Aa
Glans penis deterioration
I am a 36 year old male, uncircumcised. This is something that has been going on for several years. The glans penis area always has a burning sensation and have noticed that it is slowly deteriorating. And I have also noticed increase numbness over the years. I have been to a dermatologist and two urologists about this. They keep telling me that they don't know what the problem is. To them it looks normal and will not do want to perform a biopsy. But the change is real and so is the pain. And it is becoming more painful as the glans slowly wears away. I am uninsured (looking for insurance) and wonder if the doctors are shy about performing tests. Sex is too painful, so is masturbation. I am afraid that I will lose my penis and in turn my manhood. Doctors can be so apathetic. Someone please help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Just to recap. You have noted that in the past few years, you have been experiencing some degree of numbness and burning pain over the glans penis. Also, you have noted some physical changes in the appearance of the glans.
I have suggested a neurologic consult just for you to have an objective assessment of the numbness. This may be something that needs further evaluation. Erosions or scaling of the foreskin may be due to dryness and irritation of the area. I do not think this is nerve related. Uncircumcised individuals usually encounter these problems. Balanitis as I have mentioned previously affects uncircumcised males more.
I think you have mentioned of circumcision as an option. You may discuss this with your physician. Adult circumcision may have its own set of indications. The pros and cons have to be weighed here.
I know you are frustrated about how things are turning out here. The physical examination performed by your doctors may be unremarkable thus , there seems to be no urgency for further management and intervention. Though, I understand that the discomfort you are feeling is real. Thus, it is best that you try to be patient about all these.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my posts. I appreciate it very much. The two urologists that I saw. Both of them walked away like, "Sorry, you're normal." As if I enjoy the humiliation of pulling my pants down in front of strangers. This is very embarrassing and very painful and. The embarrassment I can live with, but the pain is only getting worse.
Thank you for checking in on the neurologist. Yes, I have tried steroidal creams before. They have not worked. I noticed that when I roll the foreskin back and wait a few minutes, the glans penis dries up quickly and the skin has a whitish appearance to it. It almost turns scaly. But I can't keep it coiled back like that, because a burning sensation comes on and anyway, it's uncircumcised and eventually rolls over the glans on its own.
What are some of the creams you recommend I use? I might try them again. But from my last experience, it only made the burning feeling worse.
Can a neurological condition also cause erosion? And if so, why is it only happening at glans penis?
What are some of the creams you recommend I use? I might try them again. But from my last experience, it only made the burning feeling worse.
Can a neurological condition also cause erosion? And if so, why is it only happening at glans penis?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi.
Fungal infections are usually superficial skin conditions and should present with rash and redness in most cases .In some there may be fine scales and erosions involved. For fungal infections involving the genitalia, oral antifungals are not necessary. A mildly potent topical steroidal cream may suffice.
As for the circumcision, the assessment should come from your urologist. Then again, the indication should be able to justify the risks and benefits involved with the procedure.
As I am not from LA, let me see if there are some ways I can get contacts of neurologists who may be able to help you in the area.
Fungal infections are usually superficial skin conditions and should present with rash and redness in most cases .In some there may be fine scales and erosions involved. For fungal infections involving the genitalia, oral antifungals are not necessary. A mildly potent topical steroidal cream may suffice.
As for the circumcision, the assessment should come from your urologist. Then again, the indication should be able to justify the risks and benefits involved with the procedure.
As I am not from LA, let me see if there are some ways I can get contacts of neurologists who may be able to help you in the area.
No, I have not engaged in strenuous activity. There is no history of a previous trauma. Also, there must have been a miss communication. There is no swelling. Just a slow and steady erosion. I am sure the numbness is due to that.
Could I have a fungal infection that does not appear prominent? Something that is below the skin? Something that takes pills to cure and not a topical cream?
Also, is it a good idea to get a circumcised? Would a neurological condition cause deterioration? Can you recommend a good neurologist in the LA area?
Could I have a fungal infection that does not appear prominent? Something that is below the skin? Something that takes pills to cure and not a topical cream?
