Male Sexual Wellness

What is the anatomy of the penis and scrotum?

Let’s start with the anatomy basics. The penis can be divided into the dorsal surface (front of the penis when flaccid) and ventral surface (back of the penis towards the scrotum when flaccid).

The body of the penis (penile shaft) contains three separate structural columns that fill with blood during sexual stimulation to cause erection. The corpus spongiosum is midline on the ventral aspect. The end of the corpus spongiosum forms the glans penis (head of the penis). The two corpus cavernosa lie parallel to each other in the dorsal aspect. The epithelial tissue (skin) is not firmly attached to the underlying anatomy allowing it to slide freely. The urethra carries both urine and ejaculate to the meatus (opening at the tip of the penis).

The scrotum contains the testes which produce sperm and the epididymi that store sperm. The scrotum, hanging outside the body cavity, allows sperm to exist at a lower temperature than the body. Sperm leave the scrotum via the vas deferens which passes through secretary glands to join the urethra inside the prostate gland, and ultimately exit the penis through the meatus.

What are the main cosmetic concerns related to penile health?

So now that we’ve got a general idea of the internal structures, let’s consider possible concerns related to the appearance and function of the penis. Keep in mind concerns relating to function need to first be discussed and addressed by your medical provider. Penile implants are generally not considered first line therapy for ED.

• Elongated Scrotum: An elongated scrotum can create aesthetic and functional concerns. Procedures to remove excess skin, and tighten skin and muscle can correct abnormalities.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction is caused by a lack of adequate blood flow to the penis. This condition can be caused by both psychological factors and physical factors. Penile implants can be used to artificially create an erection.
• Penis Size: Penis size is typically a matter of personal perception. Most studies support an average flaccid penis length of 3.4 inches and erect penis length of 5.1 inches. (1) Penis enlargement procedures can aesthetically enhance the penis and increase the penis size. These procedures do not alter function.

Who may wish to seek treatment to improve their penile health?

Let’s keep it real, we’re not going to tell you why you might want to improve your penile health. We will, however, remind you cosmetic procedures for penile health are for aesthetics. Functional concerns related to penile and scrotal health need to be addressed by your medical provider prior to a discussion with a plastic surgeon.

How can someone cosmetically enhance their penis?

If you are considering cosmetic procedures to improve your penis size or alter your scrotum, there are a few different surgical techniques depending on your concern. Penis enlargement, scrotoplasty, and penile implants can alter aesthetics, and, in some cases, assist with sexual dysfunction.

• For Penis Size: Aesthetic Penis Enlargement surgeries like Ligament Transection, Fat Transfer, and Dermal Fillers can create a bigger penis and improved length of the penis. An enlargement surgery is not intended to improve sexual dysfunction.
• For Erectile Dysfunction: Penis Implants such as Non-Inflatable Penile Implant, Three Piece Inflatable Penile Implants, and Two Piece Inflatable Penile Implants can assist with erectile dysfunction. These are not first line solutions, however, and ED should initially be discussed with your medical provider. Nonsurgical traction devices and vacuum pumps can also be used.
• For an Elongated Scrotum: A Scrotoplasty can improve the scrotal aesthetic.

For a deeper dive into the treatment options listed above, check out our guide to Penis Enhancement Solutions.