Understanding Causes of Penis Size Reduction
The medical term for a penis that measures below the average size for its age group by 2.5 standard deviations when in a flaccid state is referred to as "micropenis." This is not a title any man would want to associate with himself. However, misconceptions about penis size do exist.
Factors such as cold air, cold water, fear, anger, or anxiety can cause the penis, scrotum, and testicles to retract closer to the body, temporarily making it appear smaller. Conversely, warm conditions can lead to elongation of the penis. Although the flaccid length of the penis varies from person to person, the size difference during an erection is not as pronounced.
Can the Penis Break?
The idea of a penis breaking might seem painful just to think about, but the reality is that it can happen. The penis does not contain bones; however, it can suffer from a condition known as "penile fracture." This injury occurs when the fibrous sheath surrounding the erectile tissue of the penis gets ruptured, usually due to acute trauma during an erection.
This situation is most often encountered during sexual intercourse. If such an injury occurs, it is pivotal to seek medical attention immediately. Surgical intervention is necessary to prevent potential sexual dysfunction.
Do Men Ever Run Out of Sperm?
This raises a common fear among men: is it possible to deplete sperm supply? The good news is that men do not run out of sperm. However, there are some caveats to consider.
Unlike women, who are born with a finite number of eggs, men can continually produce sperm throughout their lives. This sounds appealing, but studies have shown that men over 35 may experience increased anomalies in sperm motility, and DNA damage in sperm is more pronounced compared to younger males. Furthermore, after a certain age, the average sperm count tends to decline.
According to the standards set by the World Health Organization, the normal sperm count per ejaculation is around 20 million with a motility rate of 50% and a normal morphology rate of 60%. These standards have shifted over the last 25 years, when the benchmark was nearly 100 million sperm per ejaculation.
Conclusion
Understanding these aspects of male sexual health is crucial. Concerns about penis size and sperm quality are common, but being informed can alleviate unnecessary anxiety and lead to healthier practices.