Perhaps because it is kept hidden away for so much of the time, there seem to be a considerable number of myths, mistruths and misunderstandings that have arisen around the venerable penis. Knowing the facts about the penis helps a man improve his personal penis care, as well as provide shim with information which may come in handy while in an intimate situation. With this in mind, the following will help to set the record straight on several popular untruths concerning the male appendage. Six inches is above average. For decades, it was an accepted fact that the average length of the human adult penis was six inches. Countless bawdy jokes were based upon this premise, and more than a few men estimated the length of everyday objects by comparing them to their presumed six-incher. Unfortunately, it turns out that six inches is a bit of an exaggeration. Several studies have shown that the actual length is less than six inches. The most reliable has found the true average erect length to be between 5.1 and 5.2 inches. (Some studies have found it closer to 5.6 inches – but these were based on men self-reporting their size, and it’s fair to assume there may have been some exaggeration.) A guy with big hands… …Is no more likely to have a big penis than a guy with small hands. And the same is true for a guy with big feet, or a guy who is tall. All those other attempts to use various body parts and measurements to predict penis size are also doomed to failure. Sure, sometimes a guy with big feet has a big penis, but just as often he’s likely to have a small one. Really small is really uncommon. Many men worry that their penis is too small, especially compared to the monsters that they see in porn videos. In fact, most men have more than enough size to satisfy a partner, especially since skill is of much greater importance than size. And although many men think they have a tiny penis, a true micropenis (one that measure 2.75 inches or smaller when erect) is found in only 0.6% of adult men. No bones about it. A guy often says he “has a boner” or “popped a boner” to brag about having an erection. In fact, the human penis does not have a bone. (Many other animal penises do have one.) Instead, it is made up of three columns of spongy tissue, and it is these columns which become engorged with blood to bring about an erection. Because the human penis has no bone, it is technically not possible to break or fracture it. However, if the penis is hit with enough force (especially when erect), the tissue can rupture, and this is usually referred to as “breaking” the penis. And it can be intensely painful. Sperm removal Many men think that the purpose of the corona – the raised border at the base of the head – is to provide extra stimulation to the vagina. Scientists instead believe that this evolved in early Man as a way of keeping other men from inseminating a chosen mate. When thrusting deeply, the corona is shaped to “push out” semen which already may be inside the vagina. One other misconception: Men don’t need to do anything to maintain their penis health. Proper hygiene is required, and it helps to also regularly apply a first class penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Select a creme that is going to provide an array of healthy vitamins, ideally A, B5, C, D and E. The crème should also include alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant that strengthens penis skin by fighting dangerous free radicals. Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common penis health issues, tips on improving sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.

Perhaps because it is kept hidden away for so much of the time, there seem to be a considerable number of myths, mistruths and misunderstandings that have arisen around the venerable penis. Knowing the facts about the penis helps a man improve his personal penis care, as well as provide shim with information which may come in handy while in an intimate situation. With this in mind, the following will help to set the record straight on several popular untruths concerning the male appendage.

Six inches is above average.
 
For decades, it was an accepted fact that the average length of the human adult penis was six inches. Countless bawdy jokes were based upon this premise, and more than a few men estimated the length of everyday objects by comparing them to their presumed six-incher.

Unfortunately, it turns out that six inches is a bit of an exaggeration. Several studies have shown that the actual length is less than six inches. The most reliable has found the true average erect length to be between 5.1 and 5.2 inches. (Some studies have found it closer to 5.6 inches - but these were based on men self-reporting their size, and it’s fair to assume there may have been some exaggeration.)

A guy with big hands…
 
…Is no more likely to have a big penis than a guy with small hands. And the same is true for a guy with big feet, or a guy who is tall. All those other attempts to use various body parts and measurements to predict penis size are also doomed to failure. Sure, sometimes a guy with big feet has a big penis, but just as often he’s likely to have a small one.

Really small is really uncommon.
 
Many men worry that their penis is too small, especially compared to the monsters that they see in porn videos. In fact, most men have more than enough size to satisfy a partner, especially since skill is of much greater importance than size. And although many men think they have a tiny penis, a true micropenis (one that measure 2.75 inches or smaller when erect) is found in only 0.6% of adult men.

