Pearly Penile Papules: What Are They? How Do You Get Them?

Like women, many men also face reproductive health problems affecting their daily routines and well-being. That’s why it’s important to keep yourself equipped with the right information to ensure proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

Have you noticed any whitish-gray spots in your genital area? They could be pearly penile papules (PPP). In this article, get to know more about them, including their causes, prevalence, and more.

What Are Pearly Penile Papules?

One of the most common conditions many men encounter at some point in their lives is pearly penile papules. PPP is a benign or non-cancerous condition that involves the appearance of whitish-gray, yellowish, or, sometimes, pinkish bumps or papules on the corona (rounded head) of the penis.

The other signs and symptoms of PPP include painful urination, pustule discharge, and discomfort. Many men find the bumps bothersome, so they want to remove them through treatments, such as using a PPP kit.

PPP is highly prevalent among men in the late adolescence and young adulthood stages. It usually starts in the late puberty stage. On the other hand, men aged 40 years old and above rarely experience PPP.

Pearly penile papules don’t usually have any other manifestations. Once they appear, the skin bumps usually stay for a lifetime. As you age, such growths disappear. However, they don’t have color or shape changes and don’t affect other skin areas. Otherwise, suspect a different condition that should prompt you to see a doctor immediately.

How Do You Get PPP?

Doctors and other pathology experts can’t pinpoint the real cause of PPP. According to the American Urological Association, the papules may be remains from embryonic development during conception. It means they were leftovers or late manifestations when the male child was still developing inside his mother’s womb.

Many people have many misconceptions about PPP. But, here are some facts you must know about:

• PPP Is Not STD

Many men with PPP are concerned about it because they think harmful microorganisms caused it. They become shy and avoid sexual contact when the papules grow in rows. This perception can significantly affect the sexual performance of active men, especially married individuals.

Unlike syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), PPP isn’t caused by viruses or bacteria. Therefore, touching the genitals and sexual intercourse can’t transmit PPP to the intimate partner.

• PPP Is Not Cancerous

Men with PPP are concerned about getting penile cancer, also characterized by skin growths. However, in the latter, the sore doesn’t heal within four weeks. A rash and bleeding under the foreskin or penis, along with a smelly discharge, are also manifestations of the said cancer.

PPP is non-cancerous. As mentioned, if the papules change in color, size, or shape, see a doctor for proper assessment and diagnosis. The doctor can request a biopsy for histological analysis to confirm whether the skin bumps are malignant.

• PPP Is Different From Genital Warts

The human papillomavirus doesn’t cause PPP. Hence, it isn’t contagious and is far different from genital warts.

The papules in PPP are tiny, shiny, uniform in size, white or flesh-colored, and look like whiteheads. On the other hand, genital warts are irregularly-shaped, flesh-colored skin growths in clusters with either a soft or rough texture, and sometimes hard. The HPV virus in genital warts can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact and during sexual intercourse, which isn’t the case with PPP.

• PPP Doesn’t Always Need Treatment

In most cases, pearly penile papules disappear on their own and, thus, don’t require treatment. However, many patients feel embarrassed or have low self-confidence when they see the growths increasing in number.

If PPP significantly alters your daily routine, sexual functioning, and mental health, consult a doctor. They can recommend the right treatments to remove the bumps, such as a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. They can also refer you (and your partner) to a counselor for psychological intervention as necessary.

In a nutshell, pearly penile papules aren’t a serious medical condition. But, once they start bothering you, affecting your well-being and confidence, various treatments are available to eliminate them.

Conclusion 

Pearly penile papules (PPP) are common among young adult men, characterized by benign whitish-gray skin bumps. In most cases, this reproductive health condition doesn’t pose a major cause of concern because it’s normal and not contagious unless it causes discomfort, pain, and other symptoms. If you’re in doubt, you can see a gynecologist or licensed healthcare practitioner to confirm if you have PPP. There are also several available treatments you can choose from if you want to eliminatethese abnormal growths.