Most men are very well acquainted with their own penis. However, just like other relationships in a man’s life, there are always some unknowns. Most especially, when it comes to penises at least, little things can pop up that can be surprising and even a bit worrisome. Some of these issues can be health related, and most can be seen physically. Let’s talk about eight penis problems that a man shouldn’t ignore to maintain optimal penis health, all which require a trip to the doctor.
Penis Problem #1: Lean into the Curve
An erection with a subtle bend is completely normal. However, when that bend is 20 percent or greater, it could be Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s is an accumulation of hardened scar tissue that when left untreated, could lead to pain during sex, a more dramatic penis curvature, and a heightened risk for a broken penis. Treatment options vary, depending on how severe a man’s case is.
Penis Problem #2: Patch Problems
There’s a new accessory on the head of the penis, but it’s definitely not a desirable one. It’s reddish and oddly velvety. If it’s painful, it could just be a bit of chafed skin; however, if it’s not painful and a man hasn’t had sex lately, it could be a sign of penile cancer. Get to a doctor ASAP. When caught early, it can be taken care of easily. Ignore it for too long and part or all of the unit may require removal. Is that enough of a motivator for a man? You bet!
Penis Problem #3: Is It Shark Week?
There’s blood in the water, and it has nothing to do with Jaws or that male time of the month. It could be an indicator of several things, such as kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or bladder cancer. Get that checked out immediately.
Penis Problem #4: Bumpy Moments
Feeling hard, painless bumps on the testicles? It could be testicular cancer, which is most common for men between the ages of 20 and 35. When caught early, a whopping 99 percent of instances are curable. Be sure to check the entire genital area monthly to make sure the member has the all clear.
Penis Problem #5: Invasion of the Discharge Monster
Noticing some discharge and a fiery peeing experience? It could be urethritis. This happens when the tube between the bladder and the end of the penis gets inflamed. The most common cause of urethritis is gonorrhea and non-gonococcal urethritis. It is seen most often in younger men, particularly men who are intimate with other men. Get tested immediately and do not have sex until a doctor gives the okay.
Penis Problem #6: Houston, We Have a Problem
The trouser rocket is not ready for takeoff. This is probably one of the most known penis problems, probably thanks to a little blue pill. Erectile dysfunction happens when a man is unable to get or sustain an erection long enough to have intercourse over 25 percent of the time. Lots of things can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including circulation problems, diabetes, and low levels of testosterone. Other lifestyle-related issues can also contribute to it.
Penis Problem 7: Lumpy Little Guy
Is the road a little lumpy down the old penis highway? It may be genital warts. Caused by HPV, they can be removed by freezing, surgery, or laser treatments. The underlying HPV, however, is still incurable.
Penis Problem #8: A Bit of Spotted Dick
No, it’s not the very interesting British delicacy, it’s a spotty penis. It could be an allergic reaction. If a man is feeling pain, it could be an STI like genital herpes or syphilis. It may also be a reaction to prescription medication if a man has recently added something new. If the pain lasts more than two weeks, see a doctor.
How can a man avoid penis problems? One of the first ways is to avoid risky sex and make sure to practice safe sex with condoms or other barrier methods. A man should also perform a monthly self-exam to get ahead of any new bumps, lumps, or oddities that may arise on his member. A man should also have a daily cleansing and penis care ritual. This includes thoroughly cleansing and rinsing the member, as well as giving it time to air dry and “stretch.” For those men looking to really improve penis health, a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) should be used to lock in moisture and keep skin healthy. It should also include vitamins A, B, C, and D, to protect and rejuvenate the penis.