For many men, their penis is both a source of pleasure and a source of frustration. This is especially true if they have lost the ability to become erect or reach orgasm.
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual concern that affects about 30 percent of men. It is often linked to sensitivity to the shafts and glans of the penis.
1. Get More Exercise
A man’s sexual sensations depend on a complex interplay of many factors. These include the brain’s response to sex, the interaction and chemistry with a partner, proper blood flow, and pleasurable sensation in the penis (the head and glans). If one of these pieces is missing, sexual pleasure will be hard to achieve.
Some men may notice that their sensitivity in the glans and the shafts of their penises has decreased as they get older. This can also occur due to other factors, such as diabetes or neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.
The skin on the glans is less thick than on other parts of the body, making it more sensitive to stimulation. The glans also contain nerve fibers that can transmit feelings, and the urethra is filled with sensitive muscles that can cause orgasms.
If you are noticing that your sensitivity in the glans and shafts of your penis is decreasing, it could be due to a lack of stimulation or masturbation. Try reducing the amount of pressure you use while masturbating, and you should notice that your sensitivity returns.
2. Reduce Your Masturbation Frequency
As you may have already figured out in your own solo research, the tip of your penis is quite sensitive and plays a key role in sexual pleasure. While this sensitivity can be a great thing, it can also be a problem when you finish too early in intimate times and end up feeling distressed or frustrated.
This can be the result of many things, including excessive masturbation, alcohol use, medications, or a sedentary lifestyle. The loss of penile sensitivity can be reversed by reducing the frequency of masturbation and finding other ways to connect with your sexuality that don’t involve self-groping.
Another cause of decreased sensitivity is using too much lube when masturbating, which reduces friction and makes it more difficult to feel stimulation or orgasm on the tip of your penis. You can remedy this by reducing the amount of lube you use while masturbating. This can be a challenging habit to break, but it’s important for maintaining a healthy relationship with your penis and to avoid premature ejaculation. It’s also worth considering a course of cognitive behavioral therapy to address any psychological factors that are contributing to your loss of sensitivity.
3. Change Your Diet
The penis is innervated [supplied with nerves] by a pudendal nerve, which provides sensation to the skin of the penis, perineal region, and scrotum. If this nerve isn’t working properly, you may lose sensitivity in the area, and it could become more difficult to stay erect or reach orgasm.
If you’re experiencing a decrease in penile sensitivity, it’s important to try a few things before seeking professional help. First, try experimenting with different sexual techniques, such as changing the grip or stroke during masturbation or using a new position during sex. It’s also important to use a good quality lubricant during sexual activity, as this can reduce friction and make the area less sensitive.
Lastly, it’s important to avoid alcohol before sex. Alcohol is a depressant, which can make the penis less sensitive and inhibit arousal. You should also be careful when using harsh products on the genital area, as this can lead to irritation and inflammation, which makes the penis more sensitive. If you continue to have problems, consider seeing a therapist for sex/couples therapy or counseling.
4. Stop Taking Medications
If you have been taking medications such as antidepressants or opioids, they can decrease your penis sensitivity. If this is the case, it is important to speak with your doctor about changing your medication.
Over time, a non-sensitive penis can make you not enjoy sex or masturbation and can also lead to early ejaculation (PE) or even erectile dysfunction. This numbness is due to a combination of physical factors, such as nerve damage, and psychological factors like anxiety or stress.
Another common cause of reduced sensitivity is drinking too much alcohol before sex. While it might seem counterintuitive, alcohol actually depresses the nerves in your penis, which reduces sensation.
Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, known as PDE5 inhibitors, can also decrease penis sensitivity. These are medications such as sildenafil (brand name Viagra), tadalafil (brand name Cialis), and vardenafil (brand name Levitra). If this is the case, talking to your doctor about finding alternative medication options may be helpful.
5. Change Your Lifestyle
Penis sensitivity can have an impact on sexual satisfaction in couples. It’s important for partners to communicate openly and seek help together in finding solutions. Whether that’s finding different ways to increase friction in the bedroom, practicing pelvic floor exercises or talking to a therapist, working together can improve overall wellbeing and promote sexual pleasure.
In some cases, a decrease in penis sensitivity can be caused by medication. SSRIs, which are often prescribed for mood disorders, can decrease the ability to feel sensations. If you have been taking SSRIs and are experiencing decreased penis sensitivity, let your doctor know. They may be able to prescribe a different medication that will increase your sensitivity.
Watching too much porn can also desensitize the penis. This can make it hard to feel arousal or have sex, so try switching up your routine in the bedroom. You can also find condoms that contain numbing agents or a climax control formula. Some over-the-counter sprays and creams can numb the skin on the phallus to reduce sensitivity, as well. In addition, reducing stress levels can increase sex drive and sensitivity.