No bones about it.
 
A guy often says he "has a boner" or "popped a boner" to brag about having an erection. In fact, the human penis does not have a bone. (Many other animal penises do have one.) Instead, it is made up of three columns of spongy tissue, and it is these columns which become engorged with blood to bring about an erection.

Because the human penis has no bone, it is technically not possible to break or fracture it. However, if the penis is hit with enough force (especially when erect), the tissue can rupture, and this is usually referred to as "breaking" the penis. And it can be intensely painful.

Sperm removal
 
Many men think that the purpose of the corona - the raised border at the base of the head - is to provide extra stimulation to the vagina. Scientists instead believe that this evolved in early Man as a way of keeping other men from inseminating a chosen mate. When thrusting deeply, the corona is shaped to "push out" semen which already may be inside the vagina.

One other misconception: Men don’t need to do anything to maintain their penis health. Proper hygiene is required, and it helps to also regularly apply a first class penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Select a creme that is going to provide an array of healthy vitamins, ideally A, B5, C, D and E. The crème should also include alpha lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant that strengthens penis skin by fighting dangerous free radicals.

Normal Penis: Most Guys Have One, but Might Not Know It

Many men have anxieties and insecurities around what they’re packing in their pants. A steady diet of professional porn that over-represents the straight, circumcised, smooth model of the tool doesn’t help. Most men aren’t likely to see a penis that looks like their own on the screen; they may think that the porn pecker is a "normal penis," whereas their own are strange and even unappealing. Not likely. Along with basic penis care advice such as practicing proper hygiene, it’s just as important for a man to cultivate confidence in and appreciation for what he’s got. The following natural variations may be present in a man, and he has nothing to be concerned about if so.

Foreskin
Foreskin is nature’s way of protecting a man’s sensitive glans (the head of the penis) and providing lubrication to the member. Men may feel that the sheath is unsightly or unclean, but there’s nothing inherently ugly about foreskin; that’s a subjective matter, and men can learn to appreciate what they have. Plus, it’s certainly not unclean, so long as a man takes care to retract the sheath and wipe away smegma buildup as needed. Most men in the world are uncircumcised; while the surgery is a common practice in the U.S., intact men hold a worldwide majority.

Curvature
Penis curvature may concern a man, but it’s very common for the penis to curve up, down, left or right when it’s erect. In general, there is nothing wrong with this. Unless the curvature is severe and interferes with a man’s ability to have sex or pleasure himself, he has no reason to fret. On the bright side, a man with a curved tool can stimulate areas of the vagina that the man with a straight penis can’t as easily. So it could even be a plus in the bedroom!

Pearly Penile Papules
Some men - an estimated quarter, to be more precise - have one or more rows of white or flesh-colored bumps lining the ridge of their glans. These are called pearly penile papules, because they resemble a pearl necklace around the penis. These bumps are a natural anatomical variation that cause no harm. Some men feel they are unsightly, but they should try to enjoy the unique arrangement of their pearl necklaces as a special feature rather than a blemish.

Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spots are small yellowish or white dots that may be found on the penile shaft; they can also appear in the mouth and on a woman’s vulva. They aren’t contagious or harmful in any way and, like pearly papules, they are a natural anatomical variation. Men with peckers speckled with Fordyce spots need not worry themselves.

5 Inches
Many, many men think their penises are "too small." A recent study of 15,000 penises around the world found that the average length of an erect member is 5.16 inches - a far cry from the "8 inch average" myth. The vast majority of men have penises near this length, and slightly more or less makes no difference in terms of functionality. Since insecurities about penile length can deter a man from using what he’s got, it’s important for him to cultivate respect for his length.

So, men, take a deep breath and relax. From spots to curves to length, most men have the perfect penis for them. If they want to do something special for their tools, they can consider adding a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to their care regimens, particularly if they experience issues with dry, chafed skin on the member. A crème with Shea butter and vitamin E will provide and lock in moisture so the tool stays pleasant to the touch and ready to go.

