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What are the genitals?

The genitals include the penis, scrotum and testicles, see the diagram below.

 

 

 

 

 

I think I look different from my friends?

The appearance of the genitals varies a lot, especially the size and shape of the penis and scrotum and the type and amount of hair around them. Even if you think that your genitals look different from those of your friends they are probably quite 'normal for you'. If you are worried, you could come to see us at SHAC.

 

 

 

If I come to see you at SHAC, do I need to use the medical names for things?

It is natural that you might not know the medical names for parts of the body. If you want to describe a particular body part, either use the name that you are most comfortable with, or point to where you mean. If we use a name that you don't understand ask us, we use medical names when we talk among ourselves so it is clear what we mean.'

 

 

 

What is the penis and what is attached to it?

The penis hangs down between your legs at the front of your body. The main part, trunk, of the penis is called the shaft and the end is called the glans. The penis doesn't have any bones and only a few little muscles at its base.

 

 

 

What is a foreskin and what is circumcision?

When a boy is born the glans of the penis is covered by a fold of skin called the foreskin. Sometimes, the foreskin is removed for medical or religious reasons. This operation is called circumcision. This is usually done on small babies but can be done at any age. If you haven't been circumcised the foreskin is usually loose enough to allow it to be pulled back from the glans and this will happen when you have an erection.

 

 

 

Why do I need to clean under my foreskin?

For hygiene and health reasons it is important to wash regularly under your foreskin. If you are not used to doing this just try gently pulling back the foreskin in the bath or shower. You might notice a cheesy material, this is called smegma, which can be easily removed by gentle washing. A build-up of smegma will cause soreness so it is wise to wash regularly, preferably daily. If your skin is sensitive use unscented soap or an aqueous cream which you can buy 'over the counter' from any chemists.

 

 

 

My foreskin seems tight, what should I do?

If you haven't been circumcised you will probably need to pull the foreskin back when you put a condom on. Sometimes the foreskin might seem tighter than usual and is difficult to pull back. If you are having problems because you cannot pull your foreskin back, or if your foreskin starts to become tighter, come and see us at SHAC at Clinic 1A, or go to see your General Practitioner.

 

 

 

What are the scrotum and testicles and why do they change their appearance?

At the base of the penis is the scrotum. This is a loose, wrinkly bag of skin that contains the two testicles (testes, 'balls'). It is usually darker than the skin of the penis and is slightly hairy. You have a scrotum because the testicles produce healthier sperm when they are kept at a lower temperature than that of the rest of the body. When it is cold the scrotum gets even more wrinkly. When it is warm the testicles hang more loosely and the skin of the scrotum becomes smooth. During sex the testicles can move up into the body and might almost seem to have disappeared this can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable but is quite normal. During puberty the testicles grow in size.

 

 

 

Is it normal to have one testicle hang lower than the other?

Most boys and men have one testicle that hangs lower than the other, which is quite normal. Maybe it is so that they take up less space when you walk? See also examining your testicles for lumps.

 

 

 

What is ejaculation?

After puberty, boys and men make millions of tiny sperm cells each day in the testicles. To fertilise an egg the sperm must leave the testicles diluted in a fluid called semen and find an egg in a girl's or woman's womb. To do this the sperm travel down the penis in a tube called the urethra which is also where your urine, or 'pee', comes out. The release of sperm from the penis is called ejaculation.

 

 

 

What is an erection?

The penis in its resting state is too floppy to push into a girl's or woman's vagina. When a boy or man is aroused, 'turned on', the penis becomes harder and longer, this is called an erection. An erection happens when blood enters the penis faster than it leaves it making the penis get fatter and longer. No blood leaks out of the penis, it just returns to the circulation when the penis becomes soft again.

 

 

 

 

 

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