Genital Health - Male

The male genitals are both exterior and interior to the body. They are part of the male reproductive system. The exterior ones include the penis, the scrotum and the testes. They are part of many systems of the body. For instance the testes not only produce the sperm that is part of reproduction (Read about "Reproductive Health") but they also produce hormones that are part of the endocrine system. (Read about "Endocrine System")

The scrotum is a sack that holds the testes. The scrotum expands and contracts based on temperature. Sperm is best produced at a lower temperature than the normal body temperature.

The penis has a pair of chambers that contain spongy material that fill with blood during an erection. The penis provides an outlet for both semen and sperm and for urine via the urethra (Read about "The Urinary System"), which runs the length of the penis.

The internal parts of the male genitals include the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts, prostate and bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands. Each of these plays a role in storing or transporting the sperm.

The links below will take you to information about a number of issues and conditions that can affect the male genitals.