24 Ways To Increase Penis Sensitivity: Tips, Techniques, And More

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Sexual Health

What Can Affect Penile Sensitivity and How to Increase It

Medically reviewed by Ketan Patel, MD — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on August 4, 2025

Masturbation and sex
Lifestyle
Testosterone
Medication
Mental health
Other considerations
Partner considerations
Takeaway

Several things can cause a decrease in penile sensation, from the way you masturbate to lifestyle habits, hormone imbalances, and taking certain medications.

Penis sensitivity refers to how responsive the nerves in your penis are to sexual stimulation, which could be physical, psychological, or hormonal.

For many people, the ability to get and maintain an erection largely depends on sensitivity, so decreased sensitivity may lead to more difficulty getting an erection. This could also impact a person’s sexual pleasure and satisfaction.

Read on to understand what you may be able to do to bring that sensitivity back.

Quick distinction: Less sensation vs. numbness

There’s a big difference between less sensation and numbness.

Having less sensation means you don’t feel as much sensation — such as coldness, heat, or tickling — in your penis as you did before.

A numb penis, on the other hand, is when you can’t feel any sensation when your penis is touched.

Masturbation and sexual techniques

The way you masturbate may lead to decreased sensitivity.

A 2023 study found that certain masturbation techniques were associated with erectile dysfunction, including:

rubbing the penis in a prone position (lying face down)
masturbating through clothing
applying pressure on the penis during masturbation

The researchers noted that these people also experienced more penile hardness during masturbation than when engaging in sexual activity with partners.

Another possible cause is masturbating using a tight grip or a specific technique that you enjoy. Over time, you may become desensitized to other types of pleasure. Some people call this “death grip syndrome.”

When this happens, ejaculating or even getting any pleasure without the exact move or pressure becomes difficult.

If you’re very sensitive when you masturbate but find that partner sex is where the sensation is lacking, there may be a few contributing factors.

For instance, wearing a thick external condom, using too much lube (natural wetness or synthetic), or having a thin or smaller-than-average penis could result in less friction and, ultimately, less sensation during intercourse.

What can you do to help address this?

Switching up your masturbation technique may help you recondition your sensitivity.

Depending on how you’re used to masturbating, this might mean loosening your grip, stroking at a slower pace, or both. You could also try using a sex toy made for penis play to have external stimuli instead of clothing.

If intercourse is the issue, some positions make for a tighter fit and therefore more friction. Tweaking any position so your partner can keep their legs tight together during sex should work.

What’s more, if anal sex is what you’re both into, the anus is by nature a tighter squeeze. Just be sure to use lube to help prevent injury.

If it’s related to your lifestyle

Certain lifestyle habits can also be related to less penis sensitivity.

For instance, research suggests that people who regularly ride their bicycles may have an increased risk of erectile dysfunction and loss of penile sensitivity.

Bicycle seats put pressure on the perineum, the space between your scrotum and anus. It presses on blood vessels and nerves that provide feeling to the penis. Sitting in a hard or uncomfortable chair for long periods may do the same.

Frequent masturbation may also lead to a loss of penile sensation due to repetitive friction. Having calloused hands or using material, such as clothing, can further increase the friction and lead to decreased sensitivity.

Lastly, wearing underwear that is too tight may affect penis sensitivity.

What can you do to help address this?

Masturbation is a normal, healthy habit.

However, if you find that masturbating frequently is affecting your penis sensitivity, then taking a break for several days could let the skin heal. If you feel the urge to masturbate, consider exercising to help expend some energy.

If masturbating is a compulsive behavior that you find difficult to manage, connect with a therapist. They can help you better identify, understand, and manage behaviors and emotions related to compulsive masturbation.

If you sit or bicycle for long periods, take regular breaks. Consider swapping out your bike seat or usual chair for something more comfortable, or try a different type of activity like running, swimming, or hiking.

If it’s related to your testosterone levels

Testosterone is a male sex hormone responsible for libido (sex drive), sperm production, and other sexual functions.

If your testosterone levels drop below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), you might feel less responsive to sexual stimulation and have more difficulty getting and maintaining an erection.

Testosterone levels decrease as you age, but many other factors may cause low testosterone, including:

damage to your testicles
cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and testicle removal
having obesity, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, cholesterol, or sugar levels
having an autoimmune disorder

What can you do to help address this?

A doctor can diagnose low testosterone with a blood test. Treatment may include a combination of lifestyle changes and medications, including:

exercising regularly
maintaining a healthy-for-you weight
eating a balanced diet
getting enough high quality sleep
taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

»Learn more:How to treat low testosterone levels

If it’s related to an underlying condition or medication

Certain medical conditions and medications can affect sensation in the penis.

For instance, diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage nerves and affect sensation in different body parts, including the perineal nerve, which is in the perineum.

The medication Eldepryl (selegiline), which used to be prescribed to manage Parkinson’s disease, may also reduce penile sensation as a side effect. However, Eldepryl is discontinued, so it’s no longer prescribed.

Selegiline is prescribed under different brand names like Emsam and Zelapar, but they don’t list penile desensitization as a side effect.

Still, it’s best to speak with a doctor about medications that may affect the sensitivity of your penis.

What can you do to help address this?

Following your treatment plan to ensure you’re managing an underlying condition is the best way to help increase penile sensitivity.

