Penile Nerve Damage: A Primer on Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

While it may not seem so, the penis is a very sensitive part of a man, and rightfully so. The penis is filled with tiny, excitable nerves. These nerves are messengers that transfer information from the brain to the different organs of the body. When penile nerves get damaged, the information gets disrupted and can cause lots of issues for a man. Penile nerve damage can cause a man some serious sexual problems. They can reduce pleasure and sexual function, as well as lead to erectile dysfunction and significant penile pain. Here’s what to look for and how to deal with it.

Penile Nerve Damage: Symptoms

There are several symptoms of penile nerve damage. A man will not have all of them, most likely, because some of them conflict with each other. Symptoms can also differ, depending on the progression of the damage and what its root cause was.

Here are the symptoms of penile nerve damage a man should watch for:

- Numbness

- Loss of sensitivity

- Penile pain

- Tingling sensation

- Feeling "pins and needles" or painful shocks through the penis

- Burning

- Chilling/coldness

- Lack of expected response when touched or stroked intimately

- A bluish tinge

Penile Nerve Damage: Causes

Many things can cause penile nerve damage. These are the 3 most common reasons a man may have penile nerve damage:

- Disorder or Disease - Penile nerve damage can affect men who have existing conditions. It can also do the reverse: it can bring a medical issue to light. When associated medically, it is often called neuropathy. Several disease states site it as part of the symptomology. These diseases include:

- Diabetes

- Inflammatory bowel disease

- Peyronie’s disease

- Lupus

- Multiple sclerosis

- Cancer

- Guillain-Barré syndrome

- Hepatitis C

- Lyme disease

- HIV

Prescription medications recommended for these conditions can also make numbness or tingling worse.

- Penile Trauma - That phrase just sounds painful, right? Penile trauma is an injury to the penis. There are numerous ways to hurt the penis, the most common being sex. Other ways to hurt your hog include:

- Intense workouts

- Group sports

- Prolonged erection

- Chafing

- Compression

- Use of adult sexual aids

- "Death grip" when self-gratifying

All of these situations can lead to an excessive amount of penile pain and discomfort. When a man reinjures his penis, the traumas compound and can lead to penile nerve damage.

- Low Testosterone, or "Low T" - This cause is seen mostly in men over 40. As men get older, their bodies naturally produce less testosterone, which can result in a drop in libido and less sensation during intimacy.

Penile Nerve Damage: Treatment

There are several ways to treat penile damage, and all start with the cause of the accident. For men experiencing this issue due to other diseases, the best way to treat penile nerve damage is to treat the condition. This can mean medication, lifestyle modifications, and therapies. For men with Low T, see a doctor for solutions or testosterone shots or creams to boost testosterone. As far as injuries go, be careful with the family jewels. Loosen up those undies, say no to the death grip, be cautious during sex, and protect the penis when pursuing athletic activities, such as using padded seats, air-wicking bottoms, and a cup when necessary.

In addition to the treatment methods above, be sure to practice daily healthy penis behaviors such as a thorough, gentle cleansing and conditioning the member with a specially formulated penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). This oil contains essential ingredients explicitly designed for penis health, like vitamins A, C, D, and E, and also, an amino acid called L-carnitine, which guards against peripheral nerve damage. It's also essential to choose an oil that starts with an all-natural base like shea butter, which leaves delicate penile skin soft, supple, and strong. Keep up this routine and penis nerve damage and the penile pain that goes with it will be a thing of the past.

Penile Nerve Damage Recovery: Finding a Way Back to Penis Sensitivity

Penile nerve damage usually doesn’t happen overnight, but it can feel like it. One day a man’s penis is super-sensitive and reacts to a cool breeze. Not far into the future, a man is feeling numb, and nothing can make his cucumber grow. Other men experience the freeze or fire of neuropathy. The tingling and shooting shocks that persist indicate that something is not right downtown. But what’s causing it, and more importantly, how can it be fixed? Here’s the info every man needs in order to understand what causes penile nerve damage and to know the symptoms to look for, how to recover, and finally, how to prevent it. After all, only Thor should have a lightning-shooting hammer, right?

What Is Penile Nerve Damage?

Nerve damage, in general, is also known as neuropathy. Many men may have heard of neuropathy because it’s a common side effect of diabetes. However, a man can have nerve damage due to many things, such as disease, genetics, or lifestyle. Penile nerve damage specifically has its own causes and effects, most notably loss of penile sensitivity and resulting erectile dysfunction (ED).

