Penis Sensitivity: Everything You Need To Know

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on September 08, 2022

Last Updated on November 08, 2023

Not 1,000, not even 2,000, but 4,000 nerve endings are in the tip of the penis alone. That makes the head, also called the glans, the most sensitive area of the penis. Thus, it plays a crucial part in sexual arousal, erections, and ejaculation.

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Unfortunately, problems with the glans penis can result in an overly sensitive penis. Extreme sensitivity, in turn, may lead to sexual dysfunctions, particularly premature ejaculation (PE). PE, also called rapid ejaculation, affects an estimated 30% of Canadian males.

So if you're dealing with PE, you may have a hypersensitive (highly sensitive) penis. Never ignore this, as it can interfere with your sex life. Moreover, it may signal underlying health conditions.

To that end, we created this guide on the most crucial facts you need to know about penis sensitivity. We'll talk about the following topics, so be sure to keep reading.

Is the Head the Only Sensitive Part of the Penis?

No, the sensitive tip of the penis is only one of its erogenous (sensitive to sexual stimulation) parts. There are many other sensitive spots on the penis, such as the frenulum, foreskin, and perineum. In addition, the scrotum and testicles are very sensitive to touch and stimulation.

Frenulum

The frenulum is the stretchy patch of skin on the penis' underside, where the shaft connects to the head. The shaft, in turn, is the tube-like structure of the penis extending from the tip to the lower belly.

For many men, the frenulum is one of the primary triggers of orgasms.

Foreskin

The foreskin is a piece of sensitive penis skin covering and protecting the glans of your penis. Erection causes it to pull back, leading to the exposure of the head.

The foreskin is erogenous because it's full of nerve endings.

All males have a foreskin attached to their penis at birth. However, some have this removed through circumcision. About one in three Canadian men have circumcised penises, so they no longer have a foreskin.

Scrotum

The scrotum is the purse-like patch of skin covering and protecting the testicles. In addition, it keeps the testicles cool enough to produce sperm. It also contains nerve endings, making it very sensitive.

Testicles

Also known as the testes, the testicles are two tiny organs inside the scrotum. One of their primary functions is to produce sperm. However, they also play a role in creating the hormone testosterone.

Numerous nerve endings are in the testicles, making them highly erogenous. For the same reason, problems with the testes and the nerve endings can lead to sensitivity woes. Moreover, nerve and testicular problems can contribute to low testosterone levels.

Perineum

The perineum is another sensitive patch of skin found between the scrotum and anus. It helps strengthen the pelvic floor by supporting and providing attachments to muscles. Moreover, it protects the vessels supplying blood to the urinary tract and genitals.

The perineum also protects the nerves used to urinate and achieve an erection. Therefore, perineum problems may also contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED).

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Is Penis Sensitivity Normal After Ejaculation?

Is the tip of your penis sensitive right after climaxing? As long as the heightened sensation dissipates after a few minutes, it's still normal. That's because the nerves and nerve endings in the penis take time to relax after ejaculation.

However, if your penis is sensitive for prolonged periods, take that as a sign to see a doctor. You may have a hypersensitive penis that requires medical attention.

What Is the Typical Ratio of Penile Sensitivity?

The penis can vary significantly from one man to another, so there isn't an exact or standard ratio. However, the length of time it takes for a man to ejaculate may determine penile sensitivity.

For reference, it takes between 5 and 7 minutes, on average, for a man to orgasm and ejaculate. There's an extreme variation, though, with the range being one to 30 minutes. Moreover, an estimated 4% of males can't control their ejaculation, so they can come early or much later.

Men who climax much sooner than 5 to 7 minutes may have penile hypersensitivity. They often have overly sensitive glans, frenulum, or foreskin. That extreme sensitivity can then lead to premature ejaculation before or during intercourse.

Are There Tests Measuring Penis Sensitivity?

You can have your peen tested if you have an overly sensitive penis head, frenulum, or shaft.

One such test is penile biothesiometry. It determines function and nerve sensitivity in the penis. It involves sending minuscule vibrations to the left and right sides of the penile shaft.

Researchers have also proposed a standardized biothesiometry parameter called penile sensitivity ratio (PSR). According to them, it's a non-invasive way to determine penile vibratory sensitivity. For instance, it may help diagnose penile hypersensitivity or reduced sensitivity.

Moreover, the same researchers found that PSR can help diagnose PE and ED. That can be very helpful since the two are some of the most common male sexual dysfunctions. In addition, having erectile dysfunction can raise a man's risk for PE.

If you feel that you have a very sensitive glans or your entire peen is, see a doctor ASAP. An erectile dysfunction specialist, like a urologist, can also help with penis sensitivity. Likewise, they can help diagnose and treat decreased penile sensitivity.

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What Causes an Overly Sensitive Penis?

An underlying condition, such as phimosis or infection, can heighten penis sensitivity. In addition, injury or trauma to the penis may lead to penile hypersensitivity. Fortunately, most of these causes are treatable in many cases.

