Numb penis: causes, signs, and treatments

A numb penis can feel alarming, especially if it’s interfering with sex or making it less enjoyable. Penile numbness may feel like decreased sensitivity or loss of feeling, and it can happen for many reasons, including injury, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions. In some cases, a numb penis can also occur alongside erectile dysfunction (ED).

The good news is that a numb penis is often treatable once you figure out what’s going on. Treatment may involve addressing injuries or medical conditions, adjusting medications, or simply making a few changes to your sexual habits.

Penile numbness can involve a range of symptoms, including:

• Loss of sensation in the penis, testicles, or perineum (the area between the testicles and anus)

• A tingling feeling in the penis

• Coldness in the penis or testicles

• Bluish or purple skin on or around the penis

• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection

• Bladder and bowel symptoms

Penile numbness is sometimes reported alongside other sexual dysfunctions, including delayed ejaculation and anorgasmia (difficulty reaching orgasm).

While some causes of penile numbness are not serious, others may require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience sudden numbness along with difficulty urinating or loss of bowel control.

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There are several reasons the penis might become numb. 

Injury to the penis

Damaged blood vessels or nerves can reduce penis sensitivity. This damage can occur if the penis is injured due to certain sports (like cycling), nerve issues, or surgical complications. 

Cycling

People who ride a bicycle frequently or for long distances can experience penile numbness. That's because bicycle seats can compress nerves and blood vessels in the area between the penis and the testicles (perineum).

In one study of this phenomenon, more than 70% of long-distance cyclists had reduced blood flow to their penises, 61% reported numbness in the genital area, and 19% reported experiencing erectile dysfunction.

If you spend long periods cycling or sitting in the same position, taking breaks to stand, stretch, or walk may help reduce pressure on the nerves and blood vessels around the penis and perineum.

Pudendal nerve or artery entrapment

Pudendal nerve or artery entrapment occurs when nerves or blood vessels deep in the pelvis become compressed. Because the pudendal nerve supplies sensation to the penis and surrounding area, this can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or erectile dysfunction.

This condition can develop after prolonged sitting, cycling, pelvic injury, or surgery. Symptoms may worsen with sitting and can also include bladder, bowel, or sexual problems. In some cases, symptoms improve with physical therapy, activity changes, or treatments that relieve pressure on the nerve.

Surgical complications

Penile numbness can also occur after procedures used to treat prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation, and brachytherapy. These treatments may affect the nerves and blood vessels involved in penile sensation and erectile function. 

Some people experience ED shortly after prostate surgery, while sexual side effects from radiation therapy may develop more gradually over time. In some cases, penile sensation improves as the affected nerves recover.

A side effect of medications

Some medications can cause penile numbness, also known as penile anesthesia. This condition is most commonly seen in people who receive treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of medication frequently used to treat depression or anxiety.

SSRI-related sexual problems aren't limited to numbness, though. These medications can also cause orgasmic dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction. 

If you suspect that a medication you are taking might be contributing to numbness in your penis or scrotum, erectile difficulties, or even reduced sexual desire, check in with your healthcare provider before stopping treatment. Abruptly stopping certain medications (including many antidepressants) can cause severe side effects. 

Damage from masturbation or sex

Masturbation and sex feel good, but certain factors could potentially lead to discomfort or numbness, such as poor lubrication, certain sex toys, latex sensitivities, and vigorous sex.

Lack of lubrication

When you masturbate, the sensitive skin on your penis can get chafed or damaged, resulting in dryness, itchiness, pain, or loss of sensation. The same can be true of partnered sex, especially if there isn't enough lubrication. 

Adding a water-based, hypoallergenic lubricant to the mix may increase comfort and prevent skin damage. Just be sure to spot test it before you start to make sure you don’t experience irritation or a rash.

Sex toys

Certain sex toys or devices like penis pumps or cock rings (penis constriction rings) can cause damage to the delicate structures in the penis. Avoiding penis pumps if this is the source of the problem — and considering sizing up or skipping cock rings altogether — may help. Cock rings should not be worn for longer than 30 minutes. 

Latex sensitivities

If numbness appeared alongside a rash, there may be a latex sensitivity at play — particularly if condoms are being used. Switching to a non-latex brand is worth trying. If the rash is painful or there is a discharge, a healthcare provider can rule out an infection that requires treatment.

Vigorous sex 

Vigorous sex can rarely result in a condition known as a penile fracture or broken penis. While the penis has no bones, it contains two flexible tubes that fill with blood during an erection — bending the penis while erect can cause these tubes to rupture.

Symptoms of a penile fracture  include discoloration, pain, bruising, or loss of sensation in the penis. This condition is a medical emergency and may require surgery, so seek medical attention immediately.

Low testosterone

Testosterone levels drop naturally with age. While low testosterone doesn't directly cause penile numbness, it can contribute to ED and lower sex drive, which may affect sensation or sexual satisfaction.

Other health conditions

Medical conditions that affect or interfere with the nerves — such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Peyronie's disease, depression, and prostate cancer — may cause numbness in the penis.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a common condition in which a person has high blood sugar levels.

