Penile nerve damage and numbness can be at the heart of many men’s sexual problems. The penis is a very sensitive organ filled with tiny nerves. These nerves are messengers that communicate information from the brain to the different organs of the body. When the nerves get damaged, the information gets disrupted and causes a variety of problems, such as reduced pleasure and loss of sexual function.
What are the Symptoms of Penile Nerve Damage?
The most common symptoms of penile nerve damage are numbness, loss of sensitivity, and lack of expected sensation when touched or stroked. Symptoms can differ depending on the cause of penile nerve damage. Here are a few of the most common issues a man might face:
– A tingling sensation
– A burning or chilling feeling
– A feeling of “pins and needles” or like lightning is shooting through the penis
– A bluish color
What are the Causes of Penile Nerve Damage?
There are several different causes of penile nerve damage. Here are a few of the most common things that can cause penile numbness and nerve damage.
1) Penile Injury – As it’s a delicate organ, there are many ways to injure the penis. A few of these include vigorous sex, intense workouts, prolonged erection, sports (especially cycling), chafing, and excessive self-gratification. Use of sex toys and enhancements like cock rings and penis pumps can also damage the delicate nerves of the penis. For activity-induced issues like sports and sex, take a break and be sure the penis is not straining too much or having too much pressure put on it. For chafing concerns, wear looser fitting clothing, use lubricant when self-pleasuring, and always use a moisturizer after showering to keep the penile supple and healthy.
2) Illness or Disease – Many people who suffer from illnesses that affect nerves experience loss of penile sensation due to nerve damage or neuropathy. Common examples of these type of diseases include:
-Multiple Sclerosis
-Diabetes
-Pyronine’s disease
-Cancer
-Lupus
-Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
-Lyme disease
-Hepatitis C
-HIV
-Guillain-Barré syndrome
Medications prescribed for these conditions can also make numbness or tingling worse.
3) Low Testosterone or “Low T” – This cause is more common for men over 40. As people age, testosterone levels decrease and result in lower libido and less sensation during sex.
Treating Penile Nerve Damage
There are many ways to treat penile nerve damage, but the best way is to start by treating the root cause of the issue. So, for those suffering from penile numbness due to diabetes, an enthusiastic commitment to reducing their diabetic symptoms through diet, exercise, and medication could help bring back sensitivity. For men who cycle, simple changes such as investing in padded biking shots and changing seat angle could yield big benefits. For those with Low-T, medications of several varieties from oral to patches could increase libido and sensitivity.
In addition to treating the root cause, be sure to practice daily healthy penis habits such as a thorough, gentle cleansing and moisturizing the member with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). This crème is especially beneficial as it contains important ingredients designed specifically for penis health like vitamins A, C, D and E, and L-Carnitine which protects against peripheral nerve damage. It’s also important to choose a crème that starts with an all-natural base like Shea butter, which leaves delicate penile skin soft, supple, and strong.