Men should take care of their total mental, emotional, and physical health including their sex organs. In some cases, men develop bumps on penis that can appear in different ways, and when they do, they may cause health issues. These bumps can vary in texture, size, and even color. Several things can cause these bumps to develop on your penis, so it’s important to identify the potential causes. Sexually transmitted infections, skin conditions, and certain diseases can cause these bumps to develop. While most conditions are harmless, it’s always best to see a healthcare professional if you start to develop these bumps on your penis to understand their underlying causes.
Introduction
In most cases, these bumps on penis are not harmful but can still affect your confidence. It’s vital not to overlook the possibility that they are manifestations of more serious health issues. Knowing the other symptoms accompanying this condition ensures you get proper medical advice and treatments before they cause further complications. This post will give you a better view of this condition - bumps on penis, why they develop, and the available treatment options.
Overview of Bumps on Penis
As mentioned, bumps on your penis are usually small in size about one to three millimeters in diameter. It is estimated that 20% of men[1] develop pearly penile papules, also known as PPPs or more commonly referred to as penile papules. They are harmless and can appear on the head of your penis as white, pink, or the same color as your skin.
Apart from PPPs, other types of bumps can develop on the penis as well. Men need to be very conscious of any growth in their genitals and must understand what might be causing them to grow.
Ingrown hairs, for example, can cause small bumps to appear. Blocked hair follicles can lead to the development of pimples on your penis.
While most of these bumps are considered harmless, some are more serious. If you are sexually active and do not use any protection, you are prone to sexually transmitted infections that could lead to bumps on penis. The appearance of these bumps will generally be different compared to PPPs, pimples, and ingrown hairs. Certain STIs will not only cause bumps to appear but also result in open sores on your penis. Bumps caused by these sexually transmitted infections can become very painful.
Should You Be Concerned About Bumps on Penis
There are many reasons why you develop bumps on your penis. Knowing what causes their growth will help determine if you should be concerned about them.
Monitor the growth of these bumps as soon as you notice their appearance. While harmless bumps on penis may not cause any alarm, you shouldn’t forget that there are those types that can potentially put you in a more serious condition.
Bumps growing in size or turning into open wounds shouldn’t be ignored. Any sudden changes to the appearance of the bumps should be considered a sign that you need to see a doctor.
These are indications that you might need to undergo treatments and take medications. Treatments usually work faster and offer more successful results when you address them at the early stage.
Some of these conditions can become very serious. For example, bacterial infections on your penis can spread not only to other parts of your genital area but also to enter your bloodstream.
Causes and Risk Factors For Bumps on Penis
Prevention is always a step ahead of cure. Identifying the risk factors and possible causes of bumps on penis can help you prevent them from growing.
In this section, we’re going to take a closer look at the most common reasons why these bumps develop on your penis.
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PPPs: Also known as pearly penile papules, are the more common type and are generally harmless. These bumps appear very small and can develop in rows on the head of your penis. PPPs don’t cause other symptoms apart from the bumps.
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Ingrown hairs: If you regularly shave your pubic hair, it’s possible to get ingrown hairs. This can also happen if you wax the area. As hair grows back after shaving or waxing, some hair strands may curl inside the hair follicle causing the follicle to become blocked. Ingrown hairs can be sore and cause irritation. Pus can develop when it becomes infected.
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Cysts: Cysts can also develop on your penis. Apart from cysts, you can also get boils and abscesses in your genital area. These won’t cause several bumps to form on your penis, but rather just a single lump. The lump can get quite big as the cyst fills with fluids. In some cases, these cysts develop infection which may require medical care. They can also be quite painful.
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STIs: Several sexually transmitted infections can cause bumps to develop on your penis. Herpes is a common one[2]. If you have herpes sores, you’re likely to develop blisters on your penis. These blisters are filled with fluid, and when they rupture, they become open sores that can bleed. Other STIs, such as syphilis, are also known to cause sores in the genital area. STIs may also cause other symptoms, such as dry skin on penis.
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Fordyce spots: Another potential cause for bumps on your penis is Fordyce spots[3]. These are bumps that develop when your sebaceous oil glands become enlarged. They are very small in size and usually have a yellowish appearance. The bumps form in groups of up to 100 at a time. In most cases, Fordyce spots are not considered harmful.
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Angiokeratomas: When you notice small red bumps on your penis, it could be due to angiokeratomas[4]. These bumps generally form in clusters and happen when blood vessels become enlarged. There are underlying conditions that have been linked to angiokeratomas, including hypertension. If you notice the appearance of red spots on your penis, it’s best to see your doctor.
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Infection: Apart from sexually transmitted diseases, it’s also possible to develop a skin infection on your penis. Certain types of infection on penis skin can cause pus to develop. Other skin infections can also cause other symptoms such as redness and inflammation. Apart from these, you may notice tightness on your foreskin if you have an infection. Itchiness can also be a symptom. Some men may experience itchiness and may find a cheese-like substance that collects on their penis.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Bumps on Penis
If the bumps on your penis are making you uncomfortable and concerned, it’s important to visit a doctor. You must tell your doctor your symptoms to ensure they have a good overview of the situation. For example, you may report itchy or not itchy red spots under the foreskin or perhaps the bumps on your penis accompanies pain and discomfort.