Normal Penis Dispensing With Common Manhood Anxieties

While body image issues predominately affect women, men are not immune to such sensitivity, especially when it comes to what they’re packing downstairs. It’s fairly common knowledge that most men fear their penises are too small, when in fact only about 2.5% of men have members that fall below the average length range. However, size is not the only unfounded concern men have about their tools. There are other types of insecurities based on misconceptions about what constitutes a "normal penis." Since confidence and mental wellbeing are just as important to a man’s sex life as penile health, it’s important for men to confront and overcome their body image issues when it comes to the penis. The following are three common causes of insecurity that don’t deserve to be.

1) Foreskin: Foreskin covers the sensitive glans (head) of the penis and provides lubrication to the member. The material that accumulates beneath the foreskin, smegma, may contain anti-bacterial properties (although allowing it to build up can lead to excess bacteria and infections). The penis’s natural wrapper has a bad rap in some circles as something dirty, but proper cleaning is usually enough to keep an intact penis fresh, clean and free of odors. Foreskin and smegma aren’t bad; they’re what nature gave men to provide lubrication and glans protection. Plus, retracting the sheath over the head with one’s fingers or lips can be a fun extra step for partners.

In the U.S., it’s easy for men to adopt the view that a circumcised penis is a normal penis, since about three-quarters of American men are cut. However, the World Health Organization reports that only one-third of men globally are circumcised. The intact form a majority!

2) Fordyce spots: These bumps are small with a whitish or yellowish color. They may be found on the shafts of many penises; they can also appear inside the mouth or on a woman’s vulva. The sebaceous glands produce a lubricating oil called sebum; that is what fills Fordyce spots. They can’t be made to go away by popping them.

Fordyce spots are not contagious and are completely harmless. While surgical procedures exist to remove them, this is unnecessary. Men who are self-conscious about these spots can rest assured that they are not alone.

3) Pearly Penile Papules: These bumps are white or skin-colored and form one or several rows around the ridge of the glans. It is likely that at least a quarter of all men have these bumps, and they are more common in uncircumcised men. The distinctive pattern and shape of the bumps make them resemble a pearl necklace adorning the glans.


Many men are unfortunately extremely self-conscious about these bumps, particularly when exposing themselves to a new partner. They fear that the bumps will be seen as a sign of a sexually transmitted infection and scare the partner away, or that the partner will find them aesthetically displeasing. This is where a man should open up and explain that the bumps are a normal anatomical variation called pearly penile papules and that they are not contagious. They just make his penis even more special. Generally, the bumps are completely harmless to a man, although some may find that they get irritated with particularly rough masturbation or sex. As with Fordyce spots, surgical procedures exist to remove them, but this route is best avoided.

There are so many natural anatomical variations concerning shape, size and bumps that it doesn’t really make sense to talk about what is normal for a penis generally. What’s important is that men tend to the health of their members, encouraging good form and function both now and in the years to come. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can be of assistance here, moisturizing the skin, promoting proper blood flow and protecting nerves from desensitization caused by years of use and abuse. Men should love what they have and treat it well.

Normal Penis or Not? Common Questions about the Male Anatomy Answered

While guys may try their best to appear confident and self-assured, many of them (if not all) have some deep-seated concerns and anxieties about their penises. In fact, in many men, these concerns can become something of an obsession, which may damage their confidence and even prevent them from developing intimate relationships. Being informed about the male anatomy can eliminate some of the worries about whether or not a man has a normal penis and help him to take charge of his penis health. Some common insecurities about the manhood are addressed here.

My penis is much smaller than the guys I see in adult movies. Am I smaller than average? Size is an incredibly important issue to most men, and many are convinced that they are abnormally small. Unfortunately, this view often comes from a habit of comparing themselves to the actors they see in adult-oriented films. It is important to keep in mind that these men are employed as porn stars because they are anything but average; add special effects into the mix, and regular men have no hope of measuring up. In reality, very few men fall outside the average range (which is, by the way, about 5 to 6 inches when fully erect), and even those who are a bit smaller than normal are generally still perfectly able to satisfy their partners.