Penile Nerve Damage Symptoms

There are several symptoms of penile nerve damage. Of course, not all men experience the same symptoms, and some experience them in less or more intensity than do others. The following are some of the most common signs of penile nerve damage:

- Loss of penile sensitivity

- A tingling sensation

- Numbness

- A bluish hue to the penis

- Complete lack of feeling when stimulated

- A fiery or cold sensation

- A feeling of "pins and needles" or feeling as though lightning is shooting through the penis

Potential Causes of Penile Nerve Damage

Penile nerve damage can be caused by many things, some preventable and some that just aren’t. Thankfully, both kinds respond to treatment, and most men can regain some or all sensation back into their penis. Here are some of the most common causes of penile nerve damage:

Disease States:

- Diabetes

- Multiple sclerosis

- Cancer

- Lupus

- Hepatitis C

- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)

- HIV

- Low testosterone (Low T)

- Guillain-Barré syndrome

- Peyronie’s disease

Lifestyle Causes:

- Penis trauma or injury (especially repeated trauma)

- Not using any or enough lubricant when having relations or practicing self-pleasure

- Wearing pants, exercise bottoms, and underwear that are too tight or in fabrics that are not breathable

- Using a "death grip" or excessively tight or vigorous masturbation

- Intensely rough sex

- Penile Nerve Damage Recovery

There are several treatment options open to men who are experiencing penile nerve damage. Results will differ in intensity and success. Here are a few ways men can bring some penis sensitivity back or regain it completely:

- Treat disease first before treating the nerve damage.

- Some medications cause damage; see a doctor for potential alternatives.

- Use a quality lubricant every time things are approaching dry, whether with a partner or solo.

- Pull back on the intensity or participation in rough sex.

- Stop using a "death grip."

- Take some time away from sexual activity of every kind for a while in order to regain feeling.

- Swap the tight pants and skivvies for looser fits and better, breathable materials.

- Use a specially formulated penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep the penis vigorous and sensitive. Using an oil like this that includes an amino acid called L-carnitine is the best way to go because it has been clinically shown to be successful at protecting the penis from peripheral nerve damage.

What Causes Damaged Nerves in the Penis and How to Treat and Prevent Them

Penile nerve damage can be a real show-stopper. In one sense, it can rob the penis of sensitivity, making even a one-man-show a no-go. In another sense, the pain and lightening of it can make a man stop dead in his tracks from the pain. Damaged nerves in the penis can not only lead to a lot of unhappy outcomes but it can also be different from man to man, so figuring out what is causing numbness or fiery tingles can make a man think about the worst-case scenarios. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of penile nerve damage, what may cause them, and then how to treat and prevent damaged nerves in the penis.

Damaged Nerves in the Penis: Symptoms and Signs

Penile nerve damage can feel different depending on the person and situation. The most common signs of damaged nerves in the penis are a loss of sensitivity in the member, numbness, and a lack of reaction when stroked or touched. However, those aren’t the only signifiers of penile nerve damage. Men can also experience a tingling feeling that can intensify into a “pins and needles” sensation, burning or chilling and a bluish color.

Damaged Nerves in the Penis: Common Causes

Penile nerve damage can be caused by a host of things; sometimes it’s even caused by more than one factor (such as obesity and age) which makes it harder to reverse until underlying factors are dealt with.

1) Penile Trauma – The world often looks to the mighty phallus as a symbol of strength and an instrument of conquering. However, the penis is actually quite delicate and can be injured easily. Repeated traumas to the penis cause scar tissue which is the enemy of sensitivity. A few activities that can lead to penile trauma are sex, intense workouts, excessive and rough masturbation, cycling, chafing, and over or improper use of adult sensual aids.

2) Age – As men hit 40, they may find their libido wane slightly and a loss of sensation in their penis. Erections are dependent on blood flow. The blood vessels that direct blood flow in and out of the penis slow with age.

3) Obesity – Too much weight literally weighs on the pelvic floor and can lead to nerve damage. Those men who hold weight in their core area are especially at risk.

4) Low Testosterone or “Low T” – This cause is very common for men over 40. As men age, testosterone levels decline and result in diminished drive and loss of sensation during sex.

5) Nerve Damaging Diseases – Nerve damaging diseases such as diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, lupus, HIV, Lyme Disease, Peyronie’s Disease, and Hepatitis C can affect the penis. These diseases are all linked to neuropathy. Sometimes medications used to treat these disease states can cause numbness or make the tingling sensation worse.

Damaged Nerves in the Penis: Treatment and Prevention

Penile nerve damage can be reversed in many cases. That said, if nerve damage is the result of something like obesity, disease, or Low T, it’s best to treat the root cause of the issue first to promote optimal health before dealing with symptoms. This can be losing weight, trying new medications or lifestyle changes, or taking testosterone to bring the body to a harmonious place. Some men will choose to take a medication that improves their sensitivity once they address the bigger issues.

Prevention should be a priority for all men, regardless of age. Protect the tender member when engaging in sex or competitive sports. Men who cycle should alter seat angles and implement padded things such as seats or shorts to reduce pressure on the penis.