For proper diagnosis, your doctor will usually follow a series of steps. This helps them identify potential serious causes. Let’s take a closer look at these procedures when doctors diagnose bumps on penis:
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Medical History: To get a better idea of your medical history, your doctor might ask you if you’ve had any similar problems in the past. This helps the doctor understand if it’s a recurring condition or a new situation for you. Your doctor will ask you for other symptoms such as itchiness, pain, or other issues accompanying the bumps. Apart from these factors, your doctor will also ask about your sexual activities and practices.
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Physical Exam: A physical exam determines your condition properly. While this may be uncomfortable, your doctor needs to see how the bumps look, as the size, texture, color, and overall appearance can indicate the potential causes. There are many cases where a physical examination reveals the reason for these bumps. Your doctor can tell if they are warts, cysts, or perhaps sores caused by a condition like herpes.
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Tests: If your doctor suspects an underlying condition is causing the bumps, they recommend a couple of tests. The tests depend on several factors. For example, if you were engaged in unprotected sex recently, your doctor may request a test to see if you have an STD. In some cases, the doctors may recommend imaging tests like an ultrasound if they suspect that the bumps on your penis are related to an underlying cyst.
While it is uncommon, doctors may also recommend taking tissue samples for biopsy. This is only necessary if the bumps’ conditions appear more complicated.
Treatment Options For Bumps on Penis
There are many cases where you won’t need any treatment for bumps on your penis at all especially if the growth is harmless. Some growths on penal glands are sometimes caused by benign factors such as poor hygiene, ingrown hairs, or pimples. However, it’s worth noting that treatment may be necessary if there are underlying factors causing these bumps.
After identifying the underlying issues, your doctor may advise treatments for diseases or infections causing the bumps. Treatments may vary depending on the causes of the growth of bumps on your penis.
If sexually transmitted infections are the causes of the bumps or lumps on penis, you might be prescribed to take medications to target these diseases. Antivirals or antibiotics can be used to treat certain STIs. Steroids may also be prescribed as part of the treatment.
In cases where these bumps become severe, your doctor may advise you to undergo certain procedures. If an abscess aggravates the condition, it may require drainage. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small incision at the lump to drain fluids or pus. In some situations, the doctor may advise you to get the lump surgically removed if drainage is not an option for larger growths.
There are a couple of steps that you can follow at home while recovering from these treatments. This includes good hygiene practices, such as keeping your genital area clean. Always be mindful of protective measures with your intimate pleasures. This is vital in reducing the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases which also ensures that you don’t pass the infection to other people.
Taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help to reduce inflammation and manage pain symptoms you may experience.
For some men, bumps on penis affect their confidence and sexual performance. In these situations, taking a natural supplement like Virectin can be useful. This supplement is rated number one by its customers for male sexual enhancement, improving libido, stamina, and overall sexual function. This will surely restore your confidence in the bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bumps on penis normal?
Bumps on the penis are very common in the general male population. They can be from benign conditions and sometimes signs of ingrown hairs. Pimples can also cause bumps to appear on your penis. However, if other symptoms accompany the bumps, they may be indications of serious conditions.
When should you worry about bumps on penis?
If you are having symptoms other than these bumps, such as flu-like symptoms, pain, and discomfort in your genital area, then it might be due to a more serious cause. Taking the right actions is vital to determine the contributing factors to their growth.
What causes bumps on my penis?
Sometimes, bumps on your penis are simply caused by ingrown hairs or other benign factors. However, there are also skin conditions and sexually transmitted infections that can cause these bumps to develop. Taking note of their growth and their appearance can help you determine the severity of your condition. However, if the condition is becoming unsettling, it’s best to see a doctor.
Should I see a doctor for bumps on my penis?
If your case is causing you discomfort, it’s better to see a doctor to determine why you have bumps on your penis. If you notice that the texture, color, or size of the bumps are changing rapidly, it’s a call to seek professional help. If you suspect that your sexual activities are causing abnormal growths on your penis, your doctors can help you with proper treatments. Other symptoms that may be considered serious include burning sensations, pain, discomfort, and a discharge from your penis. These conditions call for a visit to the doctor.
Conclusion
Bumps on your penal glands can be signs of an underlying problem, such as a disease, skin condition, or sexually transmitted infections. The best way to determine if these bumps should be a concern is to seek medical advice. Your doctor may need to do some extra tests and then prescribe you the appropriate treatment to prevent complications from developing.
Manliness is an aspect important to men. This defines their virility. If you have conditions that affect your genitals, it could impact your self-confidence and your sexual performance. Practicing good hygiene and engaging in safe sex are basic preventive measures to avoid abnormal growths on your penis.
References
1] ↑ https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2013/may/penile-appearance
2] ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554427/
3] ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10000991/
4] ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549769/
