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Urology  (Expert Forum)
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Loss of sensitivity in penis, seems more flaccid than normal
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Loss of sensitivity in penis, seems more flaccid than normal

by Jar Jar Binks, Apr 12, 2006 12:00AM
I was driving this Saturday afternoon (8th April), and unfortunately when shifting in my seat, my pants evidently bunched up and cut off the blood supply to my penis. Unfortunately, I did not realise the danger at the time (especially as this has happened before, but with no ill effects) - and although I was uncomfortable, I made the mistake of waiting until it started tingling before trying to get off the road and visit a toilet.



When I got out and went to the toilet, my penis was completely cold and lifeless, with no feeling. It was also decidedly more flaccid than usual. When I got home an hour later, I discovered that an erection was still possible - but the sensation was largely gone.



That night, I decided to go out and have a curry with my friends, to try and take my mind off the problem - and when I returned, some sensation had returned - but not much. The tip is the most sensitive - more so than any other part, although not as sensitive as it was. Erection can be achieved in about 2-3 minutes with a focused effort, and it subsides about as quickly when stimulation disappears and/or ejaculation occurs.



Obtaining an erection in the subsequent few days has not been a problem, although it requires more mental stimulation than physical, due to the lack of sensation. When erect, it does not seem any less hard than it was before, and I still get sperm if I ejaculate. Sexually (from a reproductive point of view), it seems fully functional.



What worries me though, is when my penis is flaccid, it seems *very* flaccid - almost rubbery, where before it just felt like a reasonably firm piece of meat. It's been this way since Saturday (8th April). It's usually very warm to the touch, however - and seems to get plenty of blood. It was flaccid when the blood supply was interrupted, so I'm imagining that the possibility of blood clotting is lower. However, I don't know if there is a risk of gangrene - and I'm not too keen on having my penis amputated! The latter fear may just be hypochondria on my part, but I feel it is always better to be safe than sorry.



Occasionally, I experience mild tingling in my penis (the first time this happened was when I was having a curry, and I discovered that some feeling had returned). The tingling normally doesn't last long, and is quite mild.



Will this heal in time, or will I need to see a specialist? What would you recommend? I would prefer a solution I can do myself - as I happen to live in Germany, and I don't speak German very well. I'm 30 years old, and although I was circumcised at birth, I have had absolutely no physical problems with my penis before. I'm reasonably fit, go to the gym at least once a week - and although I sit a lot at work, I get involved in physical activity in my spare time. My blood pressure is usually quite close to 120/80 (I have a monitor which I use every so often).

by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 13, 2006 12:00AM
It is difficult to say without evaluation.  



You can consider obtaining an ultrasound of the penis to evaluate blood flow.  Metabolic diseases like diabetes or thyroid diseases can lead to some of the symptoms you describe.  



A urinalysis can be considered to evaluate for infection.  



In any case, a urology referral is not a bad idea - this can be discussed with your personal physician.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

kevinmd_b
Member Comments

by Jar Jar Binks, Apr 24, 2006 12:00AM
To: Sexual Dysfunction
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by Jar Jar Binks, Apr 26, 2006 12:00AM
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by softnow, May 14, 2006 12:00AM
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by bladt, Jun 05, 2006 12:00AM
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by Jar Jar Binks, Jun 10, 2006 12:00AM
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by manuele, Jun 29, 2006 12:00AM
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by inthemist, Jul 12, 2006 12:00AM
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by Gare, Jul 14, 2006 12:00AM
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by GabeinStafford, Jul 18, 2006 12:00AM
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by bladt, Jul 22, 2006 12:00AM
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by jnd_1, Jul 27, 2006 12:00AM
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by PeaceandLoveallweneed, May 08, 2008 12:18AM
A related discussion, Dont worry be happy was started.

by mookie484, Oct 02, 2008 08:52PM
A related discussion, penis sensitivity was started.
Continue discussion
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