Numb Penis: Causes, Symptoms, And How To Regain Sensitivity

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhy has my penis gone numb?

Medically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD FACS — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on August 19, 2024

Symptoms
Causes
Treatments
FAQ
Summary

A person may experience numbness or tingling in their penis when sitting in a certain position for a long time. It can also result from an injury, penile neuropathy, or another condition.

The penis has become numb when a person cannot feel sensations that they usually would, including feelings of touch or stimulation.

Various steps can help a person get sensation back. People should contact their doctor if their penis or testicles have become numb. The doctor can determine the underlying cause and advise on suitable treatments.

This article looks at what numbness feels like, what can cause numbness in the penis, and how to regain sensitivity.

What are the symptoms of penile numbness?

A person is cycling by the sea. — Compassionate Eye Foundation/David Oxberry/Getty Images

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

What causes penile numbness?

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.

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 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 or skin color changes, 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
changes in skin 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 on 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 may lead to bruising and other types of damage.

Nerve problems

Problems with the nerves in the area can cause numbness in the penis, testicles, and perineum. This is known as penile neuropathy.

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 conditions include:

diabetes
lupus
multiple sclerosis (MS)
cancer and its treatment

Learn more about neuropathic pain.

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, such as from a prostate cancer tumor, can lead to numbness, tingling, and other changes in the penis.

Learn about prostate cancer stages and treatments.

What are the treatments for penile numbness?

When numbness results from injury, numbness may resolve as the injury heals.

When an underlying condition is responsible for the numbness, treating or managing the cause may help to reduce penile numbness.

The following methods may help to alleviate penile numbness.

Changing lifestyle habits

As sitting in certain positions or on hard, uncomfortable furniture can cause numbness, a doctor may recommend:

taking short breaks throughout the day
standing whenever possible
adjusting the sitting position
changing chairs

For cyclists, using a different bicycle seat can help prevent pain and numbness around the groin after long-distance rides.

Altering the angle of the seat can also cause it to absorb more of the shock and pressure from the road.

Medications

A doctor will usually prescribe medication to treat long-term medical conditions, such as diabetes and MS.

A person’s doctor can advise on what medications they recommend based on their individual circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

Can masturbation make a person lose sensation in their penis?

Masturbation can cause a penile fracture, which may lead to a loss of sensation in the penis. Numbness can also happen when using artificial suction devices.

How long can penile numbness last?

How long penile numbness lasts can depend on the underlying cause. If it is due to an injury, then the numbness may go away once the injury heals. However, if numbness occurs due to an underlying condition, then the numbness may not go away until a person receives suitable treatment for the condition.

Is penile numbness reversible?

Penile numbness is usually reversible by addressing the underlying cause. For example, if it is due to nerve damage, then receiving treatment for the condition causing the nerve damage can help reverse numbness.

If numbness does not go away, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a doctor so that a person can receive the right treatment.

Summary

Numbness in the penis often results from an injury to the groin area. A person may sustain such an injury from vigorous sex, a long bike ride, or general irritation.

Resting the penis may provide relief from common injury-induced numbness. If the numbness stems from a chronic condition or nerve disorder, a person may need to address the underlying cause.

It is important to contact a doctor if numbness persists. A person may have to try several techniques or treatments before finding one that works.

Men's Health
Vascular
Neurology / Neuroscience
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today 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.

Freedman M. (2023). Numbness.https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/neurologic-disorders/symptoms-of-neurologic-disorders/numbness
Male genital eczema. (n.d.).https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/male-genital-eczema/
Managing pain in advanced prostate cancer. (2022).https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/advanced-prostate-cancer/managing-pain-in-advanced-prostate-cancer
Penile trauma. (2024).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-trauma
Perineal Injury in Males. (2020).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/perineal-injury-males
Peripheral nerve disorders. (2024).https://medlineplus.gov/peripheralnervedisorders.html
Sex and the prostate: Overcoming erectile dysfunction when you have prostate disease. (2021).https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sex-and-the-prostate-overcoming-erectile-dysfunction-when-you-have-prostate-disease-20090331100
Shenot PJ. (2023). Cutaneous penile lesions.https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/genitourinary-disorders/penile-and-scrotal-disorders/cutaneous-penile-lesions
Tang Z, et al. (2017). Management and outcomes of penile fracture: a retrospective analysis of 62 cases with long-term assessment.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6038166/

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Medically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD FACS — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on August 19, 2024

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Tag » Why Is My Penis Cold

Numb Penis: Causes, Symptoms, And How To Regain Sensitivity

What are the symptoms of penile numbness?

What causes penile numbness?

Injury

Sex- or masturbation-related injury

Nerve problems

Prostate cancer

What are the treatments for penile numbness?

Changing lifestyle habits

Medications

Frequently asked questions

Can masturbation make a person lose sensation in their penis?

How long can penile numbness last?

Is penile numbness reversible?

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

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