Sexuality and Sexual Health

Sexuality and Sexual Health -
The Penis and Testicles

The male external genitalia include the penis, testes, and scrotum.

The penis is the organ for urination and sexual intercourse (sex). The urethra is the tube running through the penis to pass urine, and semen, which is expelled during ejaculation.

The testes produce the male hormone testosterone, which gives a sexually mature male typically masculine characteristics such as facial hair, a deeper voice and libido. The testes are suspended from the spermatic cord, which also connects the testes with the other parts of the reproductive system. This cord consists of blood vessels, nerves and ducts, all enclosed in connective tissue.

Why It Is Important to Play With Yourself

Testicular cancer is common in men aged 15-34, so monthly self-exams and awareness of symptoms are important to help detect it at an early - and curable - stage.

"With early detection and recent advances in chemotherapy, testicular cancer is one of the most easily cured cancers," according to Family Planning Victoria.

"About 50% of patients are diagnosed after the tumour has spread into the body, (but) even these (men) can respond well to treatment."

Symptoms of testicular cancer include:

A small painless lump in a testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
A change in the way a testicle feels
A sudden collection of blood or fluid in the scrotum.

An important part of early detection is a monthly self-exam of the testicles. You should perform this after a warm bath or shower, as heat relaxes the scrotum.

Family Planning Victoria recommends following these steps:

Place the index and middle fingers of both hands under a testicle with the thumbs placed on top
Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers
Feel for any changes in the shape, size or consistency of the testicle
Repeat steps 1-3 for the other testicle
Realise that one testicle will be slightly larger than the other and that not all lumps are cancerous
Understand that the soft tube-like structure behind the testicles is the epididymis, which collects and carries sperm
See a doctor if either of the testicles feels unusual.

Remember that testicular cancer is highly curable, especially when it is detected and treated early. And in most cases, the disease occurs in only one testicle. This means men can maintain full sexual and reproductive function with the other testicle.