“Doctor, everything was normal until out of nowhere some red spots appeared on the head of my penis. I’ve never had sexual intercourse and when I touch it, it hurts. What can it be?”

Red spots on the head of the penis that are uncomfortable to touch may signal an inflammatory or infectious process. Even those who have never had sexual intercourse can have an infection with candida albicans, a fungus that lives in the intimate area and causes candidiasis. Another hypothesis is the development of an allergy.

In situations like this, the recommendation is to see a urologist to carry out an evaluation and have access to the best treatment for each case. It is also worth remembering that it is essential to carry out adequate hygiene of the glans when bathing to ensure that “everything is in order”.

Why is the glans so sensitive?

The glans is nothing more than the head of the penis and, in most men, it is permanently – or almost always – covered by the foreskin, a skin that surrounds the glans and has the function of protecting it.

However, as the glans is made up of mucosa, a more sensitive tissue that covers other regions of the body, such as the mouth, vagina and anus, and is not externalized very often, it can end up developing great sensitivity.

When this happens, just touching, bumping into the condom or hand during masturbation, or even coming into contact with the mouth, can cause discomfort, pain or a strange sensation that can even compromise the quality of sexual contact.

How to improve sensitivity?

Discover some tips that can help reduce this sensitivity. It is worth remembering that if the discomfort persists, it is best to seek medical help.

  1. Try leaving the glans a little more exposed so that, little by little, the sensitivity decreases when it comes into contact with your hand, the air or the fabric of your underwear;
  2. Proper hygiene of the glans is important in any situation. But, in the case of a lot of sensitivity, using the softest part of the sponge and, little by little, applying it to the glans can help. At first, it will probably hurt and bother a lot, but then it will tend to get better;
  3. If the sensitivity is extreme, it is important to check with a doctor to make sure it is not caused by an infection, such as candidiasis. If there is a strange smell or itching, you have even more reason to make an appointment;
  4. During sexual intercourse, a condom is an important layer of protection and, in addition, it prevents direct contact between the glans mucosa and the inside of the vagina or anus;
  5. Boys who undergo phimosis surgery have their glans exposed the entire time. As a result, this mucosal characteristic is replaced by slightly thicker skin, which greatly reduces this sensitivity and does not cause as much discomfort when touched and during sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is worth seeing a doctor to find out whether or not it is advantageous to perform the procedure in cases of extreme sensitivity.