream and oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a doctor. Also use water based lubricant during intercourse.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.