By Alice || Edited by Go Ask Alice Editorial Team || Last edited Sep 30, 2026 [Let us know if you found this response helpful!](#votingapi-reaction-form-vote) ## Resources - [Sexual and Reproductive Health Visits (Morningside)](/resource/sexual-and-reproductive-health-visits-morningside) - [Medical Services (Morningside)](/resource/medical-services-morningside) - [Medical Services (CUIMC)](/resource/medical-services-cuimc) ## Cite this Response ### MLA 9 Alice! Health Promotion. "What are these bumps on my penis if it's not an STI?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 30 Sep. 2026, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/what-are-these-bumps-my-penis-if-its-not-sti. Accessed 01, Oct. 2026. Copy Citation ### APA Alice! Health Promotion. (2026, September 30). What are these bumps on my penis if it's not an STI?. Go Ask Alice!, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/what-are-these-bumps-my-penis-if-its-not-sti. Copy Citation Dear Alice, I have some small bumps near the base end of my penis and on my scrotum. The bumps do not look like herpes or genital warts. They look almost like goosebumps, but they are always there. I am still a virgin so I don't see how I could have an STD. I would be thankful for any help or advice you can offer. Dear Alice, I am a 20-year-old male with a question. Since I can remember, I've had many bumps (small lumps under the skin) covering the underside shaft of my penis, as well as my scrotum. They are very similar to the bumps I've noticed on girls' nipples. When I went to the "Doc," I was told they were normal and fine. My question to you is: Exactly how "normal" are these bumps and how common? Do all males have them? Dear Readers, Dear Readers, Sounds like things have taken a bit of a *bumpy* turn! Penises come in many different shapes, sizes, and textures. If you notice a change or something unusual, it’s understandable to have questions or concerns. There are many possible explanations for bumps on or around the penis. Some changes are normal and harmless, while others may be caused by an infection. The only way to know for sure is to get checked out by your health care provider. **What might these penis bumps be?** A couple of possible explanations for the bumps include: - [**Fordyce spots**]() are common, harmless oil glands that may appear around the mouth or genitals, especially during puberty. - [**Pearly penile papules**]() are harmless bumps that form around the head of a penis and often develop during puberty. - [**Folliculitis**]() is inflammation of the hair follicles, often caused by bacteria or fungus. It can cause itchy or painful bumps. - [**Ingrown hairs**]() occur when a hair gets trapped inside the skin. These usually look like red bumps and can be itchy. They can happen on or around the penis. Keep in mind, it also could be none of these. If you’re concerned, a health care provider can take a look. They could tell you more of the cause, and if needed, discuss treatment options with you. **Can you get an sexually transmitted infection (STI) even if you haven’t had sex?** In certain cases, yes. Some infections that are considered STIs can get passed through sexual or non-sexual skin to skin contact. They could appear as bumps on or around the penis. For example, - [**Molluscum contagiosum**]() is a common skin infection caused by a virus. It causes small bumps and can spread through skin-to-skin contact. - [**Genital warts**]() are caused by certain types of [human papillomavirus (HPV)]() and spread through skin to skin sexual contact. They can appear as bumps on or around the genitals. - [**Herpes simplex virus (HSV)**]() is a common STI that can be spread through sexual or non-sexual skin-to-skin contact. Genital herpes can cause bumps, blisters, or sores on or around the genitals. **When should I go see a health care provider?** Whenever you notice changes to your penis (or any other part of the body!) that seem unusual or you’re uncertain about, you may feel more comfortable getting checked out by health care provider. For this reason, you and your partner(s) may want to consider [getting tested](https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/get-tested) if you haven’t done so recently. Getting STI tests are also a good idea whenever you have a new sexual partner — ideally before getting in bed together. That being said, if you notice any of these symptoms, you may want to see a health care provider as soon as possible: - Pain - Itchiness - Bumps that are leaking fluid, growing in size, or spreading to other areas of the body - Fever or flu-like symptoms It’s not possible to know for sure what’s going on down there without a proper medical examination. Your health care provider may be able to provide clarity, reassurance, or even some helpful tips about what’s normal and how to take care of your health. Your friend, ## Additional Relevant Topics: [ .st0{fill:#0E4159;} Sexual and Reproductive Health ](/topics/sexual-and-reproductive-health) [Let us know if you found this response helpful!](#votingapi-reaction-form-vote) Was this answer helpful to you? ![](https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/votingapi_reaction/icon-thumbs-up_0.svg) Yes this answer was helpful to me ![](https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/votingapi_reaction/icon-thumbs-down_0.svg) No this answer was not helpful to me Other humans have also viewed… ## [Are there tests for herpes and genital warts?](/answered-questions/are-there-tests-herpes-and-genital-warts) [ .st0{fill:#0E4159;} Sexual and Reproductive Health ](/topics/sexual-and-reproductive-health) ## [Are there health concerns associated with bumps on the vulva?](/answered-questions/are-there-health-concerns-associated-bumps-vulva) [ .st0{fill:#0E4159;} Sexual and Reproductive Health ](/topics/sexual-and-reproductive-health) ## [Is the bump on the side of my anus hemorrhoids or something else?](/answered-questions/bump-side-my-anus-hemorrhoids-or-something-else) [ General Health ](/topics/general-health)