Male genital health is seldom discussed and considered underrated ever since. Most men are usually shy and hesitant in seeking medical consultation.
Today, however, men are highly encouraged to have their genitals checked for monitoring and early detection of health issues.
Thus, penile issues are often detected during mandatory medical examinations at school or work.
Penile problems can range from mild to severe. Serious ones elicit pain and impede you from performing the activities of daily living.
Yet some are insignificant, benign, painless, don’t even require immediate medical attention, or show no signs of discomfort. One of these is the presence of pearly penile papules (PPP).
PPP are the tiny bumps you see in your penis. They’re often undetected for a long time.
However, when a man engages in sexual activities, they may be noticed and cause anxiety, fear, depression, and reduced confidence and self-esteem.
Fortunately, modern times have paved the way for effective removal techniques, and you may check what works best for you.
PPP: Things You Must Know
PPP are small whitish-pink, bead-like bumps usually found in clusters around the corona or sulcus of your glans penis. They may resemble pimples, but there’s no redness, swelling, or pus. Their sizes may range from 1 to 4 mm.
Males who have PPP don’t experience pain, discomfort, or itchiness. Many don’t realize they have them even with daily bathing and direct contact upon urination.
These tiny growths are asymptomatic and considered unique characteristics of a man’s penis. They don’t pose a threat or risk to overall health and wellness.
PPP is an idiopathic penile condition that affects about 14 to 43% of the male population. They usually develop among boys after their puberty phase, in uncircumcised people, and many of the cases affect black males.
Researchers and physicians have concluded that during the embryonic stage, the residues of cells and tissues have accumulated and developed into these small bumps.
Some experts have also hypothesized that it may be to poor hygiene, but that was dismissed. There are also no known cases connected to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus.
Continuous studies are conducted to learn more about PPP and its potential health correlation to the male population.
As of today, they’re considered harmless yet unpredictable and unpreventable. There are also no known precautionary and preventive measures that can effectively prevent PPP.
Available Treatments for PPP
Even if PPP doesn’t affect men’s overall health and wellness, it can influence how they see themselves and may lead to anxiety, depression, frustrations, and insecurities. Luckily, there are now treatments available to get rid of PPP. These are as follows:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser Surgery
Laser technology is widely known for its effectiveness in treating benign or malignant tumors, open wounds, skin rejuvenation, and other cosmetic uses.
CO2 laser surgery emits infrared energy, dissolving the papules and improving the skin appearance around the glans penis. This treatment can be availed in advanced clinics and hospitals.
PPP Kit
Advancements in science and technology have led to the innovation of convenient, nonsurgical, and do-it-yourself procedures.
This kit includes an electric ionizer used to vaporize clusters of tiny bumps and an instruction manual that illustrates how to use the device properly.
It’s also essential to consult with your doctor for medical advice.
Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is included in your options list, but it’s more appropriate for 3 to 4 mm papules.
It uses specialized radiation to dissolve clusters of bumps effectively. This nonsurgical procedure is also used to treat cancers, tumors, and skin conditions.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery utilizes low temperatures to freeze the papules so they’ll eventually fall off. It’s a noninvasive procedure, but you may feel intense cold, burning sensation, and mild aching pain due to coldness until it feels total numbness.
It’s highly contraindicated to people with diabetes and other sensory problems.
Precautions in Treating PPP
PPP may be benign and doesn’t have negative effects on your physical health, but there are things you need to be aware of in treating them:
Don’t put creams, lotions, ointments, or toothpaste on the papules. They don’t treat them and may cause penile irritation and allergic reaction.
Before looking into the treatments available, consult a urologist or your primary physician. Some STDs may mimic PPP and will not respond to any treatment procedure.
Disclose your medical history truthfully to your doctor. He needs to know your pre-existing conditions and current medications that may affect the treatment.
Taking All Into Consideration
Genital health must be considered a priority in people of all genders and ages. PPP is said to be a normal and unique growth around the penis. However, they can indicate undiagnosed and pre-existing conditions you may have.
Hence, if you notice something odd and unusual in texture and appearance, don’t hesitate to consult with your primary physician or urologist.
Luckily, many treatments are now available to treat PPP. They’re known to be safe and effective in getting rid of these tiny bumps.
