Penis facts and health

Just as everyone is a different height and has different hair, all penises come in slightly different shapes and sizes. The average penis size, once fully formed, which can be any time from about the age of 13 years until 20 years, will be about 9cm when not erect and around 15cms when erect. There are not any average sizes for the teenage penis as young people all grow at different rates CLICK HERE 

Also have a look HERE for more information on penises & testicles

It is important to wash the penis each day with warm water while in the shower of bath, pulling the foreskin back and cleaning underneath it. If this area is not kept clean, a build up of Smegma ( a cheesy looking substance) can build up and start to smell.

Foreskin

Your foreskin should eventually, as you go through puberty, be able to move forwards and backwards over the glans, or head, of the penis. This often happens naturally during puberty as the penis grows and through masturbation. If it does not roll back easily then there is the possibility for it to become damaged when you have sex. You also need to be able to clean under the foreskin to prevent infection. Try stretching the foreskin forward and then backwards as far as it will go, hold it for a few seconds and then let go and repeat. It might help to do this in the bath or shower as the warm water will help to stretch the skin. Little by little over a few weeks the hole (prepuce) will get bigger and so the foreskin should slide over the glans more easily. Only do this if it is comfortable and be careful that it doesn’t get stuck (try and move it back straight away or go to a doctor). If in any doubt see your doctor, who may prescribe a steroid cream to loosen it or recommend circumcision: removal of the foreskin.

The Glans or head of the penis

This is a really sensitive part of the penis because it’s packed with so many nerve endings. It’s very similar to the glans of the clitoris. Even without very much foreskin this area is still very sensitive. People who have been circumcised may find they might like to use lubricant to keep the skin moist and sensitive. Condoms can also help to act as kind of replacement foreskin too.

What is circumcision?

This is a small straight forward operation to remove the piece of skin that covers the end of the penis. It can be done for religious reasons or because your foreskin will not retract back. It will not affect your ability to have sex.

What is the spot on my penis?

There are several reason you may have spots on your penis and most are harmless.

• Pearly penile papules: These are small skin coloured lumps usually found on the head of the penis. They usually go all the way round the head and often appear in two rows. They are normal and do not need to be treated.
• Fordyce spots: These are small yellowish/white spots found on the head or shaft of the penis, they are small sebaceous glands, normal and need no treatment.
• Lymphocele:This is a hard swelling that suddenly appears on the shaft of the penis after sex or masturbation, it will soon disappear and cause not problems
• Genital Warts:This is an STI, they are small fleshy bumps that can appear anywhere around the genital area and anus. They require treatment at a sexual health clinic.
• Sores or ulcers:These are painful blisters or sores on the penis, caused by the Herpes virus, another STI infection that requires a visit to the sexual health clinic.
• Molluscum contagiosum:This is a viral infection, causing small raised spots not dissimilar to white heads. They are pretty harmless and usually disappear on their own eventually.

Is it normal to masturbate a lot?

It is totally normal to masturbate a lot, especially during puberty. It can be a great way to relax, get sexual pleasure and also to discover your body and how it works.

Erections

It is normal to get erections when you wake up in the morning. It is equally normal to have erections throughout the day, this is due to a high level of the hormone testosterone being about in your body during puberty.

Ejaculating quickly when either masturbating or having sex when you are young is very common due to feeling nervous or over excited. Most do not worry about it and it usually settles as you become more experienced. Using a condom can help this situation.

It can be difficult to get an erection soon after you have ejaculated, most males have to wait a little while before the penis can become erect again.

What is sperm?

Sperm is produced in the testicles, they are ejaculated from the penis in fluid called semen. Each ejaculate contains over 100 million sperm and as it only takes one to get someone pregnant it is important to use a condom. Pre cum, which is the fluid produced prior to ejaculation also contains sperm. If the condom bursts during sex it is important to let your partner know so they can access the emergency contraception, to help prevent a pregnancy.

It is always important to discuss contraception and condoms, this makes for a healthy relationship

If your partner is not yet 16 years old then be aware of sex and the law

Young people are sometimes tempted to look or exposed to  pornography, and often get unrealistic ideas about sex and relationships. It’s worth knowing that there are laws around under 18’s accessing porn and websites should have safeguarding measures in place.

 

MOOBS (breast tissue enlargement)

During puberty hormone levels vary. If the level of testosterone drops, oestrogen can cause breast tissue to grow. Many teenagers have some degree of breast enlargement. This condition at puberty usually clears up as people with a penis get older and their hormone levels become more stable.