Penises: there are so many different kinds. Some are straight, some are curved, some have a larger base with narrow glans, others have a smaller base with wider glans. Just like vulvas, they’re all unique.
Having said that, it’s fair to assume that many people, regardless of their genitals, have wondered if theirs are “normal” or even nice-looking.
So today, we’re going to touch on the subject of veiny penises. Are they “normal” or is there any cause for concern or upset?
Veiny Penises: Are They Normal?
In many cases, seeing the veins beneath the skin of the penis is completely normal and shouldn’t be a source of worry nor the need for any medical attention.
You see, the way in which a penis looks depends on a number of factors such as genetics, age, frequency and intensity of physical activity, heart health, the thickness of one’s skin, and medical underlying factors. Whatever the reason, why are there veins in the penis?
Why Are There Veins in the Penis?
Veins are important throughout the body, including the penis. And in the case of the penis, veins and arteries are what carry blood to and from the spongy erectile tissue. This, in turn, helps penis owners to achieve an erection.
When a penis owner gets an erection, oxygenated blood from the heart travels through the arteries to three chambers of the spongy tissue inside the shaft of the penis. This blood then runs across the surface of the penis, which can make the veins in the area appear much larger. When they look larger during an erection, it may cause some alarm, but there’s no reason to worry, as it actually means that there is a healthy blood flow.
The blood then stays there until one’s penis is no longer erect. For that reason, when the influx of blood leaves the penis and it is flaccid, these veins may not be very visible.
These veins can change over time, but having them in a good condition is a crucial part not only in being healthy in general, but also having a healthy sex life.
In other words, we need healthy veins in the penis so that blood can flow to them when aroused in order to procreate, have sex, and to masturbate successfully.
In most cases, having a veiny penis doesn’t have any influence on things such as erectile dysfunction. But there are some cases to watch out for.
Veiny Penises and Erectile Dysfunction
For some who have a veiny penis and who are living with erectile dysfunction, it could mean that there’s an issue that’s affecting your blood flow.
This could be things such as blood clots or atherosclerosis (a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls). This could happen as a result of one’s cardiovascular health.
One study, for example, showed that experiencing erectile dysfunction could be an early sign of cardiovascular disease. Another study indicated that erectile dysfunction could precede a heart attack by three to five years.
Alas, this information is not to scare you, but merely to educate. Erectile dysfunction is not the topic of today’s article in any case, so let’s get back to the meaty stuff… aka veiny penises.
A Veiny Penis During and Shortly After an Erection
The main takeaway when it comes to a veiny penis is that, when it is erect or you’ve just had an erection/ejaculated, it’s common that your veins are much more pronounced.
There’s really no reason to worry about this after increased sexual activity.
When to Worry About Having a Veiny Penis
In other instances, besides when erect, a veiny penis could be a source of concern.
For example, there is something that happens to penis owners during puberty. That is varicocele. This is when the veins on the scrotum appear, giving them a more veiny appearance. This happens to around 10 to 15 percent of penis owners, and usually there’s no reason to worry about it. In fact, most people barely notice them.
However, if you ever experience pain that feels dull or achey, or sharp after exercise, this may be something you’d like to discuss with your doctor.
Another reason that may cause concern is Mondor’s disease. This is when a blood clot develops in the veins and limits the blood flow through the vessel. This condition will cause pain and will result in visibly large penis veins when flaccid or erect. It’ll also be sore to the touch when you feel the veins themself in your penis.
Additionally, a condition called lymphangiosclerosis could create an abnormal hardening of a lymph vessel in the penis, making it appear more veiny. Lymphangiosclerosis often looks like a thick cord wrapping around the bottom head of the penis or along the entire length of the penile shaft. It usually measures about three millimeters in thickness.
With lymphangiosclerosis, you could visit your healthcare provider, but typically the condition will go away on its own in four to six weeks and rarely causes complications. The prerequisite is not to engage in sexual activity or masturbate during this condition.
Then there are also some surgeries that may cause a veiny penis, such as procedures that remove varicocele, reduce inflammation in a blood vessel, circumcision, or actual vein removal.
To sum up, if you’re feeling any pain during an erection, ejaculation, or urination, swelling of the penis or testicles, hard, flesh coloured cords on the penis, or lumps on the penis or scrotum, we advise that you seek professional advice.
The Bottom Line: Is a Veiny Penis Normal?
While we may have mentioned some conditions that may be cause for concern, having a veiny penis when erect or shortly thereafter is simply the result of normal blood flow to and from the penis. Thus, it’s normal to have a veiny penis during these conditions.
And it’s important to note that the size of every penis owner’s veins is different. Some may have more noticeable veins than others.
On the other hand, if you feel any discomfort related to the conditions we’ve mentioned above, you may want to get yourself checked out for ease of mind. Our bodies are magical, and listening to them is important for optimal health, happiness, and longevity.
