It’s common for the glans (the head of the penis) to have a purplish color. This is considered normal in many cases. The glans receives a rich blood supply which gives it a reddish-purple hue. However, in some instances, a very dark or purple glans can be a sign of an underlying health condition. This article will examine the causes of a purple glans, when it may indicate a medical issue, and what to do if the glans appears purple.
Normal Causes of a Purple Glans
Here are some common reasons the glans may take on a purplish coloration:
Genetics
The natural skin tone and blood flow to the glans varies between individuals. Some men simply have a darker purplish glans color based on their genetics. This is considered normal.
Temperature Changes
The glans is very sensitive to temperature changes. In cold temperatures, the blood vessels constrict and the glans appears paler. In warm temperatures, the blood vessels dilate and the glans takes on a darker reddish-purple tone. These color changes are temporary and revert back when the temperature changes.
Sexual Arousal
During sexual arousal, increased blood rushes to the genital area. This causes the glans to swell and become a more pronounced purple color. After arousal subsides, the glans will return to its regular tone.
Minor Bruising
Minor bruises, bumps, or small injuries to the glans can cause temporary purple discoloration as blood collects under the skin. However, this bruising should fade within a few days.
Potential Causes for Concern
In some cases, a purple glans may be a sign of an underlying medical condition requiring treatment. Here are some potential causes for concern:
Balanitis
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans and foreskin. It is often caused by yeast, bacteria or inadequate hygiene. Symptoms include swelling, soreness, discharge and purple discoloration of the glans. Balanitis requires examination and treatment with antifungal or antibiotic medications.
Phimosis
Phimosis refers to tightening of the foreskin, which may cut off proper blood circulation to the glans resulting in a purple tone. Phimosis can often be treated with gentle foreskin stretching exercises. However, circumcision surgery may be required in severe cases.
Trauma
Injury from friction, forceful handling of the genitals or contact sports can damage blood vessels and cause purple bruising of the glans. Seek medical attention for trauma-related discoloration or swelling.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Certain STIs like herpes, syphilis and gonorrhea can provoke inflammation and purple lesions on the glans. STIs require prescription medications and partner treatment.
Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease involves plaque buildup inside the penis leading to painful curvature. The plaque can obstruct healthy blood flow causing purple discoloration of the glans. Peyronie’s is treated with medications or surgery in some cases.
Penile Cancer
While very rare, purple or dark black spots on the glans may potentially reflect penile cancer. Seek immediate medical evaluation for suspicious lesions or growths on the genitals. Catching penile cancer early greatly improves outcomes.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor promptly if the glans appears purple or black and is accompanied by:
– Pain, soreness or swelling
– Itching, discharge or foul odors
– Lumps, lesions or rashes
– Difficulty urinating
– Recent trauma to the genitals
– Changes in texture or thickness of glans skin
Seek emergency care for sudden loss of sensation or blood flow to the penis, which can reflect a medical emergency.
Diagnosing Causes of Purple Glans
To diagnose the cause of purple glans, the doctor will ask about symptoms, perform a physical exam of the genitals, and potentially order testing such as:
| Diagnostic Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| STI testing | Check for infections like herpes, gonorrhea or syphilis |
| Urinalysis | Assess for urinary tract infections |
| Blood tests | Evaluate for underlying conditions impacting blood flow |
| Biopsy | Sample suspicious lesions to test for cancer |
Imaging tests like ultrasounds may also be used to examine blood flow within the penis. For trauma patients, x-rays can check for fractures of the penis.
Treatments for Purple Glans
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause:
Balanitis
– Antifungal creams for yeast infections
– Antibiotic medications for bacterial balanitis
– Steroid creams to reduce inflammation
– Circumcision if balanitis is recurrent
Phimosis
– Gentle foreskin stretching exercises
– Topical steroids to loosen foreskin
– Circumcision surgery if exercises fail
Trauma
– Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication
– Surgery to repair penile fractures or lacerations
STIs
– Antibiotics or antivirals to treat infections
– Partner treatment to prevent reinfection
Peyronie’s Disease
– Medications like pentoxifylline or interferon
– Injections to dissolve plaques
– Surgery such as plaque incision or penile implant
Penile Cancer
– Laser therapy, radiation or surgical removal of lesions
– Partial or total penile amputation if cancer is advanced
Proper treatment can resolve the purple discoloration of the glans and restore healthy penile function.
Improving Penile Health
To keep the glans and penis healthy, men should:
– Practice good hygiene with gentle cleansing and moisturizing
– Use lubricants for friction reduction during sex
– Avoid trauma to the penis
– Wear supportive underwear
– Get regular STI testing if sexually active
– Seek prompt treatment for suspected infections
– Examine skin monthly and report abnormalities
– Stop smoking to improve blood vessel health
With preventive care, the glans can retain its normal pinkish hue and proper function.
Conclusion
In many instances, purple discoloration of the glans penis is normal and nothing to worry about. However, sometimes a dark or purplish glans can reflect an underlying health issue requiring medical care. Seek evaluation if the purplish hue is accompanied by pain, lesions, discharge or urinary problems. Proper diagnosis can pinpoint any infections, circulatory problems or other disorders. Catching penile conditions early improves outcomes. With treatment, the purple glans will usually resolve and regain a healthy appearance.