Is your penis too sensitive?

Written by: The in2 Team By Virility Medical

Penises are usually the source of pleasurable sensations during sex or masturbation. The head of the penis alone has 4,000 nerve endings so sensitivity is to be expected. But there is such a thing as too much penis sensitivity. For some men this means climaxing as soon as they’re touched while for others it can mean that being touched is more irritating than pleasurable.  

This article will explain the causes behind a too-sensitive penis and offer ideas on how you can treat the underlying issues and handle the potential interruption to your sex life. 

What causes an overly sensitive penis?

The skin on your penis may get irritated and feel overly sensitive after it’s been touched a lot during sex or masturbation (or after wearing underwear that chafes). This should resolve on its own, but if it doesn’t, there could be an underlying physical or psychological issue.

Physical issues that can cause a sensitive penis include:  

• Phimosis/paraphimosis. Men who have not been circumcised have foreskin that covers the tip of their penis when it is flaccid (soft) and pulls back/down when the penis gets erect (hard). Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin gets stuck to the tip of the penis and cannot pull completely away. Paraphimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is pulled back and becomes stuck. Both conditions can cause pain, swelling, and increased sensitivity.     
• Balanitis. A person can be diagnosed with balanitis when the head of the penis becomes inflamed, but this isn’t a complete diagnosis because balanitis can be caused by an infection, skin condition, or irritation. It’s important to see a health care provider who can figure out the root cause and offer solutions.    
• UTIs. Most people will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lives though they are more common in uncircumcised men and people with vaginas. A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system such as the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. These can cause pain (often described as a burning sensation) when you pee and when you ejaculate and can make your penis feel overly sensitive.    
• Injury. It’s hard to even think about the most sensitive parts of our body getting injured, but it can happen. The penis may be injured during contact sports, rough sex, falls, or other accidents. This causes pain and trauma and may lead to heightened sensation or a tingling, pins-and-needles-like feeling in the penis. These symptoms may go away as the body heals but you should see a health care provider if they don’t.

Penis sensitivity can also be a result of psychological issues like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or a past history of sexual abuse.

Can I prevent the issues that cause a sensitive penis?

Using lube during sex can prevent chafing. Condoms can also prevent chafing (try putting a drop of lube on the inside of the condom to help with this) and they can prevent sexually transmitted infections as well. 

Uncircumcised men should never try to force their foreskin to move in either direction if it is resisting as this can cause more damage. If you’re having issues with your foreskin, see a health care provider right away. 

Can circumcision lead to an overly sensitive penis?

Probably not. There is some debate about whether circumcision changes the sensitivity in the head of the penis, but most people who are opposed to the practice argue that circumcising men will decrease not increase their sensitivity. 

 In truth, research has suggested it does neither. A study comparing men who were circumcised as babies to those who were not found they had very similar levels of sensitivity. 

Can too much sensitivity lead to premature ejaculation?

Yes. An overly sensitive penis may be one of the causes of premature ejaculation though other physical and emotional issues may also lead to climaxing too soon.  

How can I deal with an overly sensitive penis?

When treating an overly sensitive penis you need to figure out the underlying cause of the problem and consider the ways in which it impacts your life, including your sex life.  

Finding the underlying cause  

The best first step is to see a health care provider who can diagnose any medical conditions that might be causing the sensitivity. Medication can help with infections and skin conditions. Minor surgical procedures can help with foreskin issues. Your health care provider may also be able to address ongoing symptoms caused by injury. 

If you think the underlying cause might be psychological, talk to your health care provider about this as well. Medications such as anti-depressants may help. Also consider talking to a mental health expert or sex therapist who can help you resolve emotional and relationship issues. 

Managing Sensitivity 

If sensitivity is getting in the way of your day-to-day functioning or making you recoil from the touch of your partner, you can consider desensitizing sprays and creams. These products, which are often sold as cures for premature ejaculation, are designed to numb the skin on the penis. Just remember that if you use them during sex, they may rub off on your partner and cause her to feel numbed as well.   

 If your main complaint, however, is not that the sensitivity hurts but that it is causing you to climax too quickly, try the in2. This tiny device can help you take control of your ejaculation. It sticks to the skin in your perineum (the area between your penis and your anus) and provides gentle stimulation to your pelvic floor muscles. in2 is proven to help you last longer.  

Open Communication is Key 

Talk to your partner about these issues and possible treatments as medications and techniques may impact your sex life. Open communication can help you both feel more comfortable during sex. Remember you can always give your partner directions on what feels good and what really doesn’t.  

Your penis is supposed to be pretty sensitive, that’s why touching it feels way better than touching other parts of your body like your elbow, nose, or knee. That said, if the sensitivity is so intense that it’s making you feel irritated when touched or if you think it’s causing you to come way too soon, there are things you can do.     

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice, nor shall be considered, used, or relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult with your physician about any health-related condition, as well as risks and benefits of any treatment.