Tag Archives: men’s health

Small Penis Syndrome: An Epidemic?

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Some people who have a penis feel they don’t meet “the standard” or are insecure about whether they ”measure up” to other penis owners. According to a study cited in Men’s Health magazine, BJU International found that 63% of men complained their penis did not meet the mark on the measuring stick, but none of them were smaller than normal. The numbers vary from study to study, but most penis size research findings have found their participants to be on average, between 4.5-5.5 inches when erect.

Many penis owners make a mistake by comparing their penises to others when they are flaccid (like in a locker room). This could definitely give someone a complex. Let’s clear something up. Many men who are small when flaccid grow a lot when erect (grow-ers). Those who are larger when flaccid grow less when erect (show-ers). Whether someone is a “show-er” or a “grow-er,” in the end it does not make a difference when it comes to satisfying a partner. Having a large penis does not make someone more masculine or “the man,” it just means they have larger male parts. When someone is into you, it’s not just for your genitals, it’s for the more important qualities (like your butt…just kidding).

But seriously, if someone makes you feel like you don’t meet their ideal body dimensions, you should find a new partner who thinks your body is irresistible. On the other hand, if you’re the one giving yourself a hard time then cut yourself some slack. Your male parts are perfect just the way they are so embrace them (literally or figuratively) and your partner will be drawn to your new self-confidence.

A Teaspoon of Semen

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As a sex educator, I’ve heard my fair share of slang terms for semen: cum, jizz, baby gravy, spooge, wad, seed, man chowder, etc., but no matter what you call it, few people actually know what’s in it.

So let’s break it down. Semen should not be used synonymously with sperm; sperm is just one of the ingredients of semen. In a healthy man, there are roughly 300-500 million sperm ejaculated from the penis. Sperm are produced in the testicles, mature in the epididymis, and exit through the vas deferens/urethra. Along the way, sperm join up with fluid from the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles.

The total volume of semen in any given ejaculation depends on a lot of different factors but, in general, is somewhere between a teaspoon and tablespoon.

The seminal vesicles make up 50-70% of the seminal fluid. These glands produce a yellowish, alkaline, nutrient-rich fluid which helps neutralize the acidity of the vagina, prolonging the life span and increasing motility of sperm.

The prostate gland produces a milky white fluid that makes up 20-30% of the seminal fluid. The prostate is also where the urethra joins with the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm up from the testicles and epididymis – see diagram).

There’s another gland worth talking about even though it does not technically contribute to the volume of semen. The Cowper’s glands, or bulbourethral glands, are about the size of a pea and produce a clear, slippery fluid during sexual arousal. About the time that an erection occurs, these glands release a small drop of pre-ejaculatory fluid that lubricates the urethra, neutralizes trace amounts of acidic urine, and may also clean out any sperm that were left behind from a recent ejaculation. This is why it is not safe to play the “just the tip” game and why the withdrawal method isn’t effective. Just to be clear: pre-cum, or pre-ejaculate, CAN have sperm in it, and CAN get someone pregnant. I should also mention that an HIV-positive person’s pre-ejaculatory fluid carries HIV and can infect his partner, particularly via anal sex. This applies to other STDs, as well.

Ok, that was probably WAY more than you wanted to know about semen. Oh well, consider yourself schooled.

Movember: Changing the Face of Men’s Health One Moustache at a Time

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“Movember” started in Melbourne, Australia as a month-long effort to bring awareness about men’s health risks and work to change attitudes men have about their health.  On November 1st,  men worldwide register with a clean-shaven face and, for the rest of the month – as their moustaches grow – raise funds as “Mo Bros” with support from the women in their lives, “Mo Sistas.”  Their sprouting whiskers serve as a conversation starter to raise awareness of male health issues and to support prostate and testicular cancer research.  To participate, click here.

There is a disparity in awareness and funding for male health issues for many reasons. Men are often less likely to visit health care providers or openly discuss issues especially involving their reproductive or sexual health.  Typically, they don’t go for an annual physical as many women do as part of routine health care.  Breast cancer research is openly supported by many aspects of society, from NFL players sporting pink mouth guards, sneakers or socks to pink pizza boxes!  Movember seeks to evoke social change by putting a different face on a serious issue.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 34.  It is one of the most treatable and survivable types of cancer.  When detected early, 99% of males will survive and live healthy and active lives.  Think Lance Armstrong.  Just as women have become accustomed to doing regular breast exams, males need to check themselves regularly.  To learn more about testicular cancer and see a video of how to do a self-exam click here.  One in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.  Although not as common as in females, males can get breast cancer, too.

Sexually transmitted infections are common among both young adult males and females. But there are simple lifestyle changes males can do that go a long way to help maintain a healthy body.  We all are educated about the need to exercise, eat healthy, use protection and reduce stress.  Now we just need to follow the advice we’ve been hearing all our lives!