Got pearls in your pants? You aren’t alone.
Around the world, an estimated 14% to 48% of men will develop small, whitish bumps around the head of their penis at some point in their lives.
They’re called pearly penile papules — and while their name may sound rather elegant, the sight of these growths often leaves men feeling less than glamorous.
One frightened fellow, Steven Mogot, spent 30 years feeling “ashamed” of his “unsightly” schlong, convinced he had genital warts and avoiding sexual intimacy for fear of what his partners might think.
But experts say there’s no need to panic — or spend decades pumping the brakes on your bedroom life.
Here’s everything you need to know about pearly penile papules, including who’s most likely to develop the bumps and how to get rid of them.
What are pearly penile papules?
Pearly penile papules are small, rounded or sometimes “finger-like” growths made up of fibrous tissue and blood vessels, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The bumps typically appear in rows around the head of the penis, often looking like tiny white spots or pearls.
They can also be yellow or pink and are usually 1 to 3 millimeters wide and up to 4 millimeters long — about the size of a grain of rice.
What causes pearly penile papules?
Doctors aren’t sure, but they have nothing to do with poor hygiene and aren’t a sexually transmitted infection, despite their appearance.
“If you aren’t sure, go see a doctor,” Dr. Joshua Gonzalez, a urologist and sexual health expert, said in a TikTok about the condition.
“They are easily clinically identifiable.”
Who’s most likely to get pearly penile papules?
Anyone can develop them, but they’re more common among Black men and those who have foreskin.
They’re also most commonly noticed during young adulthood.
Should I be worried about pearly penile papules?
The short answer: No.
The bumps are benign, harmless and typically don’t cause any other symptoms.
But while the growths pose no physical threat, they can take a psychological toll. Studies show that more than one-third of men with pearly penile papules have experienced worry, anxiety or distress over their appearance.
The papules don’t interfere with sexual function, sensation or performance and they can’t be passed to a sexual partner.
Still, some men avoid intimacy out of embarrassment or fear that their partners will mistake the growths for an STI.
Can you get rid of pearly penile papules?
In some cases, the papules may disappear as men get older. For those whose growths stick around, treatment generally isn’t necessary.
But if you’re uncomfortable with their appearance, there are ways to have them removed. Just don’t try to take matters into your own hands.
“Do not pick at them or try to pop them,” Gonzalez stressed.
A healthcare provider can remove the growths through freezing, laser treatment or surgical excision.
“There was a slight ‘burning of hair’ smell and a mild tickling sensation, but no pain. And, best of all, I could see the results immediately,” Mogot told the Daily Mail after getting his papules lasered off.
“One week later and I was fully healed with a completely smooth penis,” he added. “These days, six months on from the procedure, I feel restored.”
The Cleveland Clinic recommends seeing a healthcare provider if you notice any new sore, bump or other change on your penis.
That’s especially important if you’re sexually active and experience additional symptoms, such as pain or burning when urinating, discharge from a bump or the urethra, itching or bleeding.
These could be signs of an STI or another condition that needs medical attention.
