Pearly Penile Papules

Have you noticed small and pink bumps on your penis? Do not be afraid. They are completely harmless. Here is more about it.

 

 

Some studies show that black men are more likely to develop Pearly Penile Papules (Rehbein).

 

The small bumps appear in a number of men

 

The term used for the bumps is Hirsuties papillaris genitali, or they are more commonly referred to as Pearly Penile Papules, in short PPP.  They are a harmless skin anomaly and appear in a small percentage of men. Tiny and skin coloured spots form around the coronal margin of the edge of the glans penis, particularly in men between the ages of 20 and 30. Usually, they are not painful and disappear or become less noticeable with increased age. This phenomenon occurs in 8-48% of the male population and varies in terms of skin colour, region and circumcision. Circumcised men are 12% less likely to have PPP. (Source: www.emedicine.com)

Hirsuties papillaris genitali close-up where their structure is clearly visible

 

Many men are very concerned about the bumps on the penis

 

Many men think that it is a sexually transmitted disease and the bumps are infectious, but that is not true. Others are afraid that it is a form of cancer and the bumps will develop into a tumour. Such fear is unnecessary as well. The papules are as natural as the skin. The biggest problem is if they spread across the glans of the penis, which can cause an unpleasant sensation and slight pain. For this reason, some men decide on removal of the bumps. The most common method is laser removal treatment. If your papules are really large and uncomfortable, or just simply do not like them, see a dermatologist.

The papules appear on the inner side of the coronal margin of the glans penis and sometimes they also spread over the surface of the glans.

 

Why do the bumps appear on the penis?

 

The reason for the appearance of the papules is still uncertain. Some scientists (Sally Gibbs, Mark Collard, in Bernard Wood) defend the thesis that the papules are related to the penile spines which occur in certain primates. Such penile spines are also present in cats. Their function is to trigger ovulation of the female, thus enabling fertilisation.  In men, the papules also appear on the inner side of the coronal margin of the glans penis and the woman can hardly feel them in penetration, as opposed to when the penis is pulled out. Ovulation is different in human anatomy so this reason is not plausible and, in addition, the papules are not so big and firm. It is possible that they act as a sort of a brush which in case of mating with several females scrapes the sperm of rivals out of the vagina. On the other hand, they serve as additional stimulation. It has been proved that orgasm increases the chance of conception.

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