Male Sexual
Anatomy
A Quick Look by
Robert W. Birch, Ph.D.
Sexologist & Adult Sexuality Educator
There is no need to label the penis, but note that it is composed of erectile tissue, with two bundles on top and one on the bottom. The erectile tissue on the underside of the penis also makes up the penile head.
I have labeled Cowper's gland. Most men are aware of their pre-ejaculate (pre-come), the clear sticky fluid that emerges during high arousal, but do not know where it comes from. Many men assume this is semen leaking out, and I have heard a lot of concern about possible pregnancy from sperm in this pre-ejaculate. I would not dare say that the pre-ejaculate could never contain sperm, but if it does, the number is relatively small and the chance of a pregnancy is low. The best policy is always protection.
I have labeled the seminal vesicles because a lot of people wonder where the ejaculation fluid (semen) comes from. The sperm move up the vas deferens, one from each testicle (ball), but despite the large number of sperm, this adds little volume to the ejaculation. Men who have had a vasectomy (cutting and sealing of the vas deferens) notice no difference in the amount of their ejaculate. The majority of the fluid for the ejaculate is produced in the seminal vesicles. You will note that there is a duct from the seminal vesicles leading down through the prostate. The prostate will add a small amount of fluid to the ejaculate, but during orgasm it contracts along with other muscles in the pelvic area to propel the semen out the end of the penis.
The prostate is the switch that changes the track so that a man cannot urinate and ejaculate at the same time. Obviously, the prostate plays a major role in male sexual performance and urinary control. It is absolutely essential, therefore, that every man over the age of thirty begins the routine of an annual PSA test and digital prostate exam.
The diagram above demonstrates how the prostate
can be accessed through the anus, to be massaged by a partner or by a toy
designed for anal pleasure.
The location of the most sensitive spots on the penis
