Penis head contains several ends of the nerves which make it very sensitive. However, a penis can be too sensitive, which can have an effect on both sexual and daily activities.
It takes some degree of penile sensitivity to arouse and get an erection. But hypersensitive penis can lead to pain and discomfort.
There are several reasons why a person’s penis can feel excessively sensitive and several options are available to manage this common condition.
This article addresses potential reasons for sensitivity to the penis, treatment options and tips on prevention.
Causes
Some possible causes of a fragile penis may include:
Phimosis and paraphimosis
Phimosis is a disorder arising when the foreskin can not completely draw back from around the tip of the penis. Because of that, extra friction will make the penis very responsive and painful.
Some people can suffer paraphimosis, as well. This is when a person removes the foreskin behind the penis head, and it gets stuck. This may cause pain and swelling.
Tight foreskin common causes can include inflammation, trauma, or infection.
Balanitis
Balanitis is Penis Head Inflammation. It is relatively normal, affecting approximately 3–11 percent of males in their lifetime, and is typically not a cause of concern. However, getting a correct diagnosis from a doctor is important.
Infection, skin disease or irritation may be common causes.
Urinary tract infections
Also, Urinary tract infections (UTI) may cause pain or a sensitive penis. The pain or discomfort may be worse because of inflammation in the urethra when the person is urinating or ejaculating. UTIs are usually rare in circumcised males according to an article published in 2020.
Some research states that inflammation in the urethra can also be caused in males by restrictions in the flow to the urethra, for example from an inflamed prostate. Doctors would want to evaluate each case thoroughly in order to make confident they can find the root cause.
Injury
Penis fractures and inflammation may also be causing discomfort. This may involve raw sex or masturbation injuries, sport injuries or other traumas.
Other symptoms, such as inflammation, redness and swelling, can cause injuries. Direct trauma may cause bruise, and some people can find urination or erection difficult to get.
In some cases, injuries can cause decreased sensitivity or a tingling sensation in the penis. The symptoms may go away as the injury heals, though in severe cases symptoms can last longer.
How penis sensitivity is impaired by circumcision
If there is a disparity in sensitivity between circumcised and uncircumcised penises has been discussed. A research from 2016 shows there is no disparity in sensitivity to the penile.
If a person is uncircumcised and sometimes experiences a sensitive penis, they may talk about circumcision with their doctor. If the sensitivity is due to the foreskin, it can help avoid future sensitivity by circumcising.
However in older children and grown men, the operation can cause discomfort. Thus, prior to continuing, a person should discuss all risks and benefits with their doctor.
Premature ejaculation
There may be a correlation between premature ejaculation (PE) people and penile hypersensitivity.
Although many people are humiliated by premature ejaculation, it is a common disorder to be ashamed of, and nothing. A research conducted in Scientific Journals states that it is the most common sexual disorder , affecting approximately 20–30 percent of males.
Several factors may cause premature ejaculation, such as genetics, increased sensitivity of the nerves and nerve transmission disorders.
In people who later experienced premature ejaculation in life, the problem could arise from a variety of psychological problems , such as anxiety over stress , depression, and sexual performance.
Physical conditions may also occasionally cause premature ejaculation, such as:
- inflammation in the prostate
- hyperthyroidism
- hypothyroidism
- using recreational drugs
After becoming sexually active some people may experience premature ejaculation. This may be attributed to increased sensitivity to the penile, traumatic sexual encounters, a strict childhood, or rapid ejaculation conditioning.
Treatments
Treatment for sensitive penis would be entirely dependent on the underlying cause.
Simple causes, such as infections, to clear the infection may require antibiotics, antifungals, or antiprotozoa. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service ( NHS) is emphasizing the importance of keeping the penis clean by regularly washing it with warm water.
Doctors can prescribe steroid creams in case of phimosis and paraphimosis to help stretch the foreskin beyond the head of the penis. In some cases, to expand the foreskin and prevent discomfort and pain, a doctor may make an incision known as a ‘dorsal slit’.
Injury sensitivity may diminish as the injury heals, but in some cases the individual may require further care.
According to the Urology Care Foundation, people with premature ejaculation may use desensitizing sprays, lubrications, or ointments to reduce the sensitivity in their penis for sexual play.
This can help to delay ejaculation and decrease penile sensitivity. The results are reversible, and the medication will need to be re-applied.
People who are dealing with persistent sensitivity will want to explore methods of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This can help a person work through mental blocks around sex or even build routines to control the hypersensitivity effects.
In more difficult instances of premature ejaculation, some doctors may recommend using off-label serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs), which are oral antidepressants, as a low dose.
A study published in the International Brazilian Journal of Urology reports that many of the most available SSRI drugs treat premature ejaculation effectively with no serious complications.
Prevention
While avoiding all causes of a sensitive penis may not be possible, certain common practices may be of benefit.
General hygiene and sexual activity with a condom can help prevent certain types of infection. Wearing a protective cup can help protect against injury during athletic activities.
Those with phimosis should avoid pulling back too far into the foreskin to cause discomfort and pain. Never push the foreskin past the penis tip, because it can get stuck.
Discussing with a partner about penile sensitivity
If intimacy is compromised by penile sensitivity or premature ejaculation, it is necessary to address that with a partner. When talking about it be positive and straightforward and emphasize that it is a health issue and not a personal problem.
There are ways of tackling the problem together. This can include, for example, handling the foreplay differently or seeking other ways of being intimate.
Some people may benefit from counseling couples or experimenting with products of premature ejaculation, such as creams, sprays or condoms.
When to see a doctor
When anyone is anxious about their sensitivity to the penile, they should see a doctor.
No immediate cause for concern is vulnerability that triggers overstimulation and premature ejaculation. Yet seeing a doctor will provide treatment options.
The individual with phimosis, paraphimosis or a penile infection should see their doctor for treatment discussion.
Summary
In some cases a sensitive penis is common, and some people may be more sensitive to pressure and excitement on their penis. Other times, vulnerability may be due to an underlying problem.
Sensitivity itself can also cause problems, and can reduce the sexual pleasure of a person. In each case consulting with a doctor will help in finding a successful treatment for the underlying cause of the sensitive penis.
