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: 

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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.