Question:

My son will be 8 years old in Oct. When he takes a bath and touches is penis it gets hard and after a while he says it hurts. Is it possible he is close to erection at this age. If not what else could it be? This is the only time he complains of pain in this area.

Answer:

Boys of all ages can experience erections, particularly with a full bladder. Sometimes they perceive the erection as painful, even if there is no physiologic problem. As long as the erection goes down within 30 to 60 minutes, there is no cause for concern.

For more information:

Go to the Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children) health topic.