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Sexual & Reproductive Health - FAQs - Male Sexual Health

Sexual & Reproductive Health

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Male Sexual Health

Birth Control |  Differing Abilities |  Female Sexual Health |  Healthy Sexuality |  Male Sexual Health |  Pregnancy |  Sexually Transmitted Infections / HIV & AIDS |  Sexual Diversity |  Sexuality & Aging |  Sexuality, Disabilities & Illness

How does my body work?

Subject: Male Anatomy: Penis size

Q: What is the average size of a penis?

A: Penis length varies from man to man. The average penis is 5 - 7 inches when it is erect (hard), and 3 ½ to 4 inches when flaccid (soft). Everyone is different, so a penis that is larger or smaller is still normal. Many men are concerned about penis size. It is important to note that penis size does not affect a man's ability to give or receive sexual pleasure.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Penis size

Q: Is there a way to enlarge your penis if you're unhappy with the present size?

A: Many men are concerned about penis size. Because every man views his penis from above, from across his belly, his penis will generally tend to look smaller than other men's penises just because of the difference in observed angle. Some men's penises react more to temperature and get longer in reaction to heat, as in a shower, but that does not mean their penis gets larger than average when hard. The vast majority of men who think their penis is abnormally small are actually normal-sized but just don't know it.

In answer to your other question, there are techniques to increase the size of the penis. Most involve surgery, which involve cutting the ligaments that hold the penis up, and then several months of weights and traction to stretch the penis. Surgery can also involve implants in the penis itself. This is complicated, expensive surgery with chance of complications, and there are few specialists who can perform it competently. Be very careful.

You may see different pills, creams and remedies advertising that when used, they enlarge the size of the penis. There is no research to support that any of these products can safely produce the desired result. It is important to note that penis size does not affect a male's ability to give or receive sexual pleasure.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Penis size

Q: Why is there such a variation in the size of my penis when it is not erect?

A: Factors such as cold air or water, emotions of fear and anxiety can cause the penis, scrotum, and testicles to draw closer to the body reducing their size. This happens because sperm can only be produced at a certain temperature so they self-regulate by snuggling close to the warm body thereby decreasing in size. A flaccid (soft) penis can also grow in size in warm water or when a man is relaxed.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Penis size

Q: Does the size of a grown man's penis depend on his stature?

A: There is no relationship between penis size and a man's body weight, height or build.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Penis growth

Q: Does masturbation affect the growth of your penis?

A: No, masturbation does not affect penis growth. Whether or not somebody chooses to masturbate or not is a personal choice. Masturbation is not harmful. It can be part of a person's healthy sexual expression. The only time it might be considered a problem is when a person is masturbating so much, that it interferes with the development of healthy relationships or the involvement in other activities.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Penis growth

Q: I heard from a friend of mine that energy drinks affect your penis growth. Is this true?

A: There is no evidence to support the idea that energy drinks can affect penis growth. Penis growth is determined by hormonal factors .

Subject: Male Anatomy: Circumcision

Q: What does circumcised mean?

A: A circumcised penis is a penis that has had the foreskin removed. The foreskin is the loose skin that covers the tip of the penis. Some boys are circumcised and others are not. Either way is fine. Circumcised and uncircumcised penises both work the same way.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Circumcision

Q: Does circumcision affect the growth of your penis?

A: No, circumcision does not affect growth of the penis. Circumcision only removes the foreskin that covers the end (glans) of the penis.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Foreskin

Q: What is the function of the foreskin?

A: The foreskin is loose skin that covers part, or all, of the glans, or head, of the penis. The foreskin is something that some men have and some don't, depending on whether or not they were circumcised. There is no real purpose or function of the foreskin.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Foreskin

Q: I'm 17 and my foreskin cannot move even half way down the head of my penis. From what I have noticed, I think I may have frenulum breve, since I think it is the frenulum that is stopping it from moving any further. Can you direct me to somewhere where I can have this medically confirmed? I'm sort of in the dark on what to do/where to go.

A: The frenulum is the sensitive strip of tissue that attaches the foreskin to the head and shaft of the penis. If your frenulum is causing you discomfort, it is best to visit your physician who may recommend a minor operation to cut the tissue or a circumcision to remove the foreskin. If your physician feels you need one of these procedures he/she will likely refer you to an urologist.

