So here goes, I've recently started a relationship with this guy, and it turns out that he has a very unusual (to me) penis. The ridge that exists where the head meets the shaft is ringed by these little bumps, very uniform in size and natural looking. He says that he was born with them and that they are sensitive to touch. I've never seen or heard about anything like it in my life, so I have to wonder. Is he just extra-sensorially endowed or is he diseased? Help, What's a normal penis?

Dear What's a normal penis?

Bumpy or not, it's not easy to say what a normal penis should look like. Like other parts of the body, a penis can vary widely from person to person. Some might be long, while others are short, or some may be fat while some others might be thin. Additionally, depending on where the person is born, their religion, their family's preferences, or other factors, some penises might be circumcised, while others might not be. With this much variation, it's understandable to be concerned that the bumps on your partner's penis might lead to future bumps down the road for your health, especially if it's something you've never seen or heard of before.

Although the Internet is a powerful tool, there is still no way to tell you what the bumps are from over the computer screen. There are many different things that can cause them, from STI's like Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or syphilis to something as common, non-life threatening and not contagious such as psoriasis or eczema. As your partner pointed out, sometimes they occur naturally and do not warrant any kind of treatment.

If your partner reports that they are sensitive, is this a possible bonus in the bedroom?  Perhaps you'll want to take matters into your own hands and find out for yourself. If you are still concerned or holding back because of these bumps, you two might want to consider visiting a health care provider to check for STI's, as well as to gather more information and resources for a healthy, happy and worry-free sex life. If you're a Columbia student, you can call x4-2284 or log in to Open Communicator to schedule an appointment. You should see your health care provider if you find that you've developed these bumps in your genital area as well, or that his bumps become red, itchy or rupture. 

It's great that you are both curious about your partner and at the same time able to have a conversation with him about his penile peculiarities. Keep asking your partner about his body, and hopefully he can do the same with you — communication is a valuable tool in any healthy relationship.

Alice

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