Deck 6: Male Sexual Anatomy and Physiology

Question 1

We don't seem to need to know how the digestive system works to eat. Why is detailed knowledge of the sexual functioning of men important in human sexuality?

Answer 1

A good understanding of male sexual functioning is important for human sexuality. This is largely due to the dominant role of men in sexuality that was imposed by traditional, religious, and cultural influences.
The need to better understand male sexual functioning is due to the presence of the male reproductive structures outside the body and their mode of functioning. The presence outside the body contributes to several clinical conditions that can affect the male reproductive system compared to that of the female reproductive structures. Hence, it is important to understand male sexual functioning for human sexuality.

Question 2

If you have a baby boy in the future, would you have him circumcised? Why or why not?

Answer 2

Circumcision is the surgical removal of foreskin of penis and is encouraged in many cultures. Though there is no strong evidence to demonstrate the health value of circumcision, the procedure is practiced globally due to cultural and religious influences.

Question 3

Why do you think men are uncomfortable talking about their own body image issues? Why aren't men encouraged to explore these issues?

Answer 3

There exists certain amount of discomfort in men to discuss issues on their body image. The size of penis is considered erroneously as an indication of masculinity and virility and men tend to remain mostly uncomfortable to discuss body imaging issues. Size anxiety (regarding the penis size) is one other factor with discourages men from discussing body image issues.