Over time, diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels throughout the body, including those involved in penile sensation. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy, including penile sensory neuropathy (loss of penile sensation),which is a well-known contributor to erectile dysfunction.

Multiple sclerosis 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that can disrupt nerve signaling throughout the body. Sexual dysfunction is common in people with MS, and some people report reduced genital sensation or numbness alongside symptoms like ED, difficulty reaching orgasm, and low libido. 

Peyronie’s disease

Peyronie's disease is when scar tissue forms on the penis, causing pain and sometimes bending of the penis. Research suggests that many people with Peyronie's disease experience ED, and as the disease progresses, it may lead to decreased sexual sensation.

Mental health conditions

Psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and chronic stress may also contribute to changes in sexual function or perceived decreases in penile sensitivity. Mental health conditions can affect arousal, desire, and the way the brain processes sexual stimulation, which may make sex feel less pleasurable or satisfying for some people.

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Diagnosing a numb penis typically involves a physical exam to check for injuries or underlying conditions, along with tests that assess nerve function. In some cases, imaging tests may also be needed.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, a healthcare provider may recommend tests such as:

• Physical exam. During a physical exam, your provider can check for injuries, skin changes, or abnormalities affecting the penis or surrounding nerves. 

• Blood tests. A blood test can help a provider determine if your penile numbness is related to diabetes, low testosterone, or other underlying health conditions.

• Nerve conduction studies or sensory testing. These tests may be used to identify nerve damage and assess the extent of sensory loss.

• Imaging tests. MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds may help identify injuries, nerve compression, or circulation problems contributing to a numb penis.

If your healthcare provider suspects that stress, anxiety, or another mental health condition may be leading to a loss of sensation, they may recommend a psychological evaluation or mental health support.

There are many different causes of numbness in the penis, and the treatments depend on the source of the problem.

Managing diseases and medication

The first step is a visit to a healthcare provider. They can determine whether a testosterone test might be appropriate, or whether symptoms could indicate diabetes. If already diagnosed, adhering to treatment and keeping blood sugar levels in check through medication and lifestyle changes can help prevent nerve damage.

If you have noticed pain in your penis, or a bump or curve, it might be a sign of Peyronie's disease. Treatment can include a medication called collagenase clostridium histolyticum (brand name Xiaflex), which breaks down the excess scar tissue in the penis, reducing curvature and potentially improving function. 

If a medication such as an antidepressant is causing reduced sensation, a healthcare provider may suggest switching to an alternative. Stopping treatment without medical guidance isn't recommended — there are other options that can address the condition without causing unwanted side effects.

Treating low testosterone

You can get your testosterone levels checked with a simple blood test. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an FDA-approved way to increase testosterone and treat the symptoms of low testosterone, including low sex drive and reduced sexual satisfaction. Testosterone therapy can be administered in different ways, including as a: 

• Skin patch

• Gel

• Injection

• Surgically implanted pellet

• Tablet

Treating injuries

If you're a cyclist and suspect all those hours on your bike might be causing penile numbness, wearing padded bike shorts, standing up frequently when cycling, and switching to a bike seat that puts less pressure on the perineum may help. Research suggests that a "no-nose" bike seat can protect the perineum and reduce the risk of numbness and sexual dysfunction.

If you’re experiencing penile numbness, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of the issue and work with you to find a solution. 

Reducing friction during sex and masturbation

Making a few changes to sexual habits may reduce friction and potentially help restore sensation. Here are some options to try:

• Use lube. Using a high-quality lubricant during sex and masturbation can help reduce irritation and friction. 

• Loosen your grip. When masturbating, try to loosen your grip to avoid overstimulating the nerves in the penis.

• Take breaks from vigorous sexual activity. If your penile skin is already irritated, allow time to recover before having vigorous sex or masturbating again.

If the skin already feels irritated, it's worth avoiding other activities that put pressure on the groin, like cycling, sitting for prolonged periods, or wearing tight clothing.

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A numb penis can feel alarming, but it’s often linked to treatable conditions like nerve compression, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions that need attention. In some cases, a numb penis may also occur alongside other sexual issues like ED or low libido. 

Here’s what you should know about penile numbness: 

• Penile numbness has many potential causes. Nerve issues, medication side effects, injuries, and even prolonged cycling or sitting can sometimes reduce sensation in the penis.

• Underlying health issues can also cause a numb penis. Underlying health conditions can also contribute to penile numbness. Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and certain mental health conditions are just a few examples of issues that may affect penile sensation.

• Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Depending on what’s causing the numbness, treatment may involve medication changes, treating an underlying condition, or reducing friction during sex or masturbation.

• Some lifestyle changes can help restore sensation in the penis. Using lubricant, loosening your grip during masturbation, and avoiding prolonged pressure on the groin may help reduce symptoms.

• See your healthcare provider if symptoms don’t improve. If penile numbness doesn’t improve, interferes with sex, or occurs alongside symptoms like pain, urinary issues, or ED, you should visit your healthcare provider to rule out underlying health issues. If numbness is sudden and accompanied with symptoms such as urinary retention or fecal incontinence, seek emergency medical care.