‘Fire penis’ is the painful sex symptom killing the spark in the bedroom

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.

However, Dr Ashrafi, for Superdrug Online Doctor, adds: ‘As the body is very good at regulating temperature a penis can’t literally overheat.

‘What people are usually describing is a sensation of heat rather than an actual dangerous rise in temperature.’

Why your penis might feel hot during sex

Sexual arousal causes a significant increase in blood flow to the penis.

‘That blood is warm,’ Dr Ashrafi says. ‘Combined with close skin contact and friction, this can create the feeling of warmth.

‘If there’s dryness or irritation, the nerves in the penis can become overstimulated and produce a burning or hot feeling, even though the skin temperature itself is normal.’

The long and short of it is sex should feel pleasurable, not painful.

‘Mild warmth during sex is normal, but intense or unpleasant heat that disrupts enjoyment or prevents orgasm isn’t something to brush off,’ Dr Ashrafi says. ‘If it happens regularly, it’s worth paying attention to.’

‘Possible causes include fungal or bacterial infections, sexually transmitted infections, urethral inflammation, or skin conditions such as dermatitis,’ the doctor explains.

‘Anxiety can also amplify physical sensations and make them feel more intense.’

Your hot penis could be an allergic reaction

Doctor Jeff Foster, medical director of Manual and specialist in erectile dysfunction, points out that in Jack’s Reddit post, he mentions using lube inside his condom — a big no.

‘He may be getting a local allergy reaction to the lubrication or it could be reacting with the inside of the condom,’ Dr Foster explains. ‘They aren’t designed for this.

‘Stop using lube on the inside of the condom for a start, change the brand and look at whether the condom itself is causing local irritation or an inflammatory reaction.’

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.

‘Using plenty of lube (as long as it isn’t oil based) on the outside of the condom, as well as choosing thinner condoms could help,’ Sarah explains.

‘Slowing down the pace of sex, taking breaks and avoiding irritating products could also be beneficial.’

You could also get tested for latex sensitivity, which could be playing a factor, and switch condom brands, she adds.

If all else fails, take yourself to a sexual health clinic or GP and get a comprehensive sexual health check.

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