If you think medication is the culprit, speak with a doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or change your medication.

Can medication help increase penile sensitivity?

No medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specifically increasing the sensitivity of your penis.

However, a 2023 study found that taking 5 milligrams (mg) of tadalafil daily for 12 weeks helped increase penile sensitivity in people with erectile dysfunction.

If lifestyle and dietary changes haven’t helped increase your penile sensitivity, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about whether tadalafil may be an option for you.

If it’s related to your mental health

Psychological and emotional factors may also contribute to erectile dysfunction and decreased penile sensitivity.

For instance, anxiety, stress, and depression could make it more difficult to become aroused. And even if you really want to get sexually involved, your penis may not be as receptive.

What can you do to help address this?

It depends on what the underlying mental health cause is.

Taking some time to unwind before sexual activity may help if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. This may include taking a hot bath or shower to help your mind and muscles relax. Warm water also increases circulation, which may increase sensitivity and make your skin more responsive to touch.

Other stress-management techniques include trying yoga, meditating, exercising, and writing in a journal.

If you’re managing chronic stress, anxiety, or depression, consider reaching out for support to a friend, loved one, or a licensed therapist.

»FIND CARE:Find a mental health specialist in your area today.

Things to keep in mind if you’re affected

If you’re experiencing decreased penile sensitivity, remember that in many cases it’s not permanent, and it could be improved with lifestyle and dietary changes.

Try to go easy on yourself, both physically and mentally. Decreased sensitivity and erectile dysfunction may cause feelings of anxiety, stress, and lower self-esteem, but these feelings can also impact penile sensitivity and function.

Give yourself time to relax and get in the mood before play, and permission to stop and try another time if you’re not feeling it.

Penis health and sexual health are just as important as other aspects of your health. If there’s something going on with your penis or your ability to enjoy sexual activity, a healthcare professional can help.

Things to keep in mind if your partner is affected

If your partner is experiencing decreased sensitivity, try not to take it personally.

You may wish to blame yourself if they cannot get or maintain an erection, but if it’s due to decreased sensitivity, it’s not your fault. Unless you’ve damaged their penis, lessened penile sensitivity may be due to a wide range of causes unrelated to you.

This may be frustrating for you, but try to consider how your partner might feel. The decreased sensitivity may be causing them feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem, and these can make it even more difficult to get and maintain an erection.

Open and honest communication is key to a healthy sexual relationship. If you notice they’re having more difficulty getting aroused, or it’s troubling you, speak with them and listen to each other.

You can consider asking them questions like:

Do you need a little time to relax before action moves to the penis?
Do you want more foreplay that focuses on other pleasure spots?
Do you want to stop altogether?

Creating a safe and comfortable environment can help strengthen the relationship and improve sexual activity.

»More on this:How to help your partner with erectile dysfunction

The bottom line

If you’re experiencing decreased penis sensitivity, your lifestyle and pleasure routine — solo or partnered — may provide some clues.

If not, consider speaking with a doctor or other healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms, perform several tests to determine the underlying causes, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

In the meantime, be patient and kind with yourself, and consider some of your other pleasure zones for satisfaction.

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Aoun F, et al. (2021). Sexual dysfunction due to pudendal neuralgia: A systematic review.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8261452/
Can U, et al. (2023). Traumatic masturbation and erectile dysfunction: A matched case-control study.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37605604/
Eldepryl® (selegiline hydrochloride). (2008).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020647s006s007lbl.pdf
EMSAM® (selegiline transdermal system). (2014).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021336s005s010,021708s000lbl.pdf
Kennedy CE, et al. (2022). Lubricants for the promotion of sexual health and well-being: A systematic review.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8942543/
Leslie SW, et al. (2024). Erectile dysfunction.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/
Leslie SW, et al. (2024). Pudendal neuralgia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562246/
Mulhall JP, et al. (2024). Evaluation and management of testosterone deficiency (2024).https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/testosterone-deficiency-guideline
Nguyen V, et al. (2023). Male delayed orgasm and anorgasmia: A practical guide for sexual medicine providers.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11035123/
Tas S, et al. (2023). Does the daily dose of tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction increase penile sensitivity?https://jurolsurgery.org/articles/does-the-daily-dose-of-tadalafil-for-the-treatment-of-erectile-dysfunction-increase-penile-sensation/jus.galenos.2022.2022.0042
Vasan SS, et al. (2025). Association of sexual health and mental health in erectile dysfunction: Expert opinion from the Indian context.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11845324/
What is low testosterone? (n.d.).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone
ZELAPAR® (selegiline hydrochloride) orally disintegrating tablets. (2021).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/021479s010lbl.pdf

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Medically reviewed by Ketan Patel, MD — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on August 4, 2025

24 Ways To Increase Penis Sensitivity: Tips, Techniques, And More

Sexual Health

Quick distinction: Less sensation vs. numbness

Masturbation and sexual techniques

What can you do to help address this?

If it’s related to your lifestyle

What can you do to help address this?

If it’s related to your testosterone levels

What can you do to help address this?

If it’s related to an underlying condition or medication

What can you do to help address this?

Can medication help increase penile sensitivity?

If it’s related to your mental health

What can you do to help address this?

Things to keep in mind if you’re affected

Things to keep in mind if your partner is affected

The bottom line

How we reviewed this article:

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