I have a ring of bumps around the crown of my penis that won’t go away. Do I have an STD? While men who are sexually active may always be at risk for an STD, a ring of bumps around the head is not usually a sign of one. Instead, it is most likely a normal occurrence known as pearly penile papules. These are not harmful or contagious, and in fact, they may provide an extra level of pleasure for a woman - so men can actually regard this anatomical variation as an advantage.

What is the weird, dark line on the underside of my penis?
This dark line runs from the perineum, across the scrotum and all the way up the shaft of the penis. It is known as the penile raphe, a Greek word that simply means "seam." It is the result of the genital distinction between males and females that occurs in utero and is present on all men.

I think my penis is abnormal - it always bends to the right (or left) when I am hard.
The idealized image of an erect penis is one that points as straight as an arrow, but few men are this linear in real life. An erect penis can bend to the left or right, or curve slightly upward or downward; this is all completely normal and nothing to worry about.

After I masturbate, I can’t get hard again for hours. Do I have erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Even the most randy teenager has what is known as a "refractory period," which refers to the time that it takes to refuel the tanks, so to speak, after ejaculation. A man who can’t become completely erect within hours, or even days, of ejaculating does not have an impotence problem; he simply needs time to recover. Erectile issues are only diagnosed if a man goes for more than two weeks without the ability to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to reach orgasm.

Ongoing care for all penis types
Whether a man’s equipment falls within the range of normal or stands out as an exception, proper care can ensure that it will look, feel and perform at its best. Here are some basics that all men should follow:

- Cleanliness is key. Close attention to hygiene should always be a priority, and not just the afternoon before a big date. Men who clean their equipment daily are less likely to develop uncomfortable and embarrassing skin problems, not to mention that signature fishy smell.

- A little breathing room, please. Restrictive clothing, sitting too long and even cycling can cut off much of the blood supply to the area; this can result in loss of sensation and even damage a man’s ability to perform. A looser-fitting pair of trousers, and underwear that is supportive but not too tight, are safer wardrobe choices.

- Snuff the butts. Most men may wish for a longer penis, but few dream of a more diminutive tool. Because of this, men who haven’t yet gotten the memo that smoking is destructive to the entire body may take note when they learn that smoking not only damages penile sensation and performance, but can actually cause it to shrink by up to an inch.

- And finally, a moisturizer, just for him. Hydrating creams and lotions aren’t just for her. All skin - even male skin - needs the right amount of moisture to retain its natural elasticity, smooth texture and healthy appearance. A specially-formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help in all of these respects, employing a rich array of vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants to fuel cell metabolism, renew and rejuvenate damaged tissue and boost sensation that has dulled over time.

Normal Penis or Not? 7 Basic Manhood Shapes

It is well-known that the average guy is preoccupied with his penis. He may spend hours every week (or even every day) wondering whether it measures up in terms of size, shape and ability to please a partner. In fact, it’s safe to say that virtually every man has wondered at some point whether he has a normal penis; for some, this concern becomes an obsession. Men who spend time worrying about every bump, curve, vein, variation in skin color and any other unusual-seeming feature of their penile topography can work themselves into a high level of anxiety. This may affect their self-esteem, their attitudes toward sex and even their ability to perform. These men should rest assured that when it comes to male anatomy, "normal" can mean many things, and that the real focus of their attention should be on maintaining a healthy penis.

Here are just some of the variations on penis shapes -- as well as a few hints for men to make the most of their special configurations.

1) The banana. Just as its name implies, this penis is curved like a banana when it is hard. Usually, it points downward toward the floor when it is fully erect. Women often enjoy a banana-shaped penis, as it is perfectly configured to hit her G-spot in the missionary position.

2) The hammer. When the penis has a head that is much wider than the shaft, it may bear a resemblance to a hammer. A penis like this is perfect for G-spot stimulation, so guys with this shape should be sure to bring this to the attention of their female partners - preferably through demonstration.

3) The letter C. This penis curves a bit to the right when erect, and it is perfect for spooning - when a man and woman lie on their sides, with her back pressed into his abdomen and their bodies curled together.