Men should also be sure they are practicing regular penile health and hygiene. Create a foundation based on giving the penis regular thorough, gentle cleansing with a mild cleanser and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Then use a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to keep the penis strong and ready for action. This crème is particularly helpful as it contains vital ingredients designed specifically for penis health like vitamins A, C, D and E, and L-Carnitine which protects against peripheral nerve damage, which is all contained in a natural Shea butter base. Men can expect not only hydration but the ultimate in penile skin care.

What Causes Nerve Damage in the Penis: How to ID and Treat the Problem

Nerve damage in the penis is a tricky thing. One moment it can feel cold and numb, completely oblivious to any outside touch or sense. The next minute, it could be tingling and shooting what feels like lightning through the member, causing pain and panic. The penis is filled with tiny nerves which can be damaged by a number of things. Once damaged, they can cause pain, numbness, and reduce pleasure and sexual function. Let’s learn a little more about nerve damage in the penis.

Nerve Damage in the Penis: Symptoms

The most pronounced symptoms of penile nerve damage are numbness, loss of penile sensitivity, and a general lack of anticipated sensation when touched or stroked. However, symptoms can vary contingent upon the root cause of penile nerve damage. Here are a few of the most common symptoms a man might be suffering from if he has nerve damage in the penis:

- A tingling feeling

- A burning or chilling sensation

- A feeling of "pins and needles" or like lightning is shooting through the penis

- A bluish color

Nerve Damage in the Penis: Common Causes

There are many different causes of nerve damage. Here are a few of the most common factors that can lead to penile nerve damage:

1) Penile Injury – The penis is mighty, yet delicate, and many things can injure it. A few common practices like sex, intense workouts, a prolonged erection, sports (especially cycling), chafing, and excessive self-pleasure can take a toll on a penis. Use of adult toys and intimacy enhancements like cock rings and penis pumps can also damage the somewhat fragile nerves of the penis.

2) Illness or Disease – Many men who suffer from illnesses that affect the nerves frequently experience loss of penile sensation due to nerve damage or neuropathy. Common examples of these type of diseases include:

- Multiple Sclerosis

- Diabetes

- Cancer

- Lupus

- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)

- Lyme disease

- Hepatitis C

- HIV

- Peyronie’s disease

- Guillain-Barré syndrome

Medications prescribed for these conditions can sometimes make numbness or tingling in the member worse.

3) Low Testosterone or “Low T” – This cause is more common for men over 40. As men age, testosterone levels fall and result in lessened drive and loss of sensation during sex.

Nerve Damage in the Penis: Treatment

There are a number of ways to treat nerve damage in the penis; however, it’s important to remember that treating the root cause of the issue should take priority over a symptom. For men suffering from penile numbness due to diabetes, a commitment to lowering their diabetic symptoms through diet, exercise, and medication could help bring back penile sensitivity. For those with Low-T, medications can bring the body back into balance.

For activity-induced issues like sports and sex, take a time-out and be sure the penis is not straining too much or having too much pressure put on it. For men who cycle, simple modifications such as investing in padded biking shots and altering seat angle could yield big benefits. If chafing is an issue, wear looser fitting clothing, use lubricant to avoid friction, and always use a moisturizer after showering to keep the penile supple and healthy.

Men should also be sure they are practicing good daily penile health and hygiene. Things such as giving the penis regular 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) are recommended to keep the penis healthy and ready for action. This crème is particularly helpful as it contains vital ingredients designed specifically for penis health like vitamins A, C, D and E, and L-Carnitine which protects against peripheral nerve damage. Due to the delicate nature of penile skin, be sure to choose a moisturizer with an all-natural base like Shea butter, which leaves this delicate skin soft, supple, and strong.

Penile Nerve Damage: Dealing with Diminished Sensitivity

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.

Back Injuries and Penile Nerve Damage

As a man ages, certain parts of his body are destined to feel it more than others. This is absolutely true in the case of back pain. A man can be in perfect health but then one day, out of the blue, he turns a certain way and boom - back pain becomes his constant companion for a while. And unfortunately, even the best penis care regimen can’t protect that man from the possibility of penile nerve damage as a result of a serious back injury.

In the aftermath of a back injury, one of the first signs of nerve damage might be a serious lack of penis sensitivity. Things that felt good before suddenly don’t have as much of an ‘oomph.’ And in some cases, there are other signs of penile nerve damage, such as numbness, pain, tingling, or a burning sensation.

How to fight penile nerve damage
 
The good news is that in many cases, nerve damage can be reversed. The first step is to get to the doctor immediately. Rather than a urologist, a guy will want to see someone who can address the underlying issue first - that’s the back pain. Look for a doctor who specializes in treatment for back pain and start there.

