Changes in the genitals are always shocking, especially when we're not sure what caused the change. When it comes to noticing that your penis has become a different, darker shade of colour, you may be worried that it's the result of a medical condition. However, there are a couple of common causes that you should consider before panicking.

Before beginning this article, be aware that nothing you read online is an adequate substitution for medical care. If your penis has turned purple, blue, or is showing signs of unexplained bruising or blood, please see your doctor or visit an emergency room.

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What is a Purple Penis?

A purple penis is a penis with a discolouration that is somewhere between red and blue. The hue is dark enough that it is noticeable but not dark enough to be mistaken for a bruise. Some men report that the colour changes after sexual activity, but that's not always the case.

The purple colour could be caused by a multitude of reasons from bruising to an allergic reaction, both of which should be examined by a doctor.

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Purple Penis Causes

The most common causes of a purple penis are bruising or an allergic reaction, but there are other causes we'll overview that may be the cause of the discolouration of your penis.

1. Bruising

Bruises are common and can be caused by a number of reasons. Bruises can be caused by pinching, striking, or bumping into something. Bruises can also be caused by constricting clothing, such as jeans, or activities like running, biking, or sports that can cause trauma to the penis.

Physically, bruises are burst blood vessels that leak blood into your tissue, causing the tissue to appear purple, blue, or black. The bruises that you get anywhere else on your body, you can also get on your penis. Penile bruising can occur with sex, but this is typically rare.

2. An Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can be caused by a number of things, including medications and even spermicides. If you have a rash, swelling, or any other skin discolouration that appears after you've been using a new medication or spermicide, an allergic reaction should be considered.

Pay attention to medications that you've recently added to your regime. If you start using a new medication, and then your penis starts changing colours, you may want to stop using the medication. However, you should never stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor about it first.

3. A Blood Spot

Blood spots are typically not a cause for concern, but you may want to see your doctor to rule out a larger issue. Blood spots are typically caused by trauma, such as a punch or a pinching injury. They can also be caused by an STI, such as herpes, or a foreign object in the urethra.

If you have a blood spot on your penis, you should have it checked out. This is especially true if the blood spot is larger or if it's accompanied by a rash or other symptoms. Blood spots are typically harmless, but you should have them examined, as they can be a sign of something more serious.

4. A Skin Rash

A skin rash is typically caused by irritation or an allergic reaction. A rash on your penis can be caused by something as simple as a tight pair of boxers or underwear, or as severe as an allergic reaction to a medication.

Rashes can also be caused by an STI, such as herpes or syphilis. A skin rash can be itchy, painful, and embarrassing. However, a rash can be easily treated with a trip to your doctor.

Rashes can also be caused by yeast infections, which are characterized by itchiness and a white, often cottage-cheese looking discharge. If you have this type of discharge, you should see your doctor, as this could be a sign of an STI or a yeast infection.

5. An STI

An STI is a sexually transmitted infection. STIs can be caused by gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, or chlamydia. STIs can also be caused by pubic lice or scabies.

If you have an STI, you may experience pain, swelling, itchiness, and/or a discharge. You may also have a rash or unusual coloured spotting. If you have any of these symptoms, you should get tested.

Be on the lookout for symptoms like bumps, blisters, rashes, or open sores. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to go see your doctor.

If you have a discharge, you should go see your doctor to rule out an STI. A discharge can be a sign of a yeast infection, which is typically not an STI. However, a discharge can also be a sign of an STI, so you should get tested to make sure you don't have something.

Some STIs can be spread to your partner even if you don't have symptoms. If you're sexually active, you should go get tested regularly.

When Should You See Your Doctor?

If you notice any discolouration on your penis, you should go see your doctor. You should not try to diagnose the discolouration yourself. If the discolouration is accompanied by a rash, bumps, or blisters, you should see your doctor right away and request an STD/STI screening.

If you have unexplained bruising, tenderness, or pain, you should see your doctor, as these are sometimes signs of a more serious underlying condition, such as Peyronie's disease.

Conclusion

A purple penis is not a serious condition on its own and is typically caused by physical trauma to the area surrounding the penis. If you notice any discolouration on your penis, you should see your doctor in order to rule out STDs or STIs.

You should always see your doctor when you have any unexplained health changes, especially when it comes to your genitals. It's best to get a penis discolouration checked out by your doctor just to be safe, so you can be sure that you're not suffering from a more serious condition.

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