Condition
Penis
David Cohen, M.D.Published 30 April 20051 min read
Key points
- The penis is the male organ used for urination and sexual intercourse.
- The ability to ejaculate begins around 12 to 14 years of age.
- The shaft of the penis surrounds the urethra and is connected to the pubic bone.
- The foreskin covers the head (glans) of the penis.
Definition
The penis is the male organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. It is made up of spongy tissue and blood vessels. The shaft of the penis surrounds the urethra and is connected to the pubic bone. The foreskin covers the head (glans) of the penis. The foreskin is removed if the boy is circumcised.
The penis is located above the scrotum.
Information
During puberty, the penis lengthens. The ability to ejaculate begins around 12 to 14 years of age.
Conditions of the penis include:
- Peyronie's disease (a curve during erection)
- Double penis (during development, the penis is divided by the urethral groove)
- Hypospadias (the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, rather than at the tip)
- Epispadias (the opening of the urethra is on the top or side of the penis, rather than the tip)
- Palmatus or webbed penis (the penis is enclosed by the scrotum)
- Chordee
See also:
- Priapism
- Ambiguous genitalia
- Penile prosthesis
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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