The anatomy of the male genital area
Like in women, the male genital organs are divided into internal and external parts. However, unlike in women, only the external genital organs form the intimate area in men.
The external genital area in men:
- Penis
- Scrotum
At the tip of the penile shaft sits the rounded, highly sensitive glans (glans penis). When the penis is not erect, the glans is covered and protected by the retractable foreskin (prepuce). This double layer of skin forms the end of the elastic and movable skin of the penile shaft. The foreskin is attached to the glans by the frenulum. The scrotum, which also belongs to the male genital area, encloses the testes, epididymis, and the initial parts of the vas deferens. These three organs are internal genital organs, along with the prostate, seminal vesicles, and Cowper’s glands.
The external genital area in men is covered with delicate intimate skin, with the glans being particularly thin. The foreskin is an exception: its inner surface (facing the glans) is lined with mucous membrane.
The male intimate area as an erogenous zone
The thin intimate skin of the glans, penis, and scrotum is densely packed with sensitive nerves. This structure makes the male genital area highly sensitive: touch and friction can cause sexual arousal and lead to orgasm and ejaculation. The penis has erectile tissue, similar to the female clitoris, which fills with blood during sexual arousal. The penis becomes erect, stiff, longer, and thicker (erection). In this state, the penis can penetrate a woman’s vagina and release ejaculate (semen) through the urethra. The urethra, which runs through the shaft of the penis, also expels urine.
Regarding intimate hygien: The Smegma
If circumcision has not been performed, a salve-like, pale yellow substance called smegma accumulates daily between the foreskin and glans. It consists mainly of sebum and shed skin cells. The function of smegma is to protect the extremely thin and sensitive intimate skin of the glans from drying out. However, a man should carefully remove smegma during daily genital hygiene. If this is not done, or if it is only possible to remove it to a limited extent (e.g., in the case of phimosis), an unpleasant odor can develop. Additionally, the risk of infections in the genital area increases. The unwanted effects are caused by the smegma itself and the moist environment between the glans and foreskin. Both provide ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
The male genital area as a site of intimate discomfort
The external genital area is an erogenous zone for men, covered with intimate skin like the female vulva. Its delicate nature makes the male genital area, especially the thin-skinned glans, very sensitive to external influences. Therefore, mechanical stress (e.g., during sex, rubbing with a towel, sports activities, tight clothing) can easily cause soreness or tiny injuries. These, in turn, serve as entry points for pathogens (bacteria, fungi), which can cause inflammation of the glans (balanitis). Inflammation of the glans is further promoted by improper or limited intimate hygiene, particularly in cases of phimosis. Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis can also cause discomfort in the genital area for men.
Regardless of their causes, if intimate discomforts (e.g., itching, burning, pain, soreness) persist over a longer period or worsen within a few days of their onset, they should be evaluated by a doctor. There is no need for embarrassment: genital conditions are common, and their treatment is routine for doctors (general practitioners, urologists). Lastly, thorough intimate hygiene with Deumavan Washing Lotion and Deumavan Protective Ointment can prevent and alleviate discomfort in the male genital area.