Click the link below to learn more about

How to Talk About Sexual Health with Health Professionals

Subject: Male Anatomy: Testicles

Q: One of my testicles hangs lower than the other. I have checked for lumps and I haven't found a thing. Is this a problem?

A: It is normal for one testicle to hang lower than the other. Good for you for checking for lumps, but make sure you read up on it and do it correctly.

To learn more about
  • Testicular self exam, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={76DA7E40-354E-4054-99D7-47AA8FC67D29}

Subject: Male anatomy

Q: What is the corpora cavernosa?

A: There are two corpora cavernosa that are like tubes that lie within the top half of the penis. They contain arteries and branch in a Y at the base of the penis. The ligament that connects them is what controls the angle of the penis. With age, the ligament stretches and therefore the angle of the erect penis is lessened.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Semen

Q: What is the normal color, odour, texture of semen? What causes the changes in color, consistency and taste?

A: Semen is a sticky, whitish fluid that is ejaculated from the penis. It is made up of water, mucous, sugar, acids and bases and carries sperm cells. A typical quantity of semen in an ejaculation is about 3 to 5 millilitres (a teaspoon), but depends on age and the last time of ejaculation. The consistency of semen varies from man to man (e.g., sometimes it is more liquid, other times it is less liquid). Like most body fluids, the odour and composition are affected by the person's level of hydration, nutritional status and general health. If a man detects an offensive odour or taste, a change in color or blood in the semen, he should visit a health care provider for a checkup. It may be a sign of an infection, STI or even cancer. Most problems are easily treated if found early.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Ejaculation

Q: When I sleep, sometimes I ejaculate without will. I don't have any sexual relations with other people? Is this normal?

A: What you describe is called a "wet dream" (the medical term is "nocturnal emission") and happens to most men. A wet dream is normal and there is nothing you can do to stop them. Often they will happen when you are not dreaming at all. They usually begin during the teen years and can continue in the adult years. They tend to happen when the opportunity to ejaculate under the usual circumstances is not frequent.

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Subject: Male Anatomy: Orgasm

Q: What does it mean to ‘come' during masturbation or sex?
 

A: An orgasm is a feeling that a person gets when a certain peak of sexual excitement is reached. It is sometimes called "climax" or "coming". In men, orgasm most often happens with ejaculation of semen.
 

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Subject: Male Anatomy: Masturbation

Q: Are there any diseases or health risks related to masturbation?

A: There is no research showing that masturbation is related to any health risks or disease. Many people choose to masturbate regularly whereas others choose not to masturbate at all. The only time masturbation may be considered harmful is if it causes a person to feel guilty because of their values and beliefs about it, they can't stop themselves, or when masturbation is done so excessively that it interferes with an individual's daily routines.

Subject: Male Anatomy: Steroids

Q: I am an 18-year-old guy who started lifting weights in a private gym. Another guy says that he can hook me up with some steroids to help me grow muscle faster. I have heard that ‘roids make your testicles shrink. Is this true?

A: It is true - your testicles can shrink with steroid use. Your muscles get bigger; but your gonads (i.e., testes) get smaller on steroids. Performance-enhancing steroids are synthetic forms of natural testosterone. When you flood your system with them, the body tries to compensate by shutting down its own hormone production, including gonadotropin, a hormone responsible for maintaining testicle size. If you take steroids, you may find yourself with persistent erections even in the absence of sexual stimulation, or you may instead find that you have erectile dysfunction. Aside from this, anabolic steroids can cause the end of your leg and arm bones to seal up prematurely, permanently stunting your growth. Steroids can lead to acne, liver damage, aggressiveness, sleep problems, depression, and can increase blood pressure and the chance of heart attack. That's why they are illegal unless used by prescription from a health care provider.

To learn more about
  • ABCs of Steroids, see

http://corp.aadac.com/content/corporate/other_drugs/steroids_abcs.pdf

Subject: Male anatomy: Puberty

Q: Hello, I am a young male at the age of 12. I am a mature child; but I have recently been encountering pain at the top of my penis, there is a white creamy substance seeming to rise to the top, when last week I checked and I was able to pull my foreskin down halfway and find it there. It has risen and I am really, really worried. My dad is a paramedic and I don’t want to ask before I find out it can be a danger, please please comment.

