For the majority of men, avoiding a needle anywhere near the penis seems like a no-brainer. But for die-hard tattoo enthusiasts, no part of the body is off limits. Not surprisingly, though, piercing the penile skin repeatedly with a needle and injecting it with ink can lead to some unpleasant problems. For men who simply can’t resist the urge to ink, being aware of these and caring for the penis properly before and after the fact may be helpful in preventing lasting penis problems.

1. Infection– Poking holes in the skin is the ideal way to introduce foreign invaders to the body, especially when proper precautions are not taken. Tattooing should be done by a professional, in a hygienic setting, using sanitary equipment; but even when sanitary procedures are followed, infection following tattooing is not uncommon. Keeping the area clean, both before and after, and applying a penis health crème containing natural antibacterials may help to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Scarring– Another problem that can be caused by tattooing is scarring of the skin and underlying connective tissue. Scarring on the skin’s surface can lead to penile sensitivity loss, while scarring around the erectile tissue in the shaft of the penis can, in some cases, cause painful bending or curving during erections and even loss of function. Boosting the skin’s healing properties and supporting the formation of new skin and connective tissue may help to alleviate the risk of developing permanent penis problems.

3. Nerve damage– The skin of the penis is dense with nerve endings that transmit pleasurable sensations to the brain. If this nerve tissue is damaged by a misplaced needle, loss of sensation may result. Vitamins to support nerve cell repair may alleviate the risk of reduced sensitivity and impaired function.

4. Priapism– Last but not least, tattooing the penis can result in a long-term erection, a condition known as priapism that can cause scarring, nerve damage and permanent loss of function. The danger here is very real – a recent news article describes a young Iranian man who took the do-it-yourself approach and pierced an artery, preventing the blood from draining from the penis and causing a permanent semi-erection. While relying on a professional with the right equipment may reduce the risk in this case, there is always the chance that something can go wrong. Men who find themselves with an erection that does not subside after four hours or so should seek emergency medical treatment in order to avoid permanent injury to the penis.

Keeping the penis healthy, before and after tattooing

For those who simply can’t resist the lure of the needle, some precautions and preventive measures should be taken. In addition, proper penis care following the procedure should be observed. To keep the penis healthy, regular bathing with a mild cleanser is of course advised. Furthermore, tattooing should never be attempted on cracked, chafed or irritated skin. Moisturizing can help to alleviate the effects of rough handling and prevent further irritation.

As already mentioned, a reputable tattoo artist who runs a clean operation and does not reuse needles is recommended, not only to avoid infections and transmission of other diseases, but to reduce the risk of nerve damage to the sensitive penile tissue.

Keeping the penis skin supple, smooth and blemish free, both before and after the procedure, will only help to reduce the risk of uncomfortable or harmful side effects; treatment with a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can also improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, allowing the full effect of the artwork to shine through.