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.
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
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
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
- 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
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.
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.
Can masturbation make a person lose sensation in their penis?
Masturbation
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.
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.