White Bumps Near the Urethra: Causes and Concerns

White granules

Hello Doctor: I am seventeen years old and I masturbate.
Sometimes I ask my girlfriend for oral sex, and she has no sexually transmitted infections.
During a shower in the ninth grade, I noticed two small bumps near the urethral opening.
They are not painful or itchy, and they haven't grown recently.
What could this be? Is it contagious? Thank you for your response.
Concerned.

Cai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/03

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Common skin protrusions may be caused by keratin abnormal proliferation known as milia, which appear as skin-colored or light brown, round, multiple lesions.
These small white nodules resemble tiny beads, about the size of a pinhead, and are primarily formed due to cystic retention of keratin in the upper dermis.
They may also result from androgen-induced sebaceous gland hyperplasia during puberty, ectopic sebaceous glands, or epidermal pigment deposition.
However, milia typically appear white, while sebaceous gland hyperplasia appears yellow.
Generally, milia do not require treatment.
Some milia can occur on the penis or directly on the nipples.
Additionally, there are small papules known as penile pearly papules.
This condition does not affect your health or physiological function, and if asymptomatic, does not require treatment.
Approximately 10% of males may develop penile pearly papules.
These small papules are arranged in rows (circumferentially) along the coronal sulcus of the penis, ranging from the size of a pinhead to that of a grain of millet, and can be skin-colored or light pink.
They cannot be washed or scraped off, are painless and itch-free, and represent a benign skin condition.
The exact cause is still unclear; however, they do not impact the patient's overall health, urinary function, or sexual function, and are not contagious.
The color of penile pearly papules can be pink, white, or yellow, with transparent ones being less common.
Their size typically ranges from 1 to 2 millimeters in width and 1 to 4 millimeters in length, forming round papules arranged in single or double rows along the coronal sulcus of the penis.
They usually have no symptoms and are often discovered incidentally by the patient.
However, if there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or urologist, as a physician often needs to perform visual examination, palpation, and history-taking to confirm the diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2016/01/03

More Info

Hello, "菜." It's understandable to be concerned about any changes in your body, especially in sensitive areas like the urethra. Based on your description of the white bumps near the urethra, there are several potential causes, and I will outline them along with their implications.

1. Pearly Penile Papules: These are small, harmless bumps that can appear around the glans (the tip) of the penis. They are often white or skin-colored and are completely normal anatomical variations. They are not contagious and do not require treatment.

2. Fordyce Spots: These are small, painless, pale bumps that can appear on the shaft of the penis or around the urethra. They are sebaceous glands that are not associated with any disease and are also not contagious.

3. Folliculitis: This condition occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, often due to infection or irritation. If the bumps are red or inflamed, this could be a possibility. Folliculitis is typically not contagious and can often resolve on its own.

4. Genital Warts: These are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear as small, flesh-colored or white bumps and may be itchy or uncomfortable. While you mentioned that your partner does not have any sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it's important to note that HPV can be asymptomatic. If you suspect this might be the case, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider.

5. Other Conditions: There are other less common conditions, such as molluscum contagiosum (a viral infection that causes small, raised, pearl-like bumps) or cysts, which may also present similarly.
Given that the bumps are not painful, itchy, or changing in size, it is less likely that they are a sign of a serious condition. However, since you are concerned about the possibility of transmission or infection, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. They may perform a physical examination and, if necessary, run tests to rule out any STIs or other conditions.

In terms of sexual health, it's crucial to maintain open communication with your partner about any concerns and to practice safe sex to reduce the risk of STIs. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can also help ensure that you remain healthy and address any concerns as they arise.

In summary, while the bumps you describe are likely benign, it is always best to seek a professional opinion to alleviate your concerns and ensure your health. Don't hesitate to reach out to a urologist or a healthcare provider who can provide you with personalized advice and reassurance.

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