From STIs to four-hour erections, having a penis can be a risky business.
And one young man has revealed he’s been struggling with a problem that’s getting him hot in the bedroom — and not in a good way.
It’s a phenomenon Metro is dubbing ‘fire penis’, in other words, his member is getting uncomfortably warm during sex.
‘My penis gets too hot when doing vaginal sex only,’ Jack* says. ‘[I have] the same setup (water-based lube on penis’s head under silicon condom) during anal sex, which makes me feel heat but not uncomfortably so.
‘It’s specifically vaginal sex that causes a feeling so unpleasant I can’t finish. Needless to say that oral sex causes no problems.’
Writing on Reddit he explains that it’s not the rest of his body that gets hot, specifically just his erect penis.
While it may seem niche, it’s affecting Jack’s sex life — and it’s not just a him problem.
While there’s no medically recognised ‘fire penis’, Dr Babak Ashrafi tells Metro that unusual sensations during sex, including experience a too-toasty penis, are far more common than many men realise.
Sexual health nurse for Lovehoney, Sarah Mulindwa, agrees, telling Metro that Jack’s incorrect use of a condom could be the ticket.
‘Using lubricant inside a condom can trap heat, increase sensitivity, and cause discomfort,’ she says. ‘It also increases the risk of condom failure, which can lead to unintended pregnancy or STI transmission.’
How can you stop your penis getting hot during sex?
While there isn’t any recognised treatment path for this, the sexual health nurse suggests some things you can do to ease discomfort.
If all else fails, take yourself to a sexual health clinic or GP and get a comprehensive sexual health check.
