Worried about lumps and bumps? Chances are, you don’t need to be.
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If you’ve got junk, you’ve likely experienced at least one moment of fear when you notice it’s got a strange bump or lump. So what’s wrong with your dick?!
You can relax! Normal variations in color or benign conditions are common. There are, of course, STDs to watch out for. And penis cancer is an actual disease, though it’s less likely to affect men in more modern industrialized nations.
If lumps and bumps are a source of stress for you, here’s what you need to know.
Pearly penile papules
These small bumps on your penis can be pink, white, yellow, or—very occasionally—translucent. They vary in size and shape, but they’re generally between 1-2mm wide and 1-4mm long. You’re likely to find them in a single or double row near the head of the penis. They are not contagious and are completely benign!
Experts aren’t really sure why some men get PPP and others don’t, but some studies have found that uncircumcised gents are more likely to get them than those who have been circumcised. The key takeaway here is that they’re nothing to worry about! Just make sure not to pick at them or pop them. And don’t bother with over the counter wart removers—those aren’t meant for use on your penis!
Fungal rash (jock itch)
You may be familiar with this one if you’ve spent a lot of time in locker rooms. This rash thrives in dark, moist conditions such as sweaty balls. If you see reddened skin or you’re just itchy in that area, you’re probably suffering from jock itch.
If you do find you’ve developed it, never fear: there are a variety of over the counter and prescription remedies available that will clear things up in no time.
You can avoid jock itch by keeping your groin area cool and dry as much as possible. (But don’t think that lets you off the hook when it comes to regular exercise!)
Penis and testicular cancer
Penis cancer is a possibility if you’re noticing an unusual bump or lump, though it’s extremely rare. Still, you’ll want to make sure you’re maintaining good hygiene and regularly checking out the plumbing for anything unusual. This is especially true of the foreskin, which can often hide the damning evidence. Usually there is some redness and irregularity to the skin that is affected
If your lumps, swelling, or pain are focused on the scrotum, you may have testicular cancer. This kind of cancer can affect men of any age, from infant to elderly. Like penis cancer, however, it’s pretty rare: your lifetime chance of developing it is about 1 in 263, according to Cancer.org. It’s extremely treatable if found early on. Most of the time an abnormal lump withing the scrotum turns out to be a harmless cyst of the epididymis (the tube that transports sperm from the testicle to the vas deferens). Other times it’s a bunch of enlarged veins called a varicocele. Nonetheless, its wise to get it checked if you are unsure or feeling something new.
You don’t have to get overly stressed out about those occasional lumps and bumps. Just check in on what’s going on Down There from time to time, and see your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.