Despite many similarities, the diversity in male genitalia is vast. Mens genitals, inside and out, can look and function very differently from one man to the next, and in the same man over time.
Because gender and sex are different, some people who are men have what the world of medicine would label as male genitals. Whatever you call them, learning about sexual anatomy is important for anyone interested in sexual health.
And it’s important because we tend not to learn about certain body parts in science class or at home.
The best way to learn about your body is to tour your own sexual anatomy at a time and place where you have plenty of privacy. But below you’ll find a description of male genitalia, with links to more information on how the different parts of male genitalia work, what they look like, and what impact they have on male sexuality.
The Penis
The penis is made up of spongy erectile tissue, which fills with blood when a man is turned on or aroused and usually becomes erect. Penises come in all sizes, and penis size in almost all cases has nothing to do with how a penis works or how well a penis works. There are several different parts to the penis, each of which has some impact on feeling sexual arousal and pleasure.
Scrotum and Testicles
The scrotum is the loose pouch of skin containing the testicles (or “balls”). The primary function of the scrotum is to protect the testicles, which are very sensitive to pain, and which also need to keep an even body temperature to function properly. The testicles serve two main functions: producing sperm and producing testosterone.
Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is responsible for producing some of the fluid that comes out in male ejaculate. It can be felt either by inserting a finger in your anus or more indirectly by massaging the perineum.
Perineum
The male perineum is the area between the scrotum and the anus. During sexual arousal the perineum can become sensitive, and can be another site of sexual stimulation and pleasure. Massaging the perineum can also provide indirect prostate stimulation and stimulation of the root of the penis, both of which are above the perineum inside the body.
PC Muscle
The pubic bone is surrounded by a sling of muscles called the pubococcygeus muscles (or PC muscle for short). These muscles play a vital part in your sexual health, and control of them can help men learn ejaculatory control. Once a man locates the PC muscles , he can do special exercises, called kegels, which can be done by men to strengthen and control their PC muscles.
Anus
Not usually thought of as a part of one’s sexual anatomy (because it has no role in reproduction) the anus can be a site of great sexual pleasure and many people enjoy anal play as part of their sexual repertoire.
