Penis

The penis (or shaft) is made up of a type of tissue known as erectile tissue. This tissue can fill with blood during arousal, leading to an erection. The length of the penis changes between a flaccid state and an erect state, ranging from 2 cm to 20 cm. As of 2023, the average length of the penis was measured at 9.16 cm when flaccid and 13.12 cm when erect.

The tip of the penis is called the glans penis, and it is the most sensitive part of the organ. It has an opening for the urethra through which urine is expelled. In individuals who have not been circumcised, the glans is covered by a fold of skin known as the foreskin. This foreskin retracts during an erection. During circumcision, the foreskin is removed for hygienic or religious reasons, usually shortly after birth. Underneath the foreskin, smegma (sometimes referred to as "penis cheese") can accumulate, so it is important to retract the foreskin and clean underneath it thoroughly, though not with soap, as the glans has a mucous membrane that can dry out and become irritated with soap use. Warm water is sufficient for cleaning.

Some individuals have a foreskin that is too tight and cannot retract fully over the glans. This can make intercourse and especially condom use uncomfortable. Medical advice can be sought to address issues with a tight foreskin.

The scrotum is the pouch located underneath the penis that holds the testicles. It is highly sensitive to touch, and the testicles inside are very vulnerable to trauma and pain. The position of the scrotum can vary from the body depending on temperature; its role is to protect the sperm and maintain the proper temperature for them. Therefore, the scrotum retracts in cold weather and hangs lower away from the body when it is too warm.

The testicles are housed within the scrotum. Most people have two testicles that produce sperm and hormones like testosterone. The testicles can produce up to 300 million sperm per day! Typically, testicles vary in size and are not aligned at the same height. They are very sensitive, so a significant impact on the testicles can cause considerable pain. If you experience severe and persistent pain in the testicles, it could be a sign of a medical condition. It is important to get a medical evaluation to determine the cause. Most conditions related to this are not serious and are easily treatable.

Testicular cancer is also relatively common among young people, so it is recommended to regularly examine the testicles. During self-examination, one testicle is checked at a time, looking for unusual sensations or small lumps that may be the size of a grain of rice or a pea. The epididymis, located at the back of the testicle, should have a different texture from the testicle itself and is often more tender, which is normal. Regular examination allows you to detect any changes in the testicles. If there is persistent and severe pain or if small lumps are felt in the testicles, it is always advisable to see a doctor for a check-up.

The vas deferens begins in the testicles and carries sperm to the seminal vesicle. The seminal vesicle makes up about 70% of the semen volume and stores it until ejaculation during orgasm. There are two vas deferens, each connected to one testicle.

The urethra serves multiple functions: it carries urine from the bladder and sperm from the seminal vesicle. It also transports pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum), which is produced by the bulbourethral glands. Pre-ejaculatory fluid is released through the urethra before ejaculation occurs (i.e., before semen is expelled during orgasm). While pre-ejaculatory fluid does not contain sperm, sperm can be present in the urethra from a previous ejaculation. Therefore, pre-ejaculatory fluid can sometimes carry sperm from the urethra, which means that pregnancy can occur if intercourse is performed without a condom—even if ejaculation does not occur inside the vagina (i.e., using the pull-out method).

The prostate gland is responsible for producing additional fluid that helps the sperm swim more effectively. It is highly sensitive to touch, and stimulation of the prostate can be achieved through the rectum. In people over the age of forty, the prostate gland often enlarges, which can lead to difficulties with urination. In younger individuals, problems with urination are usually not indicative of this benign enlargement, so it is important to seek a medical evaluation if such issues arise.