The glans is the final part of the penis that, in most cases, is usually somewhat thicker than the rest of the member. It is the most sensitive area as it has numerous nerve endings and is covered by a tissue called the foreskin. In its normal state it usually has a pink or reddish color, although it depends on the man it may be more or less dark. However, a purple color is not usually normal and can be the cause of a condition in the glans, so if it turns purple, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible. If, in addition, it is accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it is important to go urgently. If you want to know more, in this oneHOWTO article we give you an answer to the question of why do i have a purple glans.
Causes of purple glans
Although the glans color usually reddish or pink it is normal that it depends on each man and that some show this area with a darker color than others.
In addition, it should be explained that the penis in normal conditions, that is, flaccid, usually has a darker color than when it is erect, whose color pales due to the stretching of the skin. This is completely normal.
When a man has rough sex or has masturbated with more force than usual can cause injuries or blows to the penis or glans. This can cause some blood vessels to break producing what we know as bruises. In this case it is nothing serious, it is simply the consequence of these injuries, however, you should be careful. The penis, and therefore the glans, may feel sore and sore after this activity.
In addition to physical injuries, which are not more serious than pain, the glans can suffer from some diseases or pathologies that can also lead to a change in its color. There are three main conditions of the glans that are balanitis, phimosis and paraphimosis. We are going to see each of them below and why they cause the glans to become purple.
Purple glans due to balanitis
Balanitis it is an inflammation of the glans. It is not very serious but it must be treated, especially when it is due to a fungal infection.
When balanitis occurs, a man may have color changes in the glans area, such as having a purple glans, due to inflammation. So if you have the purple and swollen crown of the glans You may have this condition, so you should go to the doctor. It can also turn red and even hurt or sting. In addition to the characteristic color change, bad smelling secretions may appear (for example in case of fungal infection), sores, painful urination or even difficulty in retracting the foreskin.
The main causes of balanitis they can be the following:
- Poor hygiene. Not cleaning the area well can accumulate dirt and cause inflammation.
- Some kind of soap. On the contrary, using too strong soaps that do not respect the pH of the area can cause. It is a very sensitive area and some chemicals can damage it. You also have to take into account the rinsing when you are washing the glans. Any remaining soap must be completely removed.
- Infections The most common case is a bacterial infection caused by the Candida fungus. In this case, itching may also appear in the area. They can also be non-bacterial infections caused by a virus, such as the herpes virus or the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Dermatological conditions such as psoriasis.
- It can also be due to hypersensitivity after intercourse.
- Some diseases such as diabetes can cause balanitis.
- Phimosis can cause balanitis.
To treat balanitis you have to see the cause that caused it. However, it is not a serious condition and with proper treatment it will disappear quickly.
Purple glans due to phimosis
Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin (the skin that covers the glans) cannot be retracted leaving the glans visible.
Phimosis can be present from birth, which is known as primary phimosis. The foreskin opening is not large enough to retract and expose the glans. When it occurs in adults it is called acquired phimosis.
It is normal for newborns to have a union between the foreskin and the glans that is maintained until the beginning of puberty. However, when a child of about 12 or 14 years of age cannot retract the foreskin, it is called phimosis. On many occasions it is not congenital but can occur due to an undue stretching of this skin, for example during the cleaning of the baby. Thus, phimosis is one of the main causes of purple glans in children.
On grown ups the most common causes are poor hygiene, balanitis, which can cause phimosis and, on the contrary, infections of the mucosa that covers the foreskin and glans, dermatological conditions or even a tumor.
It usually does not present symptoms although it can cause pain if an infection is created that can also cause discoloration such as purple. If urine accumulates, dirt may remain. In addition, men often have pain during sexual intercourse.
The main treatment for this cause is circumcision, that is, the surgical removal of the part of the foreskin that covers the glans.
Paraphimosis: cause of purple glans
Paraphimosis it is a serious condition if it lasts a long time and must be treated as soon as possible. It is a condition in which the foreskin of an uncircumcised man has become retracted and cannot return to its normal state. By having the retracted foreskin the glans is exposed and the skin of the foreskin is trapped behind the head of the penis. This causes an oppression or strangulation of the glans causing the blood not to flow properly and therefore it has to be treated urgently as it could cause gangrene.
It can occur in everyday situations, during hygiene, sexual intercourse, or even during a medical examination. When the skin is retracted downwards, leaving the glans visible, it stays that way for a long time, it can cause paraphimosis.
Due to the tight situation of the glans, the blood does not flow correctly and the oxygen does not arrive well, a kind of strangulation occurs. For this reason, in these cases the inflamed and purple glans due to lack of oxygen.
Treatment basically consists of lower glans inflammation to stretch the skin again and it will return to its natural state, but if its condition is serious a small incision will be made in the foreskin so that it can slide back and cover the glans.
How to avoid purple glans
For prevent the glans from turning purple You can follow a series of guidelines that will help you prevent injuries and conditions. These are some premises:
- Hygiene. Wash the area well, using a soap that respects the pH of the skin. Also, remember to rinse off the soap well when you rinse. Proper hygiene can be very simple but it can prevent many conditions.
- When you have sex or masturbate, keep several things in mind. One of them is the use of protection, especially if you have several partners. This will prevent a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection from fungus from developing. It is a measure not only preventive but also as a hygiene. Another thing to keep in mind is the level of force with which you maintain relationships, not only with your partner but also during masturbation. Doing it roughly can cause injuries such as bruises.
- When you wash, inspect your penis, or touch it, do it carefully, never overstretch the skin or leave it retracted for a long time. As we have seen, paraphimosis can occur during everyday situations and can be serious.
And before any physical change or symptom that occurs go to the doctor, who can best give you a diagnosis and treatment.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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