Also, is it a good idea to get a circumcised? Would a neurological condition cause deterioration? Can you recommend a good neurologist in the LA area?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi.
A biopsy may not be indicated at this point as the risks and benefits of the procedure have to be weighed also. Your physician may not find enough indication to order further tests. You have mentioned of numbness and swelling in the area. Also, you have noted some physical changes with the glans penis. Nerve related problems without visible skin manifestations may actually be difficult to assess. I suggest that you seek consult with a neurologist so that a complete neurologic examination be done.
Any history of previous trauma before?
Have you engaged in strenuous cycling activities which could have contributed to your condition?
A biopsy may not be indicated at this point as the risks and benefits of the procedure have to be weighed also. Your physician may not find enough indication to order further tests. You have mentioned of numbness and swelling in the area. Also, you have noted some physical changes with the glans penis. Nerve related problems without visible skin manifestations may actually be difficult to assess. I suggest that you seek consult with a neurologist so that a complete neurologic examination be done.
Any history of previous trauma before?
Have you engaged in strenuous cycling activities which could have contributed to your condition?
Thank you for responding. Here's what I have noticed about the "deterioration." It has made the glans penis a lot less sensitive. Also, it has shrunk in it's size. The soft tissue does not swell up as big as it once did during erection. Also, the nerve endings are starting to show because of the outer layer has been worn away. They are more visible during erection. And the pain is starting to get more prominent. Now I can feel it going up into the my stomach. There is no over all redness and that is why the two urologists and the dermatologist say it looks normal. At one point the first urologist noticed what he called an "indentation" of the glans but didn't know what it was from.
I have been to the urologists about 5 times in the last three years. And every time they have done an urine sample and did a prostate exam.
From my limited medical knowledge, I am sure there is some sort of an infection but the urologists will not perform a biopsy.
Again, the pain is very real.
I have been to the urologists about 5 times in the last three years. And every time they have done an urine sample and did a prostate exam.
From my limited medical knowledge, I am sure there is some sort of an infection but the urologists will not perform a biopsy.
Again, the pain is very real.
Thank you for responding. Here's what I have noticed about the "deterioration." It has made the glans penis a lot lest sensitive. Also, it has shrunk in it's size. The soft tissue does not swell up as big as it once did during erections. Also, the nerve endings are starting to show because of the outer layer. They are more visible during erection. And the pain is starting to get more prominent. Now I can feel it going into the my stomach. There is no over all redness and that is why the two urologists say it looks normal. But if they were to see it during the erection stage of the penis they would know.
I have been to the urologists about 5 times in the last three years. And every time they have done an urine sample and did a prostate exam.
From my limited medical knowledge, I am sure there is some sort of an infection but the urologists will not perform a biopsy.
I have been to the urologists about 5 times in the last three years. And every time they have done an urine sample and did a prostate exam.
From my limited medical knowledge, I am sure there is some sort of an infection but the urologists will not perform a biopsy.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi.
This problem may be nerve related. You have mentioned that the glans is "deteriorating". Would you be able to elaborate more on this?
The burning pain and sensation may be due to an underlying infection or a superficial irritation of the glans penis. Is there any redness, rash or visible changes of the glans?
At this point, we may also think of a balanitis as a differential. Balanitis may be due to a fungal or bacterial infection. In some cases, it may be secondary to a dermatitis or psoriatic condition. These have to be ruled out.
A baseline urinalysis and urine culture may help. Is there any discharge beneath the foreskin? Is the area beneath the foreskin also involved?
This problem may be nerve related. You have mentioned that the glans is "deteriorating". Would you be able to elaborate more on this?
The burning pain and sensation may be due to an underlying infection or a superficial irritation of the glans penis. Is there any redness, rash or visible changes of the glans?
At this point, we may also think of a balanitis as a differential. Balanitis may be due to a fungal or bacterial infection. In some cases, it may be secondary to a dermatitis or psoriatic condition. These have to be ruled out.
A baseline urinalysis and urine culture may help. Is there any discharge beneath the foreskin? Is the area beneath the foreskin also involved?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Urology Community
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia provides insight to the most commonly asked question about the transfer of HIV between partners.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