4) The "sweet apple." This penis is short, but wide - sometimes measuring 5-6 inches in girth. Women often enjoy this type of penis because it comes in contact with the entire vagina. Men who are concerned about the shorter length should keep in mind that most women can’t feel much beyond the first 3 inches of their vaginal opening.

5) The mushroom. Like the hammer, the mushroom is larger in the head than the shaft; with the mushroom, the head takes on a resemblance to an umbrella. This shape is especially good for the doggy-style position, as it provides extra stimulation.

6) The pencil. This penis type is long, slim and straight and provides deep penetration. It can be especially stimulating in the woman-on-top position.

7) The carrot. Smaller in the head but larger in the shaft, tapering outward to a wide base, this type of penis is perfect for deep penetration.

So which penis is best?
At this point, with any luck, men with penile concerns may have begun to develop an appreciation for what nature has given them. And when it comes to the question of which type of penis is best, it is more than likely that most women would answer that it is the one attached to the man she is with. In general, if a woman is interested enough in a man that she is ready to start exploring what he is packing underneath his jeans, chances are that she will be delighted with whatever she finds - as long as it is clean and healthy.

Therefore, instead of worrying about a little curve this way or that, men should be focusing their attention on grooming. Keeping the surrounding hair short and neatly trimmed - or even completely shaved - will set off the manhood in all its glory, as well as reducing the unpleasant odors that can develop when sweat and other bodily fluids become trapped in a bush of hair.

It goes without saying that the entire groin area should be kept clean, so showering every day is a must. Men who want to go the extra mile to keep things clean and fresh should opt for a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that is formulated with odor-killing ingredients like vitamin A, along with natural emollients that keep the skin soft, smooth and responsive. Applied every day after a shower, a penile cream can make a visible (and touchable) difference in the condition and sensitivity of the penis.

Normal Penis Size and Appearance - Answers to Men's Most Common Concerns

On the outside, guys can be full of bravado about the impressive powers of their manhood, especially in the company of other men. But on the inside, there are few men who have not secretly wondered whether their package is really up to par, or whether those bumps, blemishes and variations in skin tone are just plain weird. The answers to these common concerns about what makes for a normal penis are revealed here.

1. Normal Penis Size - Starting with perhaps the biggest concern men have about their penis, the answer is that unless the erect penis is under an inch or two long, it is most likely normal. Of course, normal can encompass a wide range of sizes and shapes, and some guys are certainly more visibly endowed than others. On the other hand, the average erect penis size is about 5 to 51/2 inches, so guys who are not sporting the fabled nine-incher are in good company. In fact, since women only actually have any significant feeling near the vaginal opening - and lots more in the clitoris, the saying that size doesn’t matter is really true.

2. Normal Penis Skin Color - There are nearly as many penis skin tones as there are penises. Some men’s skin color is similar to the rest of their body, but it can be much lighter or much darker. Some men have more than one color - for example, darker at the base of the shaft and lighter toward the tip - all of these variations are perfectly normal. Men with very light patches of skin may have a benign condition known as vitiligo; if so, it is probably present on other parts of the body, as well. A condition known as lichen planus can also cause discoloration - usually whitish or gray, spreading patches on the skin.

3. Bumps and Blemishes - The skin is rarely, if ever, perfectly smooth, and the penis, like other parts of the body, can be affected by bumps and blemishes. Pimples and overactive follicles may abound in this area; and a large number of men may have a ring of clear or flesh-colored bumps surrounding the crown of the penis. This condition, known as pearly penile papules, is perfectly normal, harmless, and not contagious. On the other hand, open sores, lesions, and warts that have a rough surface should be checked out by a doctor.

4. Bends and Curves - Almost no penis is perfectly straight; it may hang to one side while flaccid and show a distinctive bend or curve when erect. Unless the bend appears following an injury, is painful, or interferes with normal intercourse, there is absolutely no reason to worry.

