Penis & Testicle Concerns / Question
Published: May 11, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 15 year-old male and I have not have sex or any type of sexual contact with anyone. From time to time, I will get this burning sensation in my penis. Is this normal?
Signed: No Sex - Burning Sensatin In Penis
Dear No Sex - Burning Sensatin In Penis,
Although it is impossible for TeenHealthFX to diagnose you over the Internet, some questions a doctor might ask you are: How often do you feel this? Does it usually happen while urinating? Do you have other symptoms?
A burning sensation in the penis, especially when you urinate, may signal an infectious or inflammatory process in your genital or urinary tract. Since you have not had any sexual experience yet, a sexually transmitted disease is unlikely at this point. Another thing which may explain what you are feeling, is what is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is an infection of the passageway of urine, which may be anywhere from the kidneys (which makes our urine) to the ureter (the tubes connecting the kidney to the bladder) or the bladder which stores the urine, even the urethra (final passageway of the urine) which in the case of the male is in the penis. It is usually caused by an "ascending infection" from contaminants in the genital area, or in the case of males, some anatomic abnormality within the urinary tract. Although, it is less common in males, it is certainly one thing to keep in mind. Other symptoms of a UTI include going to the bathroom to pee frequently, a feeling of "always having to go to the bathroom", belly pain, vomiting, and fever.
TeenHealthFX recommends that you visit your doctor so that appropriate tests can be done to evaluate what is going on and provide you with treatment. If you do not have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health for an appointment at 973.971.6475. Outside of this area, call your local teen health clinic.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The highest Chlamydia rates occurred among women ages 15 to 19 and 20 to 24.