In some cases, the problem will become clear through imaging scans. For instance, a man who has a herniated disc will likely be able to see the problem on those scans. But for some, more in-depth testing will be required to figure out where the problem is and how to fix it.

In the meantime, a man can take steps to avoid aggravating the nerves in the back that lead to the nerves in the penis. One way to do this is to ask the doctor which kind of pain a guy is dealing with. In flexion-intolerant pain, a man can’t handle any positioning that would force him to bend forward. In extension-intolerant pain, it’s the opposite - anything that would force a man to bend backward is cause for serious pain.

Why does this matter? Because if a man wants to continue to have an active sex life while dealing with the usually long recovery from back pain, he needs to know which positions are going to help make that work.

Positions for alleviating back pain
 
When a man is in bed with a partner, those who suffer from flexion-intolerant pain should look to rear-entry positions that allow him to keep his back straight, as well as modified missionary, where a man is holding all his weight on his hands. For those with extension-intolerant pain, positions include missionary where a man is resting on his elbows above his partner, as well as spooning.

No matter which position a man chooses, the key is to go slow and easy. A guy who is really into it might move his back without meaning to do so. This means a guy must try to always remember that there could be consequences for that - that’s why slow and easy is the name of the game. Enlist the partner’s help to ensure things stay tame.

Other ways to fight nerve damage
 
Penile nerve damage can be alleviated somewhat with the use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A crème designed with healthy amounts of vitamin B5, C and D is great for cellular health. Look especially for acetyl L carnitine, an amino acid known for protecting the penis from nerve damage. The application of these vitamins and nutrients through a Shea butter base can help combat the nerve damage that can occur from vigorous activity, excessive friction and yes, back injuries.

Penile Nerve Damage – Is Diabetes to Blame?

For most men, the penis can be a wonderful source of pleasure. Sex and intimacy can bring a man much closer to his partner, provide relief of tension and stress, and simply make him feel good. Many men connect their ‘manliness’ to that pleasure. So when, in spite of the best efforts at penis care, something goes wrong, and penile nerve damage wreaks havoc on a man’s personal life, it can feel as though the whole world is crashing down.

Though there might be many reasons for the loss of sensation in penis tissue, diabetes is one very clear culprit. Diabetes and penile problems go hand-in-hand. This is due to the physical nature of how the penis actually works during sexual activity: The tiny blood vessels throughout the penis become engorged with blood, leading to an erection. That pleasant feeling of fullness might ebb and flow a bit during sexual activity, but typically lasts until ejaculation.

Diabetes and penile problems

Those with diabetes, however, might experience something very different. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 70 percent of those with diabetes also have some form of neuropathy, or nerve damage. That damage can occur anywhere in the body, but especially in areas that have the tiniest blood vessels, such as the hands, feet, kidneys, and yes - the penis. Lack of attention to blood sugar levels can mean that sexual pleasure decreases, or is even out of reach for some with diabetes.

Penile nerve damage as a result of diabetes is known as autonomic neuropathy. It gradually decreases the sexual response, though the sex drive itself remains unchanged. This might mean it becomes more difficult achieve and maintain an erection and difficulty with climax. It might even mean that a man ejaculates in a way that is different - and perhaps less satisfying - than what he is accustomed to. In addition, the damage to those nerves can lead to a loss of sensation in the penis.

But what if a man has signs of penile nerve damage, but has never been diagnosed with diabetes? It is important to remember two key points.

First, remember that in the United States alone, over eight million people have diabetes but are undiagnosed. That means that over one-fourth of all individuals with diabetes do not know they have it! One of the first things a doctor should do for penile nerve damage complaints is a complete blood work-up, which includes diabetes testing.

The second point to remember is that penile nerve damage might be caused by something other than diabetes. A physical trauma that affects the genital area, some sexually transmitted diseases, vascular diseases, certain medications, and even some neurological disorders can lead to penile problems. No matter what might be leading to the problems, it is vitally important to get checked out by the physician, who can pinpoint any underlying issues.

How to handle penile nerve damage

Though severe nerve damage cannot be reversed, the symptoms can be lessened a bit by paying close attention to blood sugar levels. Those who have diabetes can perform regular glucose checks, take their medication as directed, and strive for a good overall blood sugar reading, known as the HbA1c. Though nerve damage symptoms might initially get worse when blood sugar is brought under tight control, over time some of the symptoms will likely improve.

In addition, the use of a good moisturizing penis cream can provide excellent benefits. A penis health crème (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that contains alpha-lipoic acid might help relieve symptoms and improve nerve function. Other ingredients, such as acetyl L carnitine, have been proven as a neuroprotective, meaning that it helps prevent some of the nerve damage that might be caused by diabetes. In addition, diabetes often leads to dry skin - a powerful emollient, such as Shea butter, will help soften the skin and keep it supple.