Five Little-known Facts about Penis Anatomy

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, woman are 80% more likely to seek a doctor’s advice when it comes to health matters, especially those that have to do with more "sensitive" topics. Because men have a tendency to keep quiet about even routine health issues when it comes to the penis, they often miss out on important information that can affect their sex life and even their reproductive health.

Five little-known penis facts, penis problems and pointers about penis health are revealed here.

1. Average penis size

For men who have spent years feeling a sense of inferiority because they don’t live up to that 9-inch ideal, it’s time to let go of the insecurity. The truth is that the average erect penis falls somewhere between 5 to 7 inches in length, and hangs tight at 1 to 4 inches when flaccid. A very small percentage of men - about 1 in 10,000 - have an aroused length of ten inches or more. On the other hand, a rare condition, known as micropenis, is diagnosed when the erect penis is less than one inch long.

2. Marathon sex - fact or fiction?

Some guys like to brag that they can keep it up for hours at a time, bringing their partner to climax over and over again. In reality, though, the average session lasts from about 7 to 13 minutes from penetration to orgasm, a fact which most women will be relieved to hear. Men who require an extended period of time to achieve an orgasm may actually have sensitivity issues related to circulatory problems, nerve damage, or penis skin that is callused due to frequent rough handling.

3. Yes, the penis can break

When the erect penis encounters unusual force, the erectile chambers can, in fact, rupture - a cringe-worthy fact that most men would rather not think about. One type of penis fracture is more common in younger men, who typically experience firmer erections. When their partner is on top and comes down at an awkward angle, the penis may be subject to extreme bending. A popping noise and severe pain usually accompanies a penile fracture, followed by bruising and ongoing pain. This should be treated as a medical emergency - the problem can be corrected fairly easily through a simple surgical procedure.

On the other hand, older men are more prone to a condition known as Peyronie’s disease, where the penis becomes unusually bent or curved, making sex painful and sometimes impossible. Peyronie’s disease may also be corrected through surgery; however, surgical procedures are not without side effects, and men frequently experience post-operative loss of sensitivity and penis function.

4. Women aren’t the only ones who fake it

rnAccording to a survey in the Journal of Sexual Research, 28% of guys report faking an orgasm. Reasons for doing this range from wanting to gratify their partner to just wanting to get it over with - an issue often faced by men with diminished penis sensitivity who have difficulty achieving orgasm with a partner.

5. The penis needs good nutrition, too

The penis is a highly specialized and delicate organ, and good nutrition is important to sexual function, pleasure and overall penis health. Vitamins such as A, C and D are needed for maintaining smooth, supple skin and an attractive appearance, while protein building blocks such as L-arginine and acetyl-L-carnitine are important in maintaining nerve sensitivity and cell metabolism. Natural moisturizers can help to prevent drying and chafing that may result in sores, infections and loss of sensitivity. Treating the penis right with a specialized penis health crème (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing these and other vital ingredients can help to improve the overall look and feel of the penis, boost responsiveness to sexual stimulation, and promote long-term penile health.