All you want to know about the

penis
Mumbai Mirror | Updated: Apr 26, 2017, 11.45 AM IST

Size, girth, curvature... how much of what you know about the penis is in the realm of
fiction?

The average length of an erectpenis is

A 5.4 inches
B 3.9 inches
C 6 inches
D 7 inches

Answer B: Dr Pankaj Maheshwari, chief of urology at Mulund's Fortis Hospital says

that it's not length but girth that matters (and the average measures between 4.9 and
6.2 inches when erect). "In women, the nerve endings which send the signal of
pleasure are closer to the vaginal opening, so even with a shorter penis a man can
perform well," he says. The penis stops growing after the age of 17. Surgery, he says,
needed only in patients suffering from Micro Penis the result of hormonal
problems or developmental defects.
"Any adult whose penis, when erect is less than 6-7 cm long can be said to have
micro penis," he says, cautioning however, that if the person is chubby or obese, it's
possible that suprapubic fat may be burying the penis. Here, weight reduction would
give a perception of a longer organ.

Priapism refers to painful erection.

A True
B False

Answer A It is a condition in which the erect penis does not return to its flaccid state,
despite the absence of both physical and psychological stimulation, within four hours.
The condition develops when blood in the penis becomes trapped and unable to drain.
If the condition is not treated immediately, it can lead to scarring and permanent
erectile dysfunction. Some cases of priapism are the result of sickle-cell anaemia.
Even medications used to treat depression can have the same effect. Other causes
include trauma to the spinal cord or genital area, back widow spider bites, carbon
monoxide poisoning and use of illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.

Spot the odd one out...

A Urethra
B Vas deferens
C Perineum
D Cowper's glands

Answer C: While the other three are all parts of the penis - the urethra is the tube
that allows urine to pass out of the body; the vas deferens is a tiny muscular tube in
the penis that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct; and Cowper's
glands are a pair of exocrine glands whose secretions help protect sperm as it passes
through the urethra - the perineum is the small piece of skin between the scrotum and
the anus. It's not a part of the penis.

A penis can't be fractured.

A True
B False

Answer B: Though the penis has no bones, it's possible to 'break' it. The injury is
referred to as penile fracture and occurs when an erect penis is abruptly bent. You'll
know when it happens because you will hear a crackle of a sound before experiencing
excruciating pain and swelling followed by blue bruising in the area. If the urethra is
torn, you will notice bleeding in the urinary tract.

This causes a tear in the tunica albuginea membrane which envelopes the core of the
organ - the area responsible for the erection. During an erection, blood floods into
the penis, and a tear means that it can seep into surrounding tissue. The best
prevention is to be smart while indulging in an aggressive romp.

It's normal to have a curved penis.

A True
B False

Answer A This one, of course, comes with a rider. A slight curve is normal. As long
as there is no pain or problem with sexual performance, men with a slightly
curved penis should not be concerned. However, a more pronounced curve which
interferes with sexual function or causes pain, is a sign of Peyronie's disease. This
occasionally happens after the penis is injured. In Peyronie's disease, inflammation
and scar tissue form along the shaft of the penis. It may be triggered by repeated mild
trauma during sexual intercourse. If this is the case, consult a urologist.

Which of these isn't a kind of erection.

A Reflexogenic
B Psychogenic
C Nocturnal
D Physiogenic

Answer D A reflexogenic erection is an erection caused by genital stimulation, while

a psychogenic erection is caused by sensory, visual, auditory stimuli or fantasies. A
nocturnal erection occurs during the REM sleeping phase.

ED doesn't affect those under 40.

A True
B False

Answer B: Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man can no longer get or keep an
erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Having erection trouble from time to time
isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if it persists, you should consult a sexpert. A
variety of factors - stress, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, certain prescription
medications, tobacco use - can cause ED. Research in two Italian universities in 2013
showed that of the 439 ED patients, 26 per cent were under 40 years.

What's the best age to undergo circumcision?

A 0-2

B 3-5

C 15-17
D None of the above

Answer D: There is, says Dr Maheshwari, no 'best' age to undergo circumcision. For
many it's a religious or personal decision. There are however, cases when
circumcision is advised due to medical conditions. Phimosis is a condition where the
foreskin doesn't retract because it's become tight and in valanoposthitis there's an
infection of the foreskin and glans, making circumcision necessary.

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