When a person loses some or all of the feeling in their penis, it has become numb.
The penis contains many nerve endings, and it is usually very sensitive. Numbness can occur when a person sits in a certain position for a long time. It can also result from low testosterone levels, another health issue, or an injury.
People should see their doctor if their penis or testicles have become numb for no apparent reason.
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By Jeannette Bouchard, PharmD Published December 29, 2020 Current as of December 28, 2020 DISCLAIMER: This presentation is posted on behalf of the ...
In this article, we look at what can cause numbness in the penis and how to regain sensitivity.
Share on Pinterest Symptoms of a numb penis can range from feeling very little stimulation to feeling nothing at all.
The penis has become numb when a person cannot feel sensations that they usually would, including feelings of touch or stimulation.
Symptoms of numbness can vary from person to person. For some, it feels similar to an arm or leg falling asleep. Others may feel as though the circulation to the area has been cut off.
Some people with numbness report feeling very little stimulation, while others feel nothing, even from heavy stimulation.
Other symptoms can accompany numbness, depending on the underlying cause. These symptoms can include:
- a loss of sensation in the testicles, perineum, or the skin around the penis
- a burning or tingling, needle-like feeling
- coldness in the penis or testicles
- blue or purplish skin
A number of issues can lead to a loss of sensation, and some activities and lifestyle factors can increase the risk.
The following can cause numbness in the penis:
Injury
An injury on or around the penis can cause it to become numb. This can result from damage to certain nerves or blood vessels.
Usually, sensitivity will return in time. If it does not, speak to a doctor.
The following can lead to pressure or injury to the penis or groin area:
Riding a bicycle. The bumps and friction of the road can injure the perineum, testicles, and penis. Cycling can also place pressure on the groin and temporarily restrict nerves or blood vessels, leading to penile numbness.
Sitting for too long. Sitting on uncomfortable or unpadded chairs for long periods can put enough pressure on the penis or perineum to result in injury. The perineum should not support the weight of the body.
General irritation. Soaps and other hygiene products are more likely to irritate the sensitive skin on and around the penis. Using gentle, hypoallergenic soaps can help.
Friction from tight clothes. Tight or rough underwear can irritate the penis, causing an itchy or tingling sensation. This kind of clothing can also cause redness, especially around the tip of the penis.
Sex- or masturbation-related injury
During sexual activity, the erect penis is not flexible. This rigidity can put the penis at risk for fracture or bruising, which can cause pain, irritation, numbness, and changes in color.
Vigorous or excessive friction from masturbation and other types of sexual activity can also cause injury that leads to numbness. If a person notices a reduction in sensitivity, it may help to cut back or try different forms of masturbation.
Damage can also result from using a pump, which sucks blood into the penis to achieve an erection. Numbness, bruising, cuts, and red or purple spots called petechiae may appear on the skin.
Penis rings can help some people with erectile dysfunction, but overuse can lead to bruising and other types of damage.
Low testosterone
Testosterone is an important hormone with wide-ranging effects, including a role in regulating muscle mass and sex drive. After puberty, testosterone levels gradually decline, and many older adults have low levels.
However, low testosterone can also affect younger people.
When testosterone levels drop, a person may notice a reduction in pleasure from sexual activity. As a result, they may mistakenly believe that their penis is numb.
Low testosterone can lead to numbness, but usually not when it comes to pain, so a person would still feel it if the penis or scrotum were pinched, for example.
Other symptoms of low testosterone can include changes in mood, sex drive, and energy levels.
Nerve problems
Problems with the nerves in the area can cause numbness in the penis, testicles, and perineum.
A number of health issues can affect the nerves and result in numbness. An individual may experience this numbness in the lower body and groin area.
Some of these issues include:
- diabetes
- lupus
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- cancer and its treatment
- vascular disease
Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease is a less common cause of penile numbness.
A buildup of scar tissue, called plaque, within the penis characterizes this disease. The scar tissue can be less sensitive than regular penile tissue, and some people experience desensitization or numbness.
Prostate cancer
The prostate plays an important role in the reproductive system. It produces the fluid that carries sperm and helps to push out the fluid during ejaculation.
Damage to the prostate, from a tumor, for example, can lead to numbness, tingling, and other changes in the penis.
Also, a person may urinate more frequently than usual or have trouble urinating, among other symptoms.
Monday, December 28, 2020