Let’s take a poll. Who knows more about the penis, men or women? With no evidence at all, I will go out on a limb here and say women simply because men know so little about their reproductive system.
Why is that the case? Think about this. If your childhood was anything like mine, you weren’t allowed to say “penis” at the dinner table, touching it was discouraged and any questions about it were usually met with a complicated and confusing explanation that typically started by my father saying to my mother. “You handle this one.”
[Read: Can Ayurveda Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?]
Since Dad removed himself from the discussion at an early stage, it was up to Mom to handle the details. No wonder the male teenage years are so confusing. How do you talk to Mom about erections, why we get them and what to do with them? And masturbation? Forget about that topic. It is hidden, shamed and never discussed. No wonder teenage boys are so confused.
Frankly, the learning process doesn’t really improve as we get older. In high school, you’re not taught about the muscles that control the penis or how to care for them. College years are typically spent trying to operate the equipment, and by the time you are middle aged, most men have never even been to an urologist. Women are taught to listen to their bodies and spend a lot of time talking to each other about sexual health issues. Not only do men not listen as we are often accused of, but we also don’t talk about our bodies.
The fact is as a society we don’t talk enough about the male reproductive system. You can’t even say “penis” on TV! Seriously? This needs to change. We should be saying penis on TV a lot.
So, it should come as no surprise that men know virtually nothing about their penis and the complicated pelvic muscle system that controls it. Men are truly in the dark when it comes to “maintaining their manhood.” So, the real question is, how are you expected to take care of an organ and muscle system that you know almost nothing about?
[Read: Can Childhood Diseases Adversely Affect Male Fertility?]
Know Your Penis
Here is my advice. Start learning. Be proactive. Take control. Whether you are 18 or 80, it is never too late. There are three simple things you can do to get started on men organ:
1. Do Some Basic Research
Learn about your reproductive system, how it works and the problems that can develop with age. There are many good resources on the web. WebMD and The Mayo Clinic are two good starting points.
2. Once You Are Armed With The Facts, Start Talking!
If you are experiencing issues, whether it is premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or dribbling after urinating, consider engaging your urologist, a sexual health expert or therapist, and/or your spouse or significant other. The point is, don’t keep the issues to yourself.
3. Take Action
Many people get advice but never follow through. It is important to actually address and correct the issues. In the case of premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or incontinence, sometimes the simplest, all natural solutions maybe the best, before resorting to drugs or surgery.
