Myths about the male genital organ can sometimes sound amusing but can also seem quite plausible. Let's sort out what's clearly made up and how things really stand with this aspect of male anatomy.
Truth: The size of the penis does not directly correlate with the ability to give pleasure to a partner. This is because sexual pleasure involves more than just the penis – the brain, hands, and mouth also play significant roles. While there may be noticeable differences between penises in a flaccid state, the average length when erect is typically between 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches). A penis is generally considered relatively small if its erect length is under 7.6 cm (3 inches). Those who boast about the elusive 20 cm (8 inches) might be exaggerating, akin to fishermen telling tall tales about their catches.
Truth: The penis is not a muscle. It is primarily composed of spongy tissue that fills with blood during an erection.
Truth: While it’s true that the penis contains no bones, it does have two cylinders of spongy tissue that engorge with blood to create a firm erection. Penile fractures can occur, especially during vigorous sex or masturbation. This typically happens when an erect penis is bent forcefully, often resulting in a popping sound and severe pain. Immediate medical attention is required to repair the damage and prevent long-term complications.
Truth: Nighttime erections, also known as nocturnal penile tumescence, are not necessarily linked to erotic dreams. Healthy men experience 3-5 erections per night, and the last one often occurs in the early morning. This phenomenon may help maintain penile health by ensuring regular blood flow enriched with oxygen to the organ.
Truth: There is no scientific evidence to support a correlation between the size of a man's penis and the size of his feet or hands. The average length of an erect penis is about 13 cm (5 inches), while the average shoe size for men is around size 9 (US) or 43 (EU). Imagining a penis the size of a shoe highlights the absurdity of this myth.
Truth: Spontaneous erections can occur even before birth, as they have been observed in fetuses during ultrasounds. These early erections are part of normal male development.
Truth: Think again! A prolonged erection, known as priapism, can be extremely painful and is considered a medical emergency. If an erection lasts longer than four hours, it can result in permanent tissue damage due to the lack of adequate blood flow. After about six hours, the risk of tissue necrosis increases, which could lead to serious complications.
Understanding the realities behind these myths can lead to better sexual health and prevent unnecessary anxiety or expectations. It's important to base our knowledge on scientific facts rather than popular misconceptions.
