Patient's question:
How is the penis checked by a doctor when going to the hospital for a check-up? Is erection required?Doctor's answer:
Penile Development Examination: Enlargement of the penis can be seen in conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, testicular interstitial cell carcinoma, and precocious puberty. Small penis (shorter than 3 cm at room temperature) is often associated with bilateral cryptorchidism, hypopituitarism, and congenital testicular dysgenesis.(2) Penile Morphology Examination: Pay attention to whether the penis has any deformities, whether the foreskin is overly long, and whether it can be retracted (if it cannot be retracted, it is phimosis, which generally requires surgical treatment). Check the position of the urethral meatus for normalcy, any narrowing, and whether it is located on the glans or the dorsal side of the penis (urethral meatus on the glans or dorsal side indicates epispadias, while on the ventral side indicates hypospadias).
(3) Glans Examination: Check for redness, swelling, erosion, ulcers, or masses on the glans, as well as any adhesion to the foreskin. Redness and swelling of the glans with an overly long foreskin and white discharge indicate balanoposthitis. Circular or oval ulcers on the glans with copious discharge and no pain suggest primary syphilis (chancre). Ulcers on the glans or coronal sulcus with purulent discharge, irregular edges, and subcutaneous pain indicate secondary syphilis. White discoloration of the glans is seen in leukoplakia of the glans. Redness with elevated lesions on the glans may be due to glans cavernous hemangiomas.
(4) Glans and Penile Mass Examination: Single or multiple papillary elevations on the glans or coronal sulcus, with slight redness and soft texture, may be penile papillomas or condylomata acuminata. Penile cavernous masses could be due to penile plaques, penile tuberculosis, or penile cancer. Glans masses with papillary hyperplasia, hard texture, and a foul odor may indicate penile cancer.
(5) Urethral Meatus Secretion Examination: Mucoid secretions that are creamy white and viscous are seen in sexual arousal and chronic prostatitis. Bloody secretions indicate urethral bleeding, urethral stones, or hematospermia. Urethral bleeding is often associated with urethral trauma, posterior urethral tumors, or seminal colliculus tumors. Hematospermia is seen in seminal vesiculitis or seminal vesicle tumors. Purulent secretions are indicative of non-specific urethritis or gonococcal urethritis.
Advice: It is recommended to pay attention to rest, maintain a healthy diet, and reduce smoking and alcohol consumption. Ensure cleanliness and hygiene during sexual activity and take necessary precautions.