Phimosis

Phimosis is a condition that may affect uncircumcised men. In male patients with this problem, their foreskin is too tight and taut. That makes it difficult or even impossible to pull the fleshy covering back from the glans of your penis.

Because of that, the penis may become overly sensitive with extra friction. Pain may even accompany the sensitivity in some men. Canadian health experts also say phimosis raises risks of infections and chronic inflammation.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A UTI can heighten the sensitivity of the penis because it can lead to inflammation. It can affect many parts of the penis, but the sensitivity or pain is often worse during urination. However, an erection can also worsen it, as an erect penis is more responsive to stimulation.

UTIs are more common in Canadian women, so much so that they make 500,000 annual visits to their doctors due to a UTI. However, men can still get it, especially older males with an enlarged prostate gland.

Penile Injury or Trauma

An injury to the penis can cause it to become more sensitive or even painful. This type of trauma may result from having rough sex, falls, or getting hit, such as when playing sports. Even masturbation may result in penile trauma that can make it very sensitive.

What About Decreased Penis Sensitivity?

Decreased penis sensitivity can range from a slight to a complete loss of sensation. For instance, some men may experience little stimulation even when stroking their penis. Others may feel a tingling sensation in their peen or, even worse, completely numb.

There are several possible causes of decreased penis sensitivity, including the following:

Injury or Trauma to the Penis

Penile trauma can heighten penile sensitivity, but it can also lower it. That can occur if any of the nerves or nerve endings in the penis sustain damage. If that happens, the penis may become less sensitive or even numb.

Low Testosterone Levels

Men with low testosterone levels may experience reduced pleasure from having sex. As a result, they may make the mistake of believing their penis has lost its sensation.

Low T levels may also cause low sex drive in men, affecting their mood for sex. That can make them (and their penis) less responsive to stimulation. So, they may also make the mistake of thinking it's due to reduced penile sensitivity.

Rough Sex and Vigorous Masturbation

Rough sex and vigorous masturbation can place excessive friction on the penis. It also doesn't help that an erect penis is rigid, and its skin is very taut. Combine these factors, and the peen is at risk of bruising or even a fracture that can damage and numb it.

How Is Irregular Penis Sensitivity Treated?

Treatment depends on whether you have a sensitive penis or if it lacks sensation. Moreover, you must determine if your woes are due to an underlying health problem. Thus, the first step is to see a doctor who can trace the root cause of your sensitivity problems.

From there, your doctor may prescribe or recommend the following treatments.

Rest and Recovery

If sensitivity or loss of penile sensation is due to an injury, you may only have to let it heal. In many cases, minor penile trauma heals over time without medications. And once it does, your peen should feel normal before, during, and after sex.

Medications for an Overly Sensitive Penis

If your sensitive penis is due to an infection, eliminating the cause may be enough to treat it. In this case, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, or antiprotozoals. Once your body is clear of the pathogens, the sensitivity of your penis should go back to normal.

If the cause is phimosis, your doctor may prescribe steroid creams. These medications can help stretch the foreskin to reveal the glans of the penis. In more severe cases, your physician may recommend a dorsal slit to widen the foreskin.

Desensitizing sprays, ointments, and lubrications may also help reduce penile sensitivity. So if you suffer from PE, let your doctor know, and they might prescribe these topicals.

Medications for Decreased Penis Sensitivity

Medical conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis can contribute to sexual dysfunctions. That includes penis desensitization and erectile dysfunction. So, see a doctor if you believe a health problem is behind your decreased penis sensitivity.

Your doctor will likely prescribe medications to treat those health conditions. Treating them, in turn, may help ease the symptoms affecting penile sensitivity.

Psychotherapy

If you have chronic penile sensitivity, consider cognitive behavioural therapy. It's one of the most common psychotherapy methods doctors recommend for men with ED. It may help you work through negative thoughts about sex affecting your sensitivity.

Can You Prevent Penile Sensitivity Problems?

It's not always possible to prevent all causes of penile sensitivity woes, but in some cases, you can.

For example, traumatic injuries to the penis caused by sports are preventable. One way to do so is by using a protective cup during athletic events. If you cycle, use a different seat to help prevent numbness and pain, especially during long rides.

Cutting back on your sitting time may also help keep penile sensitivity woes at bay. One reason is that prolonged sitting can obstruct blood flow to your penis. It can then cause hypersensitivity, pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the penis.

Another helpful practice is washing your penis daily with water and very gentle soap. If you haven't had your foreskin removed, carefully pull it back to clean the area underneath. Be sure to wipe the glans, too, but never scrub this sensitive tip of the penis.

Safe sex, such as using condoms, can also help since it prevents infections. For instance, it's one of your best protections against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs, in turn, are infections that can lead to penile sensitivity issues.

Final Words: Never Underestimate Penile Sensitivity

As you can see, it's normal to have a sensitive penis, considering all the nerve endings inside it. What's not normal is if its sensitivity is so great, it makes you come way earlier than you want. Likewise, a decrease in its sensation can also be a sign of a problem.

So, if you regularly experience penile sensitivity woes, please talk to a doctor ASAP.