Certain problems can be awkward to discuss with your doctor — especially if they’re below the belt. The good news? While your penis problem might feel super embarrassing, your doctor doesn’t feel the same way.
“I always tell my patients, ‘I’ve only examined 30 other penises today,’” says Dr. William Berg, a urologist with the Stony Brook Medicine Department of Urology’s Men’s Health Program in New York. “We treat it just like any other part of your body.”
Below, Berg answers some of the sex-related questions people with penises might be scared or anxious to ask.
Should I shave my pubic hair?
There’s no specific health reason to shave your pubic hair, but you might decide to for cosmetic reasons.
If you shave, be aware that your razor could spread bacteria to your pubic area, resulting in uncomfortable little red bumps. It can help to swap out your razor blade beforehand and to shave carefully, so you avoid cutting and scraping the area. “Shaving in the shower, when the scrotum is wet and warm, can also prevent skin irritation,” says Berg.
Why is my libido so low? Or so high?
Libido can vary from person to person, and lots of factors can affect it. Mood and stress can zap your sex drive, as can sleep deprivation. Chronic health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea and obesity can impact testosterone levels, which can change libido.
It’s normal to experience heightened sex drive when you have a new partner, but medical conditions rarely cause a libido surge. “If you notice a change in either direction, talk to your doctor,” Berg says.
What is my prostate and why is it important?
The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra (It’s not visible, so it’s not easy to check for yourself.) When you urinate, the pee passes through the middle of the prostate. It’s also the prostate’s job to provide fluid for ejaculation. Your prostate grows throughout your life. As you get older, your urethra may get narrower, and you may notice symptoms like a slower urine stream or more frequent urination.
The prostate is also important because prostate cancer is the most common type of male cancer. Berg says most men should start getting screened for prostate cancer at age 55. “If you have a family history of prostate cancer or you’re African American, you’re considered higher risk, and you should get screened starting around age 40 or 45,” he says.
What are treatments for premature or delayed ejaculation?
Ejaculation is the event that causes semen to be released from the penis, usually in response to sexual stimulation. It’s normal to ejaculate within about five minutes during penetrative sex. If you regularly take a lot longer or if you ejaculate within two minutes and can’t control it (premature ejaculation), there might be an underlying medical cause.
Erectile dysfunction, along with other underlying issues like low testerone, can cause ejaculation problems.
There’s no FDA-approved treatment for premature ejaculation, but you can get over-the-counter creams or sprays that prevent you from ejaculating too soon. Psychotherapy or a low dose of an SSRI can also help prevent premature ejaculation.
Delayed ejaculation usually happens due to medication side effects, including from antidepressants or high blood pressure meds. If that’s the case, your doctor can change your medication dosage or switch you to another one.
What are some signs of a sexually transmitted infection?
Sexually transmitted infections can cause a variety of symptoms. Possible STI symptoms in patients with penises can include:
- Swelling or pain in the testicles
- Pain or burning during urination
- Discharge from the urethra
- Genital rashes, sores or warts
- Genital itching
Why are there bumps on my penis?
It can be totally normal to have bumps on your penis. If the bumps are right around the penis head, you might have a condition called pearly penile papules. Some people have bumps on their scrotums called sebaceous cysts. “Neither condition is concerning, and you don’t need treatment unless they are enlarged and uncomfortable or you want them removed for cosmetic reasons,” Berg says.
Penis bumps can also signal a yeast infection. Common yeast infection symptoms include:
- Itchiness
- White patches around the top of the penis
- Skin peeling or cracking on the foreskin
- Small, rash-like bumps on penis
- White, curd-like discharge under the foreskin
- Burning sensation when you pee
- Pain during sex
You can treat a yeast infection with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but if your symptoms don’t go away, see your doctor.
What are signs of testicle problems?
You know your testicles best. If you notice a lump that wasn’t there before or a change in the size of your testicles, see a doctor. This could be a sign of testicular cancer. Berg recommends examining your testicles in the shower once a month so you can get a sense of their baseline shape and size. “Testosterone also comes from the testicles, so decreased erections and libido can also be a sign of testicle problems,” he says.
Is my penis size and/or shape normal?
Penises can come in all shapes and sizes. The only real reason for concern is a big change in the shape or size. “There are some diseases that can cause your penis to change shape, to become curved when it wasn’t before, or to have an indentation in the side,” Berg says. Age- or medical-related changes in testosterone can also affect the size of your penis.
If you’re worried about how your penis looks or are experiencing new symptoms, it’s always worth checking in with your doctor.