Is It Normal to Have Small Bumps on the Shaft of My Penis?

Published: May 29, 2018
Dear TeenHealthFX,

Hi I'€™m 25 y old. I have small lumps on the shaft of my penis. Is this normal? Please advice.

Signed: Is It Normal to Have Small Bumps on the Shaft of My Penis?

Dear Is It Normal to Have Small Bumps on the Shaft of My Penis?,

According to TeensHealth:

If you've never had sex, little white bumps on the shaft of the penis may be pimples, a skin cyst, or ingrown hairs. These are common and they're nothing to worry about. Another condition that's normal and no cause for concern is pearly penile papules. These whitish bumps appear on the glans (head) of the penis or along the edge of the glans in many guys. Pimples, cysts, ingrown hairs and papules won't do any harm — though if you try to pop them they could get infected.

If you are having sex or have had sex in the past, bumps on the penis may be signs of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs). Painful blisters, bumps, or ulcers may be herpes. Genital warts (HPV) also can show up as bumps on the penis. Sometimes these are irregular in shape or hard to see, and they're not painful. Syphilis also can give a guy painless ulcers on his penis. Finally, molluscum contagiosum is an infection that can be spread through sexual contact and give someone small, painless bumps.

STDs may not give a guy painful bumps, but they can put your health (and your partner's health) at risk if they are not treated quickly.

If you are concerned about these bumps for any reason, or just want a definitive answer about what they are, then FX recommends you see your doctor. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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