Let’s Talk About the Penis 🍆 | Clitical Thinking Podcast Ep. 8

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]Weenie, birdie, banana, dong, [music] dick, package. We have a lot of words for it. But beyond the slang, what do we actually know about the penis?

[00:00:09]Historically, the penis has symbolized vitality and authority in many cultures.

[00:00:14]Around the world, you'll find ancient artworks that depict large, erect penises as representations of power. And in some traditions, they were even regarded as sacred symbols. Even today, those ideas still influence modern culture. For [music] example, having a small penis is used an insult, while phrases like big dick energy are used to describe someone who appears confident and self-assured. [music] But if we strip away symbolism and the stereotypes, the penis [music] is simply a reproductive health organ. The more we understand it, the easier it becomes to clear up misconceptions and open more discussions about sexual wellness. By the way, I'm Penny and welcome to Critical Thinking, >> [music] >> where sexual health, pleasure, and real education comes together so you can make informed choices with confidence.

[00:01:05]Critical Thinking reflects Love It's commitment to modern sexual health and wellness education [music] that's accessible and available to everybody. This episode is brought to you by Love It, the leading sexual health and wellness store in the Philippines. If you'd like to explore our full range of love toys and [music] educational resources, visit loveit.th and check the links in the description.

[00:01:28]What is the penis? So let's start with the basics. What exactly is a penis? The penis is an external sex organ that's part both of male reproductive and urinary systems. It's made up of blood vessels and spongy tissue >> [music] >> that allows it to become erect. It has two main functions. First, urination. At the tip of the penis is called the meatus, the small opening where urine exits. [music] This opening connects to the urethra, a tube that starts at the bladder, passes through the prostate, travels through the penis, and then leaves the body. Second, reproduction.

[00:02:04]During ejaculation, the penis releases semen, which contains sperm. [music] When this happens during vaginal sex, the semen enters the body. From there, the sperm begin moving forward through the reproductive tract, continuing their journey toward the egg. If one sperm successfully reaches and fertilizes the egg, pregnancy can occur. So, what does a penis look like? Well, it can look like this, or maybe like this, or this one, or this. The point is, there isn't just one normal look. Penises come in different shapes [music] and sizes. Some are long and slender. Some are shorter and thicker. Some are straight when erect, while others slightly curve upward, downward, or sideways. You might also notice differences in texture. Some look more veiny, while others are smoother. And in terms of color, the penis can match a person's skin tone, or be slightly lighter or darker. There are also circumcised and uncircumcised penises. A circumcised penis is one that has gone through circumcision, which is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin. This is [music] commonly done for cultural or religious reasons, and sometimes due to medical concerns. Some people feel that circumcision makes a hygiene a bit easier. It may also help reduce the risk of certain infections like urinary tract infection or UTI.

[00:03:29]However, whether someone is circumcised or not, both versions are completely normal. Now, here's an uncircumcised penis. You'll notice that the glans, [music] or the head of the penis, is covered by a thin layer called the foreskin. The [music] foreskin is soft and flexible, so it can be gently pulled back to expose the glans. [music] During arousal, it usually retracts naturally as the penis becomes erect. Although in some cases, it may stay in place even when fully erect. When it comes to average size, a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Urology International, which included over 15,000 participants worldwide, found out that the average flaccid penis length is about [music] 9.16 cm. The average erect length is about 13.12 cm. For birth, the average flaccid measurement is about 9.31 cm [music] and when erect, it's about 11.66 cm. Now, it's really important to remember, these are just averages. [music] Being below or above these numbers does not mean something is wrong. And if your concern is about sexual performance, [music] many people prioritize connection, communication, effort, and overall intimacy more than size alone.

[00:04:50]Sexual satisfaction is about the whole experience, [music] not just one measurement. In fact, research shows that many women orgasm primarily [music] through clitoral stimulation, which refers to the highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva. For example, a 2017 study published [music] in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that about 37% American women reported needing clitoral stimulation [music] to reach orgasm compared to 18% who said vaginal penetration alone was enough.

[00:05:23][music] So overall, size is just one small part of the picture. Pleasure is much more complex than that.

[00:05:30]Understanding penis anatomy. Now, penises can look different from person to person, but they have all the same structures that allow them to function properly. So let's take a look to our anatomy chart. The penis is divided into three main parts. First is the root or the base. This part is located in the superficial perineal pouch of the pelvic floor [music] and it helps anchor and support the penis. Inside the root, there are three erectile structures, the two crura and the bulb of the penis. There are also two muscles here, which are the ischiocavernosus and the bulbospongiosus.

[00:06:09]>> [music] >> They help support erections and play a role in ejaculation. Next is the body, which is also called the shaft. This is the longest and most visible part.

[00:06:18]Inside the shaft are three columns [music] of erectile tissue, the two corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum. The corpora cavernosa are mainly responsible for firmness during erection, while the corpus spongiosum helps protect the urethra, so urine and semen can pass through safely. And finally, we have the glans or the head of the penis. This is the tip at the end of the shaft. It becomes more sensitive and engorged with blood during arousal. The meatus, [music] which is the small opening when urine exits and semen is released, is located here. There's honestly a lot of happening [music] inside the penis anatomically and you can definitely explore other resources if you want every detail. [music] But right now, let's focus on what most people are curious about, erections.

[00:07:07]An erection is the physiological process where the penis becomes hard and enlarged due to an increase in blood flow. There are three main types of erections. One is reflexogenic, two is psychogenic and number three, nocturnal.

