Should I worry about a painless bulge at the base of my penis?

[Tonq]

Several weeks ago I noticed a bulge at the base of my penis, kind of above the testicles. It is like an extension of the penis (most noticeable when erect), but I don't recall it being so prominent before.

It is also possible that the bottom side of the penis is always slightly firmer than it used to be, it never seems to soften quite as much anymore.

I first noticed it several weeks ago, around when I first had sex. It has remained the same and painless.

I am extremely reluctant to go to the doctor because I have checked things like this before and they said it was normal and I'm sick of this stuff. Any advice much appreciated.

[Tonq]

Yeah the doctor seemed fairly confident it was not swollen, but that I had possibly just randomly noticed it. Anyhow, he said I could wait a month and check again, and come back in if there's a change.

[AnnieBrooke]

That's good news. He didn't think it was swollen or anything? (I guess you would know if it was inflamed.)

[Tonq]

Just to update this: went to the doctor and he seemed pretty sure it was just my urethra. Not sure why it might be a little larger than previously, but he didn't think it was anything to worry about.

[AnnieBrooke]

I'd also wonder if it were a varicocele. It sounds like it's not soft enough or movable enough, and probably not even in the right place, but you might as well be sure.

[GuitarRox]

Really though, the only way to know is to get it checked.  Doctors are used to that and all it costs is a copay to have ease of mine of catch something that isn't 'normal' and needs treating.  Just encouraging you to understand the best way to really know what is going on.  With that said, some things to look into are Peyronie's plaque.  This is scar tissue inside the penis that builds up. There is Peyronie's disease you may have heard of which is curvature of the penis but plaque creates a lump. Had any injuries or trauma to your penis? Diagnosis happens through exam and possibly x ray or ultrasound. Mild cases rarely need treatment which is good news. But that is between you and a doctor. Obviously if it got worse or your penis began curving, you'd want to discuss the best course of action.  You don't have any pain which would be a good sign. But this is just one thing to consider.  It usually happens in the shaft rather than near the tip which is why it sounded possible to me.

Other harmless reasons exist too.  https://www.news-medical.net/health/Causes-of-penis-lumps.aspx  

We all worry about cancer but would think that the lump on your shaft wouldn't be related to that as what you would normally see with lumps in the area is that they are actually in the groin area and not the penis.  That is the area where lymph nodes would show up related to cancer.  

So, that's a lot of info there.  What are your thoughts on all of this?

[Tonq]

Thanks heaps for taking the time to respond.

I have had a somewhat curved penis for as long as I can remember, and "Peyronie's plaque" sounds like a fairly likely idea. I think there's a chance I first noticed this lumpy area after an extended sexual encounter in which I was quite desperately trying to maintain or reproduce an erection... I assume that might count as trauma :S

I will try to work myself up to just going and getting it checked maybe later this week. As you say if it's lingering it's better to have peace of mind.