Penis health: Signs your penis is healthy

As important as it is for women to take care of their vaginal health, for men, it is as crucial to maintain a healthy penis. Both penile and testicular health determine overall health, which is why regular self-examination can help you stay aware of any changes in the intimate area. But how to know what a healthy penis feels or looks like? Here's all you need to know.

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Lumps in the penis can be of many different types. Most of them are harmless. However, any type of penile lumps can indicate an unhealthy penis. One of the primary causes could be a blockage in the sebaceous gland, which can lead to the formation of cysts, a tissue sac filled with pus or fluid. Most cysts go away on their own, while some get worse and more painful.

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According to Medical News Today, a healthy penis is free of lesions, warts, and abnormal discharge. There are usually no bumps including those caused by a cyst or pimples, also called pearly penile papules. These are also called hirsutoid papillomas - tiny, skin-coloured bumps on the head of the penis.

An irritated penis can be a sign of an unhealthy penis. Balanitis is a common condition characterized by the inflammation of the head of the penis. The condition can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections, or can result from chemicals, viruses or allergies. Furthermore, when one fails to keep the inside of the foreskin clean, balanitis can occur.

One of the ways you can tell whether your penis is healthy or not is by checking the colour of the penis. Medical News Today shares that a penis should be roughly the same color as the surrounding skin, though it may be a shade darker or lighter. Furthermore, it reports that a person should not have any pain in their penis when urinating or engaging in sexual activity.

Minimal penile curve is a sign of a healthy penis or else it could suggest Peyronie's disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Peyronie's disease is a noncancerous condition resulting from fibrous scar tissue that develops on the penis and causes curved, painful erections.

While it is a rare condition, it is still concerning because it is known to significantly affect a person's mental health. A 2013 study in the American Journal of Managed Care found that roughly half of all Peyronie's patients struggle with depression as it can prevent people from having sex or might make it difficult to get or maintain an erection.