[00:07:23]Reflexogenic erections happen because of direct stimulation on the penis. [music] Meanwhile, psychogenic erections are caused by the brain. It can happen just by thinking about something sexual, [music] like a fantasy, a memory or someone you desire. The third type is nocturnal erections or nocturnal penile tumescence. It refers to erections that happen during sleep. They're often linked to the parasympathetic nervous system, >> [music] >> which is more active while you're resting. So, how does an erection happen? It usually starts with physical stimulation, mental stimulation, or both. This signals the brain to send messages down to the penis through the nervous [music] system. Here's what those messages do. They tell the muscles inside the corpora [music] cavernosa to relax. When those muscles relax, the blood vessels open up and blood can flow in. As blood rushes into the corpora cavernosa, the increased blood flow creates pressure, [music] and that pressure is what causes the penis to become firm. There are also an important structure called the tunica albuginea.

[00:08:27]This is a tough membrane that surrounds the corpora cavernosa. It helps trap the blood inside, keeping it under pressure so the erection is maintained. Now, when ejaculation happens or when the body becomes [music] relaxed, the process reverses. The muscles contract again, blood flow decreases, and the pressure inside drops. The valves open, the blood flows back out, and the penis returns to a flaccid or soft state. So, that's how an erection works. Contrary to some myths [music] spread word of mouth or unreliable sources online, the penis isn't a bone and it is not [music] filled with air. It's simply a process caused by increased blood flow. Another important thing to know that erections can happen randomly. The body can trigger it for different biological reasons, and that's completely normal.

[00:09:18]But what if it's the other way around?

[00:09:21]What if you're having trouble getting or maintaining an erection? Or you're having some issues with ejaculation.

[00:09:27]Sometimes stress or anxiety can affect erections. But if it keeps happening, it might be a good idea to check in on your health. So, in the next section, we'll talk about some common penile conditions, penile disorders.

[00:09:43]Just a quick disclaimer before we go into common penile disorders. This section [music] is meant for awareness and education only, not for self-diagnosis. The best and most reliable source for any concerns is always a qualified healthcare professional. Here are some of the common conditions that people [music] with penises might experience. Number one, erectile dysfunction. This is when someone consistently has trouble maintaining an erection during sex.

[00:10:10]Number two, premature ejaculation. This happens when ejaculation occurs sooner than desired, either for the person or their partner. It's different from the excitement of new sexual experiences.

[00:10:22]This is a consistent pattern, sometimes happening over years. Number three, delayed ejaculation. This involves difficulty ejaculating even with sexual stimulation. Number four, retrograde ejaculation. A more complex condition where semen goes backward into the bladder during orgasm instead [music] of exiting through the urethra. Number five, balanitis. This is [music] an inflammation of the glans, or the head of the penis. Number six, priapism, a prolonged, often painful erection. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage. Number seven, penile fracture.

[00:10:59]Even though the penis isn't a bone, a fracture can happen if the erect penis experiences extreme trauma during sex or certain exercises. [music] Signs include a popping sound, bruising, or sometimes blood in urine. This requires immediate medical attention. [music] Number eight, Peyronie's disease. This happens when scar tissue forms in the erectile tissue, causing the penis to curve, [music] bend, or lose length. Mild cases may not need treatment, but severe cases require medications, [music] therapy, or surgery. Number nine, phimosis. When the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back from the glans, [music] gradual stretching or circumcision may be needed. Number 10, paraphimosis. This occurs when foreskin is pulled back and cannot return to cover the glans. [music] This is a medical emergency as it can cut off blood flow and cause permanent penile damage. Number 11, penile cancer.

[00:11:54]>> [music] >> It's rare and it usually starts at the glans or foreskin. Research is ongoing to fully understand [music] the causes.

[00:12:01]While risk factors include HPV infection and smoking. Now, those are just some of the penile conditions to be aware of.

[00:12:09]But remember, if you feel like something is off, it's always best to check with [music] the doctor, especially if you're experiencing symptoms like pain or swelling in the penis, pain during urination or ejaculation, [music] blood in your urine or semen, ongoing erection issues, or noticeable changes to the skin [music] such as discoloration, sores, or unusual bumps.

[00:12:32]Now, those are just some of the penile conditions to be aware of. Keeping the penis healthy.

[00:12:39]Now that we've talked about possible penile issues, let's focus on something just as important, prevention and care.

[00:12:47]There are simple steps you can take to help keep your penis healthy. Number one, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your overall health affects your sexual health. That means eating balanced meals, >> [music] >> maintaining a healthy weight, getting around 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep, managing stress, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use. Number two, be sexually responsible. This includes having sex with partners who have been tested, [music] using condoms consistently, and getting regular STI testing. Number three, get the HPV vaccine.

[00:13:23]>> [music] >> One of the risk factors for penile cancer is infection with human papillomavirus. Getting vaccinated can significantly reduce the risk of HPV-related conditions. It's a simple step that offers [music] long-term protection. Number four, practice good hygiene. Basic hygiene goes a long [music] way. Gently clean the penis with mild unscented soap and water. If [music] uncircumcised, make sure to gently clean under the foreskin. After urinating, wiping [music] with tissue can help keep the area clean and dry.

[00:13:56]Wearing breathable underwear can also help reduce moisture build-up and irritation. [music] Number five, get regular check-ups. Routine medical check-ups are important. [music] If you notice any symptoms or changes, getting them checked early makes treatment easier and effective. Early awareness is always better than waiting. So, that's everything you need to know about the penis. Now, let me ask you, what myths or misconceptions [music] have you heard about the penis before? I'd love to see your thoughts and stories in the comments [music] below. And if you found this video helpful, don't forget to like and share it with someone who might need a little knowledge boost. Thank you so much for watching and I'll see you to the next episode of Critical Thinking.

[00:14:40]Bye.

[00:14:41]>> [music] [music]