TLC for a Healthy, Well-adjusted Penis
Unless a guy has very obvious problems or concerns about his penis that fall well outside of the norms described here, chances are that his tool is perfectly normal. In that case, a little self-confidence boost may be all he needs to quit worrying about whether his penis is up to par.
Some guidelines for increasing confidence are as follows - and they may sound simplistic, but the positive effects can’t be denied:

- Keep it clean. A freshly washed manhood is more pleasant for both the owner and any potential partners; on the other hand, a penis that has not seen a shower for three or four days is unlikely to be attractive to anyone.

- Trim the hairs. An overgrown mass of pubic hair may not necessarily be off-putting for a partner, but trimming it down to size can actually make the penis appear longer - a nice confidence-booster for any man.

- Exercise. Getting plenty of exercise is not only beneficial in terms of better blood flow (and therefore, better erections). The feel-good hormones that are produced by exercise can leave a man feeling energized, happy and full of confidence in himself and his ability to perform, regardless of any perceived oddities about his manhood.

- Nix the booze. While a few drinks with a potential partner can help to ease the way into a more intimate encounter, it can also impair a man’s ability to perform. The immediate embarrassment can be bad enough, and the after-effects of this chemical downer can leave a man feeling depressed and unhappy.

- Add nutrients to the penile care regimen. A penis vitamin crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that is enriched with rejuvenating vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids can leave the penile skin looking vibrant, feeling supple, and responding to a partner’s touch like never before. Adding a penis cream to the mix after a daily shower can leave a man feeling positive and confident when it comes to unveiling his tool.

Normal Penis Appearance - What the Average Manhood Looks Like

The penis can be the source of endless pleasure, particularly when there's another person involved in the equation. However, this little bit of flesh can also be the source of an intense amount of mental anguish, particularly for men who haven't spent a lot of time in a locker room. These guys may have no idea what an average Johnson is even supposed to look like, and they may be convinced that the tool they have is somehow deficient and in need of intensive. It's a tough problem, and men with real concerns should always check with a doctor for help with penis care. But learning a little more about what an average penis looks like could help to alleviate some concerns.

General Alignment
A flaccid penis tends to adhere to the pull of gravity, swinging with each step a man takes. But when something exciting takes place and that shaft fills with blood, the penis should point up to the sky and away from a man's body. Subtle curves to the right or to the left are common, but no deep bends or pronounced curves should be apparent when the penis is filled with blood.

Color Considerations
It's common for portions of the penis to be slightly darker than the rest of a man's body, particularly when an erection is in full force. Blood is a colorful fluid, and when it's moving through tissues that are somewhat transparent, like those that cover a man's tool, the skin can take on a slightly darker hue and pick up hints of:

• Blue
• Purple
• Orange
• Green
• Yellow

The tip of the penis might also be slightly darker all of the time, due to the large number of small blood vessels that serve the penile tissue.

Wrinkles and Bumps
Since the penis has to grow from a very small size to a very large size on a regular basis, it's covered in skin that's a little loose and floppy. This allows tissues to expand and contract without painful stretching and tearing. These wrinkles can be a little unsightly, but they're part of normal anatomy.
Tiny penis bumps that encircle the head of the penis are also common, and they're usually harmless. Pearly penile papules, which are clear bumps that encircle the tip of a man's penis, are not spread through any kind of sexual activity, and they're often found in men who have been circumcised. In most cases, nothing must be done to treat them, as they do not cause harm. Men can visit their doctors for more information on this subject, however, and get tested to ensure that they don't have an STD that could cause similar bumps.

Veins and Arteries
Some types of penis bumps are caused by the network of veins and arteries that nourish the cells of the penis. These vessels can grow quite large, and sometimes, they even seem to pop out of the skin like little worms or snakes. It can be a little frightening to see this kind of growth, and again, a doctor can reassure guys who are unsure about their health, but big vessels in the penis that are visible aren't typically considered dangerous or unusual.

Maintaining Normal
The word "normal" isn't always associated with the word "impressive." Those guys who want to do more than just blend in might need to take a few additional steps in order to ensure that they are as awe-inspiring as they can possibly be.

A penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help. Products like this can keep skin elastic and supple, and the nourishing action can help to support the growth of newer, brighter skin cells. With these products, the penis will have the nourishment it needs to grow, and to deliver to a degree that's much better than "normal."