Sexual healthGeneral wellness

7 surprising facts about the penis

Learn what to do—and what to avoid—to maintain the health of this organ.


LearnSexual health7 surprising facts about the penis
You Can Break Your Penis
Smoking Causes Shrinkage
Uncircumcised Men Might Feel More Pleasure
Food Doesn't Change the Taste of Semen
But You Can Eat for Healthy Sperm
Your Nighttime Erection Could Detect a Bigger Problem
Your penis can be crooked

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Anatomically speaking, the penis is just one part of the male reproductive system. The scrotum, prostate, epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles make up the rest. But there’s a reason we hear about the penis the most. It's the most prominent external feature and the site of sexual pleasure.

The penis doesn't only provide a window into one's sexual and reproductive health. It can also offer important clues to the health of the rest of the body. Here are some lesser known facts about the penis.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics Task Forc... + 2
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Circumcision. Circumcision policy statement. Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):585-586.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Penile Fracture. Last reviewed August 19, 2021.
  3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Penile Curvature (Peyronie's Disease). Last Reviewed August 2019.
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Kevin Soden, MD, MPH.April, 2026
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Kevin Soden, MD, MPH.April, 2026
Updated onAugust, 2026
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