Sensitivity to your penis is normal. But it’s also possible for a penis to be too sensitive. An overly sensitive penis can affect your sexual life. It can also have an impact on everyday activities not related to sexual activities.
For some people, penis sensitivity can lead to premature ejaculation. For others, the penis may be so sensitive that any type of touching or contact is uncomfortable.
Not every penis is equally sensitive. And different parts of the penis have different levels of sensitivity. Your penis may also become less sensitive as you get older.
What can cause penis sensitivity?
Penis sensitivity may be caused by an underlying health conditions which, in many cases, may be treatable. Some possible causes may include:
- Phimosis. This condition can occur in uncircumcised men. In people with this condition, the foreskin is too tight and cannot be pulled back from the head of the penis.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI can also lead to penile pain, especially when urinating or ejaculating. UTI is a temporary condition that can be treated with antibiotics.
- Trauma to the penis. This refers to an injury to the penis. You may injure your penis from rough sex, an injury during a contact sport, or falling, among other things. Complications from penis trauma may be temporary or permanent.
Can circumcision affect penis sensitivity?
There has been some debate in the medical community about how circumcision might affect penis sensitivity.
The foreskin is especially sensitive. That’s led some people to believe that uncircumcised men may experience more penis sensitivity than men who have been circumcised. But results from recent research have not shown that circumcision affects penis sensitivity.
If you’re uncircumcised and experiencing extreme sensitivity to your penis, talk to your doctor about whether circumcision is right for you. This procedure can be extremely painful in older children and grown men.
Is premature ejaculation a sign of penis sensitivity?
Penis sensitivity is a common cause of premature ejaculation (PE). PE affects about 30 percent of men. You may be diagnosed with PE if, during sex where you penetrate your partner, you regularly ejaculate less than a minute after penetration.
Premature ejaculation and psychological factors
PE is not always caused by hypersensitivity to the penis. Mood disorders and other psychological challenges can also affect relationships and sexual function.
Some common psychological contributors to PE may include:
- prior sexual abuse
- early sexual experiences
- depression
- anxiety
- poor body image
- guilty feelings associated with sexual activities or about being with your chosen partner
- worry about premature ejaculation
How to manage a sensitive penis
Topical ointments or sprays that reduce sensitivity can often be used safely on the penis. These may help to reduce the risk and occurrence of premature ejaculation.
Numbing sprays and other products usually contain anesthetic medications, such as lidocaine. These medications have a temporary numbing effect on the skin.
They work by slowing the response of the nerves so you can delay ejaculation. There are both prescription and over-the-counter versions of these medications available.
Oral antidepressants, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also help. SSRIs block the effects serotonin have on ejaculation. Prescribing these antidepressants to treat premature ejaculation is considered an “off-label” use.
Discuss with your doctor whether SSRIs might be an option with you. If so, consider starting with a low dose of these powerful medications. Stronger SSRIs can lead to erectile dysfunction and other side effects over time.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or other forms of talk therapy may help you understand your situation more clearly. Therapy can also help you to develop tools to manage psychological effects of penile hypersensitivity.
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