A: The white substance you describe may be smegma, a secretion produced by the penis that collects under the foreskin. Smegma is not dangerous and is normal. Pulling back the foreskin when you are washing in the bath or shower can help to reduce a build up of smegma.

It is normal at your age to have questions and worries about your developing body. It can be helpful for teens to have someone to talk to about the physical, social and emotional changes of puberty so maybe your dad would be a good person to approach.

To learn more about
  • Puberty, see

http://www.teachingsexualhealth.ca/parentstudent/pages/students.html

Subject: Male anatomy: Pulling back the foreskin and puberty

Q: I am 13 and I am uncircumcised. I can't pull my foreskin over the head of my penis. Is this normal? Should I be able to pull it back? Some websites say that you should be able to pull it back by the age of 9 or 10. Should I be trying to pull it over the head?

A: It is important that you keep the penis clean so it is recommended that you pull back the foreskin if you can. Be gentle and you will probably find that as you continue through puberty you will be able to pull the foreskin back further over the head of the penis. Some young men find that the foreskin does not pull back until after they have finished puberty and this is normal. Everyone is different and puberty takes several years to complete. If the foreskin is causing you pain or discomfort it is important to see a health care provider, such as your family doctor or a walk in clinic.

To learn more about
  • Puberty, see

http://www.teachingsexualhealth.ca/parentstudent/pages/students.html

Subject: Male anatomy: Puberty and ejaculation

Q: When is the average age for a male to start 'ejaculating'?

A: As a boy starts to go through puberty his body will produce hormones that send messages to the sexual and reproductive organs. At this time he may begin to ejaculate semen, a sticky white fluid containing sperm cells. Most boys experience their first ejaculation by the age of 13 or 14, however, some may ejaculate as early as age 8 or not until the early 20’s. Most boys will start to experience signs of puberty by around age 12 onward, but other boys will start sooner. Everyone is different.

To learn more about
  • Puberty, see

http://www.teachingsexualhealth.ca/parentstudent/pages/students.html

Subject: Male anatomy: Do boys grow breasts?

Q: Can men grow breasts? I have heard of a disease or condition that leads to this. My brother's nipples have grown pointy, just on the pink part, not the regular skin around it. Is this normal? He's 14.

A: Almost half of all boys experience a temporary swelling of the breasts during puberty because of hormones. This swelling goes away over time. If a boy is concerned about this, it is a good idea for him to talk to his doctor.

To learn more about
  • Puberty, see

http://www.teachingsexualhealth.ca/parentstudent/pages/students.html

How do I take care of my body?

Subject: Self care: Circumcision

Q: What are the benefits of circumcision and can circumcision leave any marks on the head of the penis?

A: Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. There is little agreement in the literature about the benefits of circumcision. It is possible for circumcision to cause skin tags and scarring on the penis in some cases. Some recent research indicates that circumcision may reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

To learn more about
  • Circumcision, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={6E5CE8FD-9349-4B6E-9B1A-E38244AE997D}

Subject: Self care: Circumcision

Q: How do you care for an uncircumcised penis?

A: In uncircumcised men, the foreskin of the penis should be pulled back gently so that the skin underneath can be washed. This helps to lessen the chance of skin irritation and possible infection. Whether or not you are circumcised, symptoms such as unusual discharge, sores, lumps or painful urination should be reported to a doctor.

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Subject: Self care: Circumcision

Q: Is it possible to get circumcised as an adult?

A: Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. There are no clear medical benefits of male circumcision, which if performed, is usually done as an infant. As an adult, it is your choice whether or not to have this procedure done. If there is a medical reason for having a circumcision, the cost is covered by health insurance. If the reason is cosmetic or culturally related, there is a cost. If you are considering having a circumcision, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. If you decide to have a circumcision, you will need a referral to an urologist. If you decide not to have a circumcision, and having a foreskin continues to bother you, consider speaking to a counsellor or psychologist about your concerns.

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Subject: Self care: Circumcision

Q: How does circumcision affect sexual functioning?
 

A: Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. Whether a man is circumcised or not usually has no affect on sexual satisfaction of either partner.

