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Re: Sensitive glans....

Written by Paul B. at 26 Mar 2001 13:27:47:

As an answer to: Re: Sensitive glans.... written by Troy at 26 Mar 2001 01:21:03:

> But - my glans is extremely sensitive - really hurts to touch with a
> finger. Is that normal?

My previous comment is that it most likely *is* normal - certainly
for you. And very normal for women by way of comparison.

> Touching it indirectly i.e. on the foreskin, does not hurt at all.

The difference is that when you uncover it, it is generally slightly
moist and slightly sticky ("tacky") so any movement is very readily
felt. This is no surprise whatsoever, not only do most girls feel this
way about their clitoris, but there are a number of body areas where
this is the case, such as the inside of the urethra (pee tube) even in
circumcised guys, the ear canal, the inside of the nose, the throat
and windpipe.

What happens in *all* such areas is that if there is something
constantly touching without lubrication, the skin (or mucous
membrane) eventually both toughens (gets thicker, callouses) and
becomes less sensitive.

Some people must wear or regularly use a catheter (tube into the
bladder), so they get used to this and it becomes more comfortable,
similarly for other medical appliances such as nasal tubes and
tracheostomy tubes (directly into the windpipe) and decorative (?)
piercings (such as the Prince Albert and related oddities).

A regrettably familiar example is simply the practice of smoking.

>Does the glans have to be exposed in order to have penetrative sex?

Well, no, some men cannot retract their foreskin at all, but never
realise this to be a problem and proceed to masturbate, have sex,
father children and - whatever one does after that (if anything!).

There are really two considerations. One is that we know that
infections, some of which may eventually lead to cancer, are more
likely to affect men who cannot or do not pull the foreskin back and
clean underneath. Actually, I consider intercourse quite a *good*
method of doing this, because the female vagina is built to do just
that (has "squeegee" ripples inside ;-).

The other is that aside from cleanliness, it is up to you to decide
whether you want to accustomise your penis to more direct stimulus.
You don't have to; you can masturbate using your foreskin or using a
nice slippery lubricant (which will allow you to slide hands over
without that "tackiness" that feels painful) and intercourse with an
enthusiastic lady who will be very wet and slippery inside will
likewise be quite comfortable - you will have the actual advantage
that unlike some men, you will be as sensitive to lack of lubrication
*as she is*. That is again, the point I am making comparing you to
her situation.

It is quite easy (but must be approached slowly) to become used to
more direct touch on your glans, just retract at every opportunity
including cleaning (avoid soap!), peeing and of course, sexual
exploits. There's really no hurry, you are perfectly functional, just
wishing to make minor adjustments.

Regular retraction and perhaps some deliberate stretching will also
tend to sort out the fraenulum tightness you reported initially.


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