Several factors can lead to reduced penile sensation, ranging from how you masturbate to everyday habits, hormonal shifts, and certain drugs.
Penile sensitivity describes how responsive the nerves in the penis are to sexual stimulation, which may stem from physical, psychological, or hormonal causes.
For many people, sensitivity plays a big role in the ability to achieve and sustain an erection, so diminished sensitivity can make erections harder to obtain. It can also reduce sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
Read on to learn what might be causing the change and possible steps to restore sensation.
Quick distinction: decreased sensation vs. numbness
There’s an important difference between reduced sensation and true numbness.
Having less sensation means you notice weaker feelings — like temperature, tickling, or light touch — in your penis than before.
Numbness, in contrast, is when touching the penis produces little to no sensation at all.
Masturbation and sexual techniques
The way you masturbate can contribute to a drop in sensitivity.
A 2023 study linked certain masturbation practices with erectile difficulties, including:
- rubbing the penis while lying face down
- masturbating through clothing
- applying direct pressure to the penis during self-stimulation
The study authors observed that participants reported firmer erections during masturbation than during partnered sex.
Another common issue is using a very tight grip or a particular repetitive motion that feels best. Over time, this can desensitize you to other forms of stimulation — sometimes called “death grip.”
When that happens, it may be hard to ejaculate or feel pleasure unless you replicate the exact pressure or technique you typically use.
If you feel highly sensitive while masturbating but notice less sensation during partnered sex, several factors might be at play.
For example, a thick condom, excessive lubricant (natural or synthetic), or having a smaller-than-average penis can reduce friction and therefore decrease sensation during intercourse.
What can you do to help address this?
Altering your masturbation habits may help retrain penile sensitivity.
That might mean loosening your grip, stroking more slowly, or combining both approaches. You could also try a sex toy designed for penile stimulation to provide different external sensations instead of using clothing.
If intercourse feels less stimulating, some positions create more snug contact and increase friction. Adjusting positions so your partner’s legs remain closer together during penetration can help.
If you and your partner enjoy anal sex, the tighter fit can offer more stimulation. Be sure to use lubricant to reduce the risk of injury.
When it’s tied to your lifestyle
Everyday habits can also play a role in decreased penile sensation.
For instance, evidence suggests frequent cyclists have a higher risk of erectile dysfunction and reduced penile feeling.
Bicycle seats put pressure on the perineum — the area between the scrotum and anus — compressing blood vessels and nerves that supply sensation to the penis. Sitting for long periods in a hard or uncomfortable chair can produce a similar effect.
Repeated masturbation may also dull penile sensitivity due to continual friction. Rough hands or using materials like clothing increase friction and can further reduce sensation.
Wearing overly tight underwear can also negatively affect penile feeling.
What can you do to help address this?
Masturbation is a regular, healthy activity.
But if frequent self-stimulation seems to be reducing your sensitivity, taking a break for a few days may allow the skin to recover. If you still feel urges, try exercise to burn off some energy.
If masturbation feels compulsive and hard to control, consider seeing a therapist. They can help you identify and manage behaviors and emotions tied to compulsive sexual habits.
If you ride or sit for long stretches, take frequent breaks. Consider replacing your bike saddle or chair with a more ergonomic option, or switch activities to running, swimming, or hiking.
If it’s linked to testosterone
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that influences libido, sperm production, and other sexual functions.
If testosterone falls below about 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), you may feel less responsive to sexual stimulation and have more trouble getting and keeping an erection.
Testosterone naturally declines with age, but many other issues can lead to low levels, including:
- testicular injury
- cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or removal of a testicle
- obesity, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or elevated blood sugar
- autoimmune disorders
What can you do to help address this?
A clinician can confirm low testosterone with a blood test. Treatment often combines lifestyle adjustments and medical options, such as:
- regular physical activity
- keeping a healthy weight for you
- eating a nutritious diet
- prioritizing good-quality sleep
- testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), when appropriate
If it’s caused by an illness or medication
Some health conditions and drugs can affect penile sensation.
Diseases like diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage nerves and impact feeling in various areas of the body, including the perineal nerve located in the perineum.
The medication Eldepryl (selegiline), once prescribed for Parkinson’s disease, was reported to reduce penile sensation in some cases. Eldepryl has since been discontinued and is no longer used.
Selegiline is available under other brand names such as Emsam and Zelapar, but those labels do not list penile desensitization as a known side effect.
Still, it’s wise to talk with a clinician about any medicines that could be altering penile sensitivity.
What can you do to help address this?
Managing the underlying health issue according to your treatment plan is the best way to help restore penile sensation.
If you suspect a medication is responsible, discuss it with your provider. They may be able to change the dose or prescribe an alternative.
Can medications specifically increase penile sensitivity?
There are no FDA-approved drugs solely for boosting penile sensitivity.
However, a 2023 study reported that daily tadalafil 5 milligrams for 12 weeks improved penile sensitivity in people with erectile dysfunction.
If lifestyle changes haven’t helped, talk with a healthcare professional about whether tadalafil might be a reasonable option for you. Also consider exploring aphrodisiac essential oils as complementary approaches to enhance arousal and sensation where appropriate.
If it’s related to mental health
Psychological and emotional issues can also play a role in erectile problems and reduced penile sensitivity.
Stress, anxiety, and depression can make arousal harder to achieve. Even when you want to be intimate, your penis may not respond as readily.
What can you do to help address this?
Approaches depend on the mental health drivers involved.
Taking time to relax before sex can help if anxiety or stress are factors. A warm bath or shower can calm both mind and muscles, and the increased circulation from heat can make skin more responsive to touch.
Other stress-relief techniques include yoga, meditation, exercise, and journaling.
If you’re coping with chronic stress, anxiety, or depression, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a licensed therapist.
Things to keep in mind if you’re affected
If you notice decreased penile sensitivity, remember it’s often not permanent and may improve with changes to lifestyle and habits.
Be gentle with yourself physically and emotionally. Reduced sensitivity and erectile difficulties can trigger anxiety, stress, and lower self-worth, which in turn can worsen sexual function.
Allow time to relax and get in the mood before sexual activity, and give yourself permission to pause and try again later if things aren’t working.
Sexual and penile health are as important as other health concerns. If something feels off, a healthcare professional can evaluate symptoms, run tests to identify causes, and recommend appropriate treatments.
Things to keep in mind if your partner is affected
If your partner has reduced sensitivity, try not to take it personally.
You might feel responsible if they struggle to get or keep an erection, but decreased penile sensation is rarely about you. Unless there’s been physical harm, the cause is often unrelated to the partner.
This can be upsetting for both of you. Reduced sensitivity may provoke frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem in your partner, which can further interfere with arousal and erections.
Open, honest communication is essential. If you notice issues with arousal or it’s causing worry, talk about it and listen to each other.
You might ask questions like:
- Do you need a little time to unwind before sexual activity?
- Would you like more foreplay focused on other erogenous zones?
- Do you want to stop for now?
Creating a safe, understanding environment can strengthen the relationship and improve sexual experiences.
The bottom line
If penile sensitivity has declined, your habits and sexual routines — solo or partnered — may offer clues.
If you can’t identify a clear cause, consult a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms, run tests to find underlying reasons, and suggest a tailored treatment plan.
Meanwhile, be patient and kind to yourself, and explore other pleasure zones for satisfaction.
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