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Subject: Self care: Testicular exam

Q: How do I do a testicular self exam?

A: Testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in young men. Testicular Self Exam (TSE) will help you learn what feels normal so any changes can be found early and treated. Examining your testicles regularly means checking for any lumps or changes which you should then report to a doctor. If testicular cancer is found early, there is a greater chance that it can be cured.

To learn more about
  • Testicular self exam, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={76DA7E40-354E-4054-99D7-47AA8FC67D29}

Subject: Self care: STI Testing

Q: If I am sexually active, should I have regular STI testing done?

A: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are spread through intimate sexual contact such as oral, anal and vaginal intercourse. Most people who have an STI do not know they have one.

You should think about having a test if you:

  • Are having sex without condoms

  • Are beginning a sexual relationship

  • Are worried you have an STI

  • Share needles, or your sexual partner does

Think about testing if you have any of these signs around your genitals:

  • Drip or discharge

  • Bumps, sores or rash

  • Pain when you pass urine

  • Itching or burning

When you choose to have a sexual relationship, know the difference between safe, safer and unsafe sex practices. Take time to get to know your partner. You can't tell if someone has an STI by looking at them. One way to lessen the chance of infection is to use a condom every time you have sex.

To learn more about
  • Safe, Safer and Unsafe Sexual Practices, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={C948868B-7A6B-4F8A-8322-E00A1BA4B305}

For more information on
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic in Calgary, see

http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/hecomm/std/std.htm

What about sexual health problems?

Subject: Sexual health: Tight foreskin

Q: I' m a 16 year old male and I cannot completely retract my foreskin. My foreskin isn't tight but there is a pink strip attaching the top of my penis head (near the slit) to the inside of my foreskin. What treatment should I use or what should I do?

A: The pink strip that you are referring to is called the frenulum. The frenulum is the sensitive strip of tissue that attaches the foreskin to the head and shaft of the penis. If your frenulum is causing you discomfort, it is best to visit your physician who may recommend a minor operation to cut the tissue or a circumcision to remove the foreskin. If your physician feels you need one of these procedures he/she will likely refer you to an urologist.

Click the link below to learn more about

How to Talk About Sexual Health with Health Professionals

Subject: Sexual health: Rash

Q: I have a rash on my penis that burns during masturbation. What could this be?
 

A: Anytime you have a rash, and/or you feel itching, pain, or burning in your genital area, it is a good idea to see your health care provider as soon as possible. You can make an appointment with your family doctor or go to a walk-in clinic. The rash could be a simple infection, an irritation or allergy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Getting the problem diagnosed as soon as possible can make it easier to treat. If you do have an STI it is important that you know so that you can practise safer sex to prevent spreading the infection to a partner.

Click the link below to learn more about

How to Talk About Sexual Health with Health Professionals

Subject: Sexual health: Lump on testes

Q: I have a lump on the left and side of my testes just below my penis. Is this a cancer of any type?

A: It is a good idea for men to check their testicles regularly in the shower to feel for anything unusual. Many men notice possible abnormalities when they start doing a testicular self-examination, partly because they are unfamiliar with their anatomy. They may be unaware of the feel of blood vessels in the testicle, or of a structure along the back (body side) and around the top of each testicle called the epididymis. Some men have or will develop a small sperm-filled cyst around the top of the testicle called a spermatocele. This is not cancer, nor does it increase your risk of cancer. A spermatocele does not interfere with sexual activity or fertility, and in most cases does not require treatment. Having said that, it is a good idea to see your health care provider for a checkup to put your mind at rest and to ensure the lump is not a serious health concern.

To learn more about
  • Testicular self exam, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={76DA7E40-354E-4054-99D7-47AA8FC67D29}

Subject: Sexual health: Bumps on penis

Q: I have little bumps under the shaft of my penis and genitals. They don't cause any pain, and I have never been sexually active. What could this be?

A: If there is no pain, itching or tingling, your bumps may go away on their own and may be something very normal like hair follicles. Most men normally have very small white spots or bumps at the end or shaft of the penis. If you are still concerned you may want to visit your doctor to put your mind at rest.

Subject: Sexual health: Spontaneous ejaculation

Q: I am always erect and releasing pre-ejaculate when I am around my girlfriend. Is this normal, and it there any way of counteracting it?

