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Very few things give guys more concern as they
grow out of puberty into adolescence than their penises. While size is and will
likely always be the single most discussed issue, there are several other
conditions that generate some concern and discussion. These conditions are often
believed to be related to some sexually transmitted disease by those who are not
familiar with them. In the vast majority of cases, however, they are perfectly
normal and harmless.
Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots, named after dermatologist John A.
Fordyce, are small, slightly elevated yellowish or white bumps that can appear
on the head or the shaft of the penis. Though they are primarily noticed by guys
on their penises, they do appear in the labia of females as well, and may even
appear on the inner lips of either sex. These spots are variants of sebaceous
glands, or sweat glands, without the usual hair protruding from them. They tend
to appear more noticeably on the penis and in the labia because they are under
very thin skin and are very close to the surface
These glands are perfectly normal, are not
related to any disease (including sexually transmitted diseases), and are
completely harmless. There is no treatment or “cure” for these outside of
nitrogen or laser treatments that are only moderately effective if at all.
The most significant problem with these is the
psychological impediment some people may have to them. This includes the owner
of the penis (i.e., he may feel embarrassed or not be aware of their harmless
nature), and potential sex partners. It is important to note that, since these
glands are under the skin, they present no problem with emitting any
contaminants (perspiration or otherwise).
Tyson’s Glands
Tyson’s Glands (named after Edward Tyson, a 17th
century anatomist who discovered them) are glands which are located on the glans
(head) of the penis under the foreskin, are largely inactive in childhood. At
puberty, Tyson's Glands begin producing an oily substance, which, when mixed
with shed skin cells, constitute adult smegma. Adult smegma serves a protective,
lubricating function for the glans, but can become odiferous if it is not
cleaned off periodically. Smegma is believed to serve as a lubricant for the
movement of the foreskin across the head of the penis (when the foreskin is
present). There is also a theory that these may have served as an odor-producing
gland when man was living in caves (to mark territory, much as some animal still
do today). These glands can become infected when a person is infected with an
STD.
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| The white residue is smegma |
Pearly Penile Papules
Medically known as Hirsuties papillaris
genitalis, these are small, flesh-colored, smooth, dome-tipped bumps
situated circumferentially around the ridge (corona) of the penis. Usually
appearing in groupings or in rows, it is not uncommon for them to extend onto
the head of the penis as well. Though the specific nature of the bumps is
unknown, they are not related to any known sexually transmitted diseases,
malignancies, or any other identified medical condition. They appear is
approximately half of all males, regardless of their standards of personal
hygiene. Circumcised males appear to have them less often than intact males do.
They become more pronounced during puberty and may persist throughout life.
Similar to the Fordyce Spots, these may present some psychological impediment to
either the owner of the penis or a sex partner.
Lymphoceles and other bumps
Hard swellings that suddenly appear on the shaft
of the penis near the foreskin after sexual intercourse are usually lymphoceles.
These are caused by temporary blockage in lymphatic channels in the penis and
will go away on their own without after-effects. They are not harmful and are
not indicators of any disease or anomalous condition.
Small bumps, cysts and pimples on the outside of penis and scrotum are also
quite common and generally harmless. Any persistent or painful cyst, especially
with a discharge should be checked by a doctor to rule out the possibility of a
sexually transmitted disease.
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Readers have left 18 comments. 1. UntitledGuest User, UnregisteredWow, thank you. I've been surfing for years and found exactly the answers i was looking for here. nothing beats pictures. now, that i know the name of what i have, and that it's perfectly normal, how do i get rid of it? laser surgery? 2. UntitledGuest User, UnregisteredHey i have some fordyce spots on the base of my shaft and around my scrotum. I'm 14 y.o and I just have one question. First of all i KNOW that fordyce spots are harmless. Second i know that treatment is NOT needed. I just want to know how to get rid of them if there is a way (without surgery or prescription stuff). Or if they should go away on theyre own, or if there is a way to reduce the amount of em or anything (once again without surgery or prescription stuff)! I know that there may not be anything i can do about them, but if there is PLEASE tell me. i dont want my gf thinking i have std's or anything. and i would love to not have to worry about them... please just answer: 1) how i can get rid of them/reduce them, if there is a way 2) if they will go away on their own AND 3) how long it will probably take for them to go away if they go away on their own? PLEASE answer these 3 questions. Thank you very much for your time. Sorry if this is too long! 3. UntitledJJJ, Unregisteredhi im also 14 and share the same concerns of the person above so would also appreciate you answering my queries on.... how can i get rid of my fordyce spots? excluding surgery? or do they just "go"? please reply 4. UntitledCaitlain, Super AdministratorGuys, Fordyce spots are normal occurrences, and will fade or lessen with age. The only thing I've seen anyone discuss about getting rid of them is a laser removal process, and even that is questionable. Sorry. 5. UntitledGuest User, Unregisteredhi
how do you get rid of smegma or Pearly Penile Papules is there any alternative to laser surgey? 6. UntitledGuest User, Unregisteredhi guys, i found i had Fordyce spot when i was 12, im now 16 and they still haven't gone, i know that they make u feel self conscious but if u just relax and forget about it it will make ur life ALOT easier. and btw, if u dont notice them nor will ur girl friend... well mine has'nt
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