Very little concrete things are often learned about male anatomy as they grow. Result: an asymmetry of the testicles can cause unnecessary worry, while a truly urgent symptom can be trivialized.
Here are several simple facts about the penis, scrotum, erections, HPV and masturbation to better distinguish normal variations from situations that deserve consultation.
1. The testicles are generally not perfectly symmetrical
It is common for one testicle to be placed a little lower or appear slightly different in size from the other. The human body is not perfectly symmetrical and this stable difference does not automatically affect fertility.
The very precise percentages circulating on the size of the right or left testicle are not necessary to reassure you. What matters most is the evolution: a difference that you have always experienced is less worrying than a swelling, hardening or recent decrease.
Check out if you feel a new mass, persistent heaviness or pain.
2. Yes, the penis can «fracture»
The penis does not contain bones, but a penis fracture exists. It generally corresponds to a rupture of the albuginate tunic which surrounds the corpora cavernos when an erect penis is brutally bent.
This can happen during a report if the penis comes out and then hits the pelvis or the perineum of the partner. Cracking or «pop», sudden pain, rapid loss of erection and significant swelling are typical signs.
It is a urological emergency. You should not wait several days to see if this passes, because rapid care reduces the risk of complications such as curvature or erectile dysfunction.
3. The scrotum helps regulate the temperature of the testicles
Sperm production works best at a slightly lower temperature than the central body temperature. It is for this reason that the testicles are in the scrotum, outside the abdomen.
The muscles of the scrotum bring the testicles closer or away from the body depending on the conditions. In cold weather, they can go up; With the heat, the scrotum relaxes further.
There is no need to monitor specific thresholds of 28 or 34°C. The mechanism works automatically.
Significant and repeated heat exposure can temporarily influence some semen parameters. For a man who encounters a fertility problem, the doctor will be able to discuss the relevant factors. It is not necessary to ban any hot shower or any fitted jeans in a healthy man.
4. A slightly curved penis may be normal
Many penises are not perfectly erect in erection. A light, stable for a long time and painless curvature can simply be an anatomical variation.
The exact degree should not be evaluated only from a number found on the Internet. The main question is: is the curvature new? Does it cause pain? Does it make penetration difficult? Do you feel a hard area under the skin?
An acquired curvature accompanied by a plaque or pain can evoke in particular Peyronie's disease and deserves a urological evaluation.
5. The shape of the buttocks depends mainly on anatomy and muscles
We sometimes see the idea circulating that men would naturally have «more shapely» buttocks because of androgens. In reality, the form depends on the pelvis, muscle mass, fat distribution, genetics and physical activity.
The gluteus maximus can be developed by running, squats and other exercises, in men as in women. There is therefore no higher or firmer universal male form.
This point is above all a good reminder: many bodily differences that are transformed into a rule of sex actually present a great individual diversity.
6. The rigidity of erection can be described by several levels
In medicine and research, simple scales are sometimes used to describe the firmness of an erection. The general idea ranges from a penis increased in volume but not rigid to a completely firm erection.
The «tofu, peeled banana, banana with peel, cucumber» comparisons are popular because they are easy to memorize, but they are not a specific medical test.
If, repeatedly, the erection is not firm enough for the desired sexual activity or disappears quickly despite the excitement, it may be useful to consult. Only one bad evening is not a diagnosis.
7. Men have no monthly «rules»
Testosterone varies over time and notably follows a daily rhythm, but men do not have a monthly menstrual cycle equivalent to that of women.
The expression «male rules» or «male physiological period» is therefore misleading. Fatigue, irritability or decreased libido may come from sleep, stress, illness, medication or hormonal changes, but they cannot be explained by a standard male monthly cycle.
With age, a gradual drop in testosterone may occur in some men. A real deficit is diagnosed from the symptoms and dosages performed correctly, not over a period of bad mood.
8. A blow in the testicles can cause very intense pain
The testicles are very sensitive and relatively poorly protected. A shock can cause pain that radiates to the lower abdomen, nausea and sometimes discomfort.
Pain that improves quickly after a small shock may simply require rest. In contrast, significant swelling, persistent severe pain, major hematoma or high nausea justify an assessment.
Sudden testicular pain without trauma can also correspond to a testicular torsion, which is an emergency.
Men can also contract HPV
Human papillomavirus is not just about the cervix. Men can be infected and some strains can cause genital warts or contribute to cancers, including the anus, penis or ENT sphere.
HPV vaccination is therefore also offered to boys and men according to the recommendations of each country and age. The calendars and ages of catch-up are changing: check local recommendations rather than a set threshold as «only before 26».
The condom reduces the risk of transmission but does not cover all exposed skin.
Masturbation is normal sexual practice
Many boys grow up with the idea that masturbation damages the body or causes «strength» to lose. However, it is a common sexual practice and does not pose a health problem when it remains comfortable and does not encroach on daily life.
There is no correct universal frequency. The benchmark is the impact: irritation, pain, lack of sleep or feeling of loss of control indicate that habits must be adapted.
When using a sex toy, add a compatible lubricant if necessary and clean the accessory according to its instructions.
Dildo Vibrating dildo for women with telescopic and 10 frequencies, Aivrobta34,99€View product
Knowing your body better allows you to identify the real changes
The purpose of this information is not to inspect every detail with anxiety. It is to be known that a small asymmetry or an old curvature can be normal, while a penile fracture, testicular mass or sudden pain should not be ignored.
The more you know your usual anatomy, the easier it becomes to notice a real change and get help at the right time.
French 
English (United States) 
German 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
Italian 
English (UK)