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What Causes Vascular Spasms In The Penis During Hot Showers?

Posted on Tue, 13 Sep 2016

Question: Hello. I have a urology-circulation question. I attempted to discuss this with my GP who has simply said that "it doesn't sound normal." For the last 6-7 months, my penis glans has exhibited signs of cyanosis. It is often bluish, particularly around the crown. I realize that this is normal, but it is totally new to me. Perhaps more strange are what appear to be vascular spasms when I take a hot shower. The penis glans will turn largely blue, but return to its more reddish, blue-reddish colour after drying off. I have never seen that before. This all began after my inguinal hernia operation (which was relatively painless and successful, except for some soreness now and then). It could be a coincidence. Erections are seldom if ever full. At first I attributed this to getting less sleep than normal. I have been getting Raynaud's and acrocyanosis sometimes in my fingers since moving to a cold climate 4-5 years ago (diagnosed as "idiopathic"). But the symptoms in my genitals are only since XXXXXXX 2015. Several weeks ago, a small purple hematoma formed around the crown of my glans. By the time I went to a clinic two days later, it was gone. Do you have any insight? I'm completely in the dark. I've used this service once before, I thought I'd try it again.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is no cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Sir

First and foremost let me reassure you that there seems to be no cause for concern. It is definitely unrelated to hernia surgery you have undergone.

Having reassured you , Let me explain you the cause of your symptoms. As you mentioned you have moved to cold region . When the penis gets exposed to extreme of temperature : Hot shower followed by cold exposure to weather : This is associated with slowing of blood in the Glans Penis due to cold , leading to slight dusky or bluish hue to glans Penis( Penis consist of erectile tissue which is very vascular , erectile tissue is nothing both blood filled spaces similar to sponge imbibing water and retaining it which causes erection ). Exposure to lead leads to stagnation of blood in erectile tissue , causing it to be partially deoxygenated and causing bluish discolouration .

Avoid using excessive hot water while shower and appropriately covering the penis with clothing after shower will be helpful.
If you are non diabetic , there is nothing to be worried about erection, main cause is likely to be Psychological stress.

DO get back to me if you need any further assistance , will be glad to assist you .

Do keep me posted

Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life

Take Care

Best regards
Dr Shobha Deepak

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj