Asa nation, we’re not very comfortable with discussing our private parts. We will often ignore symptoms, not wanting to admit we have a problem and really wouldn’t dream of bothering the doctor about it. When it comes to matters of the penis, men aren’t the best at sharing. Whether it’s a lack of knowledge or embarrassment, you’ll be glad to know that male anatomy is quite straightforward, and doctors have seen it all before.
One reason why men might need to discuss problems with their privates is if they suspect they might have contracted a sexually transmitted infection. Many STI symptoms are invisible and can be for a long time, so it is possible to pass it on without realising you have one. Protect yourself and others by always wearing a condom.
If you don’t feel able to approach the GP just yet, consider using London Home STI kits in the privacy and comfort of your own home to begin with. Using easy-to-complete Bexley Home STI kits can be done discretely, so now you have no excuses not to get yourself checked out.
Here are some doctor’s tips for getting more comfortable about seeing a health professional:
Avoid slang
There are an overwhelming number of imaginative words to describe human genitalia. It’s tempting to slip into slang when you’re embarrassed but it can make matters worse if the doctor ends up looking bewildered. Try to keep it real and here’s some terminology to help:
Penis and foreskin – Guys should all know these are, right?
Shaft – this is the length of the penis not including the glans, commonly called the tip.
Glans – better known as the tip, this is the very sensitive area right at the end of the penis, usually covered by the foreskin unless a circumcision has been performed.
Meatus – this is pronounced ‘me-ay-tuss’ and is the opening on the glans where semen and urine come out.
Testes – informally known as balls or testicles.
Scrotum – this is the sack of skin that holds your testes. It contains a thin muscle that allows the scrotum to contract in the cold to maintain the temperature of the sperm.
Epididymis – to the rear and higher than the testes is the area that stores the sperm that is made in the testes. A tube carries the sperm from the epididymis via the prostate, through your urethra to eventually escape from the hole in your glans called the meatus.
Even knowing just a small amount about your anatomy can make it easier to talk about. If you suspect that not all is right downstairs, you’ll be able to discuss things with your doctor in a straight up way.