A: There really is nothing that can be done to affect the amount of pre-ejaculate fluid that is released, and the amount can vary from person to person. Control over this often improves with age. You may find these experiences embarrassing for now but they are normal sexual responses.

To learn more about
  • Male Sexual Response, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={75BF4F22-C708-4E58-870E-9B74FBC4F259}

Subject: Sexual health: Infections after oral sex

Q: I'm not circumcised and have had a couple infections and irritations on the head of my penis. This all started after I had oral sex. What should I do?

A: You may have picked up an infection as s result of oral sex. Anytime you have a rash, and/or you feel itching, pain, or burning in your genital area, it is a good idea to see your health care provider as soon as possible. You can make an appointment with your family doctor or go to a walk-in clinic. The rash could be a simple infection, an irritation or allergy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Getting the problem diagnosed as soon as possible can make it easier to treat. If you do have an STI it is important that you know so that you can practise safer sex to prevent spreading the infection to a partner. STI can be spread when you take part in oral sex. Using a condom can reduce the risk of spreading or catching an STI when you take part in oral sex.

To learn more about
  • Safe, Safer and Unsafe Sexual Practices, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={C948868B-7A6B-4F8A-8322-E00A1BA4B305}

Subject: Sexual health: Burning after ejaculation

Q: I am a virgin and after I ejaculate, I sometimes have a burning sensation down there. Is this normal or is it a sign of an STD?

A: You may have an infection that is causing the burning sensation. If you have been taking part in any sexual activity including oral sex you may have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Even without sexual activity, you may have an infection of your urethra (tube that carries urine and ejaculate out of the penis). Consider a visit to your doctor or a walk-in clinic for a check-up. Most infections are easily treated with medications.

Subject: Sexual health: Fertility

Q: My wife and I have been trying for months to get pregnant with no luck. Could it be me?

A: Some couples experience problems conceiving for a variety of reasons. It is not possible to say if there is a fertility problem with you or your wife without visiting a specialist. You may want to talk to your family doctor about your concerns and the need for a referral to a specialist. Most physicians will refer a couple to a fertility specialist if they have been trying to conceive for a year or longer.

To learn more about
  • Fertility, see

http://www.iaac.ca/en/home

What about cancer?

Subject: Cancer: Testicular cancer

Q: I hear of more and more men being diagnosed with testicular cancer. Should I be concerned?

A: Although rare, testicular cancer is a reality for men. It is most commonly diagnosed in the 15 to 35 age group, though it can occur at any time. When caught early, the cure rate is in the order of 90%, one of the highest for all cancers. Starting at age 15, men are encouraged to do a monthly testicular exam. Testicular Self Exam (TSE) will help you learn what feels normal so any changes can be found early and treated. Examining your testicles regularly means checking for any lumps or changes, which you should then report to a doctor. If you do find a lump it may not be cancer; it may just be an infection. Reporting the change to your doctor will mean that if you need treatment your chances of full recovery will be very good.

To learn more about
  • Testicular self exam, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={76DA7E40-354E-4054-99D7-47AA8FC67D29}

Subject: Cancer: Testicular cancer

Q: I have a lump on my testicle and my doctor is sending me for further tests. What should I expect?

A: Once a doctor has found any abnormality that can not be easily diagnosed, further testing is needed. Special tests may include ultrasound, x-rays and blood tests. If cancer is found doctors will work to find a treatment that is best for your individual case. Remember that you have a say in the treatment you receive and health care providers are happy to explain procedures and treatments at any time during your care.

To learn more about
  • Testicular cancer, see

http://www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/standard/0,2939,3225_10175_273297_langId-en,00.html

Subject: Cancer: Prostate cancer

Q: I hear a lot about prostate cancer in the media. What do I need to know?

A: Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canadian men. When men reach the age of 50 there are some things they need to consider about the risk of developing prostate cancer, even if they do not show any symptoms. Men should talk to their doctor about the tests available and their risk for developing prostate problems.

To learn more about
  • Prostate cancer, see

http://healthlinkalberta.ca/Topic.jsp?GUID={477CF255-3FA9-4E14-8E09-792FA6CF12F0}

 
 

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