Sensitivity of the penis is natural but sometimes it can become a problem that negatively affects an individual’s sex life. If the penis becomes too sensitive it can increase ejaculation times and even lead to sexual dysfunction like premature ejaculation.
Symptoms of penile sensitivity include tingling or pain in the glans area. There are a few things that can cause this including injury, certain medications, and mental factors.
Circumcision
While many people assume that circumcision makes the penis less sensitive, this is not true. A study by Jennifer Bossio and others found that circumcised men can still feel a wide range of sensations, including touch and warmth. However, the glans (head) of their penises are less sensitive than they were with foreskin because of friction and the fact that the foreskin protects the glans from irritation and infections.
Some men, even grown men, undergo circumcision as an adult to treat phimosis or other conditions, such as balanitis or Peyronie’s disease. However, it is important to discuss all the pros and cons of adult circumcision with your doctor. If you have been uncircumcised and are experiencing extreme sensitivity to your penis, talk to your doctor about whether circumcision is the right choice for you. Many hygienic reasons exist to have the procedure done later in life, and circumcision does not affect sexual pleasure in most cases. In addition, if you had phimosis or other conditions that caused pain and sensitivity before circumcision, these typically resolve after the procedure.
Phimosis
Having a sensitive penis is normal and contributes to sexual arousal and the build-up to orgasm. However, if it becomes overly sensitive it may negatively impact your sexual experience and reduce the satisfaction you get from physical contact. This is especially true during intimate moments with your partner.
Circumcision, while not a direct cause of penile hypersensitivity, can make it difficult to retract the foreskin when you’re flaccid or erect. This can also lead to a condition called phimosis, which causes difficulty with urinating and sexual intercourse.
Phimosis is a condition that results in the foreskin being stuck behind the glans. This can be either physiologic, which is common in younger boys, or pathologic, which occurs due to balanitis xerotica obliterans, a cicatrizing skin disease histologically identical to lichen sclerosis.
Men who suffer from phimosis or glans sensitivity should talk to their doctor to ensure that there is no underlying medical issue that needs immediate treatment. They should also be open and honest with their partners about the problem to help alleviate any stress or anxiety that could be contributing to their discomfort.
Hormones
Some level of sensitivity to the head of the penis is normal and necessary for arousal, erectile function, and sexual enjoyment. But some people have a hypersensitive penis that can cause them distress or interfere with their quality of life. This sensitivity may lead to premature ejaculation (PE), which can make it difficult or painful to have sex and can be frustrating for both partners.
Some medications and techniques can reduce sensitivity to the head of the penis. Circumcision is a common surgery that can impact sensitivity, with some men reporting numbness in the area after circumcision. Rough masturbation or certain kinds of sex toys can also decrease sensitivity to the head of the penis over time.
Talking to a doctor who specializes in the male reproductive system can help you determine what is causing your PE and develop an appropriate treatment plan. If the problem is mental, cognitive behavior therapy or other forms of talk therapy can help you address the issue and learn tools to manage the psychological effects of PE. Medications such as SSRIs are also an option, though some of them can increase a person’s risk of erectile dysfunction over time.
Medications
While it may be tempting to blame penile sensitivity on the effects of aging, there are a number of other medical issues that can contribute. Medications that affect a person’s nerve endings, such as SSRI antidepressants (which are designed to treat depression) can cause decreased sensitivity in the penis and decrease the ability to experience sexual stimulation or orgasm.
Penile numbness can also occur when a man sits for long periods of time, especially in an office chair or on a bicycle saddle. This can be a result of the lack of blood flow to the penis and the area around it, or a side effect of certain medications such as painkillers or steroids.
Medications that are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as PDE5 inhibitors (like sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil) can actually decrease penile sensitivity. This is a side effect that most men don’t expect from these drugs, which makes it all the more frustrating when they find themselves unable to orgasm during sexual activity. Fortunately, there are ways to treat this problem and get back to normal.
Lifestyle
The head of the penis is filled with nerves and, when it’s sensitive, sexual pleasure can be more enjoyable. However, some conditions can make the head of the penis feel numb or less receptive to stimulation, decreasing sexual arousal. A loss of sensitivity can be annoying and frustrating but it’s important to see a healthcare provider if this occurs to ensure that a medical problem or side effect from medication isn’t the cause.
Excessive masturbation can also reduce a person’s penile sensitivity. This is because constant rubbing and touching can make the penis less responsive to stimulation. If a man is losing sensitivity to their penis and it’s impacting his sex life, he should talk to a doctor about changing his idiosyncratic masturbation techniques or even trying some climax control condoms that decrease sensation with a topical anesthetic.
A person’s penis sensitivity can vary and, while some loss of sensitivity is normal, too much can be problematic and lead to problems like premature ejaculation. If a person’s penile sensitivity is impacting their relationship they should speak to their doctor about ways to improve sensitivity.