and Physiology
Sexual Anatomy
What are the major external and internal male sex structures, and what functions do they serve?
Why is it important to conduct regular genital self-exams, and what should a man look for?
Male Sexual Functions
What physiological processes cause an erection?
How do psychological and physiological factors interact to influence erections?
How does ejaculation occur?
Concerns About Sexual Functioning
How does penis size affect sexual interaction?
Why are most males circumcised shortly after birth? What is the current medical evidence regarding the value and risks of circumcision?
Male Genital Health Concerns
What kinds of diseases and injuries affect the male genital and reproductive structures, and how are these conditions treated?
Why is it important for men to be aware of the issues and controversies associated with prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment?
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Who needs a lecture on male anatomy? Certainly not the men in this class. It’s hanging out there all our lives. We handle and look at it each time we pee or bathe. So what’s the mystery? Now the female body—that’s a different story. That’s why I’m in the class. Let’s learn something that isn’t so obvious. (Authors’ files)
This statement, from a student in a sexuality class, illustrates two common assumptions. The first is that male sexual anatomy is simple. All you need to know is "hanging out there." The second, perhaps more subtle implication is that female genital structures are considerably more complicated and mysterious than men’s.
These assumptions call for some rethinking, for a few reasons. One is that there is more than meets the eye. The sexual anatomy of men and women is complex and varies widely from one individual to another. Another reason is that knowing about our own sexual anatomy and functioning, although it does not guarantee sexual satisfaction, at least provides a degree of comfort with our bodies and perhaps a greater ability to communicate with a partner. Equally important, an understanding of our own bodies provides a crucial basis for detecting potential health problems. In this chapter, we provide information that every man should know regarding self-exams and health care. Expanding knowledge and understanding of his genital anatomy and physiology can be an important aspect of a man’s sexual wellbeing and his sexual intelligence. As in Chapter 3, we encourage readers to use the pages that follow as a reference for their own self-knowledge and improved health.