A Cyst or an STD Bump? -For Males

Cyst; a membranous sac or cavity of abnormal character in the body, containing fluid.

Sex Education is coherently dismissed in Pakistan and the adults make absolutely sure that any problems regarding the genital of their children remain well hidden from any family members, even their own brother and sisters. Due to this it is quite common for diseases to spread and develop because the children do not have the sufficient knowledge to diagnose that something is wrong with them and that they need to go to a doctor.

Cysts usually don’t appear on the penis, but it is possible. In many cases, penile cysts won’t cause any pain or discomfort. The issue is STD related bumps which need to be cured as soon as possible.

Tip for identification

If you develop an unexpected bump or lesion (ulcer) on your penis, make an appointment with your doctor.

Cysts

Cysts are bumps that feel firm or hard to the touch. They also have the following characteristics:

• same color as your skin or slightly discolored
• same texture as the surrounding skin
• no pain when touched, but may feel tender or sensitive
• rarely change size or shape, but may grow slightly over time
• If a cyst bursts, the area may become sore, inflamed, or infected.

If an infection occurs, the area will be extremely sore. You may also develop a high fever and feel fatigued.

STD-related bumps

Cyst-like bumps are a common symptom of genital herpes and HPV.

The main differences between cysts and STD-related bumps include:

• How many bumps there are. Cysts are larger and appear alone. Bumps associated with herpes and other STDs often appear in clusters of small bumps.
• How they change over time. Cysts may never change in size, but some grow over time. Bumps from STDs may come and go periodically, bringing pain and other symptoms.
• How they feel to the touch. Cysts are often hard and don’t cause pain when touched. Bumps from STDs are much softer and may burst or cause pain when you touch them.

In addition to bumps, STD symptoms may include:

• unexplained itchiness in your genital area
• cloudy, white, or yellow discharge
• smelly discharge
• pain or discomfort while urinating or having sex
• swollen penis or testicles
• swollen lymph nodes
• fever
• sore throat
• fatigue

How are cysts and cyst-like bumps diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to diagnose a cyst simply by looking at it. They may also take a sample of tissue from the cyst (biopsy) and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This can confirm the diagnosis and make sure the cyst isn’t harmful or cancerous.

If your doctor suspects that you have an STD, they may recommend:

• Blood tests. Your blood will be drawn and analyzed for high antibody levels that indicate an STD.
• Urine tests. You’ll pee into a sample container, and the urine will be sent to a lab for STD analysis.
• Swab tests. You or your doctor swab the inside of your penis for a fluid sample, which will be sent to a lab for STD analysis.

Is treatment necessary?

Most penis cysts are harmless and don’t need treatment. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, you should:

• Keep the area clean with warm water and antibacterial soap.
• Apply a warm, wet washcloth to the area for about 25 minutes, three to four times a day. This well help the cyst drain.
• Cover the cyst with a bandage if it starts leaking fluid. Change the bandage every day.
• You shouldn’t ever try to pop a cyst. This can cause the cyst tissue to get infected. If an infection develops, you may develop a high fever and feel fatigued.

See your doctor if you suspect infection. They’ll prescribe antibiotics, such as cloxacillin (Cloxapen) or cephalexin (Keflex) to help ease your symptoms.

Does the cyst need to be removed?

Surgical removal usually isn’t necessary, but it’s an option. Some people choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons. Cyst removal surgery is a quick outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t have to stay overnight in a hospital.

Depending on the size of the cyst, removal can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a full hour. You can usually go home a few hours after surgery.

Your penis skin is thin, so you’ll probably have a small scar.

The bottom line

Penile cysts are generally harmless, but it’s important to see your doctor for diagnosis. They can make sure that the bump isn’t the result of an underlying condition and advise you on any next steps. It’s possible, but not common, to develop more cysts depending on your health and underlying conditions. Your doctor will be able to provide you with more information about your individual outlook.

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/cyst-on-penis#takeaway

I was shocked. I didn’t know anything about the cyst. He never mentioned it and I never really noticed it ~  John Panciocco