Male health knowledge: Analysis of external genital structure and definition of sexual behavior

What are the components of the male external genitalia?

The male external genitalia, also known as the pubic symphysis, mainly consists of three parts: the mons pubis, scrotum, and penis.

1. Mons pubis: Located above the pubic symphysis, it is composed of skin and abundant subcutaneous fat tissue. In adults, pubic hair is dense and curly, forming a rhomboid shape; in youth and middle age, the mons pubis is significantly raised; after middle age, the fat decreases and it sinks, eventually shrinking and flattening in old age.

2. Scrotum: The scrotum is a skin-like sac. The scrotal skin is darker in color, elastic, and contains abundant sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and a small amount of pubic hair. The scrotum is a continuation of the abdominal wall; therefore, the scrotal wall is completely layered with the anterior abdominal wall. A scrotal septum divides the scrotum into two chambers, containing the testes, epididymis, and most of the spermatic cord. The main function of the scrotum is to regulate temperature and protect the testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord from injury. The scrotum acts like an air conditioner. When the scrotal lining relaxes, it dissipates heat and lowers the temperature; when it contracts, it raises and insulates the temperature, thereby regulating the scrotal temperature to be 2-4°C lower than the abdominal cavity temperature. This facilitates sperm production by the seminiferous epithelium of the testes. The optimal temperature for spermatogenesis within the scrotum is approximately 34-35°C.

3. Penis: The penis is the male organ for urination and sexual intercourse. It is about 7-10 cm in length when flaccid and can roughly double in size when erect. The penis consists of three parts: the glans, the shaft, and the root. The glans, also known as the glans penis, contains the urethral opening at its front. On each side of the dorsal side of the penis are two corpora cavernosa, which are spongy, reticular structures composed of smooth muscle. The spaces between these structures are the cavernous sinuses, which directly connect to blood vessels. During sexual arousal, the blood flow into the sinuses increases, while the blood flow out decreases, causing the corpora cavernosa to swell and the penis to become erect. On the ventral side of the penis is another corpus cavernosum called the corpus spongiosum, with the urethra in the middle. These three corpora cavernosa are enclosed by the penile fascia, forming a cylinder.

Does sexual behavior only refer to sexual intercourse?

As people develop to a certain stage, an interest in and pursuit of sexual behavior arises involuntarily. Curiosity and exploration of sex, its mystery and confusion, and even the relentless desire to engage in sexual activity permeate a person's life.

Many people think that sexual behavior only refers to "sexual intercourse." In fact, this is a narrow understanding. Human sexual behavior is a kind of "instinct." In a broader sense, any behavior aimed at achieving sexual satisfaction is sexual behavior; or, in other words, any behavior that can cause sexual orgasm is sexual behavior. Sexual behavior is not limited to sexual intercourse, but rather encompasses all external manifestations of sexual desire. It includes a series of observable actions and reactions with specific meanings. The purpose of these behaviors is not only for reproduction, but more importantly, to obtain sexual pleasure and achieve sexual satisfaction.

Human sexual behavior varies across different age groups. While sexual behavior generally refers to heterosexual acts characterized by healthy sexual goals, i.e., intercourse, people of other ages also employ other methods to satisfy their sexual needs. For example, adolescent sexual behavior primarily manifests as masturbation, sexual dreams, and nocturnal emissions. During courtship, it manifests as caressing, hugging, and kissing. The purpose of this discussion is to remind couples entering marriage that, in addition to intercourse, marital sexual behavior should not be neglected; it should continue to utilize caressing, hugging, and kissing, just as it was during courtship, to enhance sexual pleasure and strengthen marital bonds.

In recent years, some scholars have further subdivided this broader concept of sexual behavior into three levels: Borderline sexual behavior—primarily referring to the emotional exchange between couples. This includes expressions of affection such as longing glances, flirtatious looks, and loving smiles. Or they might send letters to express their feelings; or exchange tokens of affection, such as red beans, fragrant handkerchiefs, or roses; or they might enjoy flirting and teasing with the opposite sex; some even categorize ballroom dancing as borderline sexual behavior.

Process-oriented sexual behavior—this is a development of borderline sexual behavior. It not only involves emotional exchange but also progresses to passionate kissing, gentle caresses, and strong embraces, allowing both partners to enjoy the sweetness and joy of love. As for the caressing before intercourse and the tenderness after intercourse between spouses, it essentially lies between process-oriented and purpose-oriented sexual behavior, and should perhaps be classified as purpose-oriented sexual behavior.

Purpose-oriented sexual behavior—this is the advanced stage of sexual behavior development, the final result of the first two types of sexual behavior, manifested as actual sexual intercourse.

In short, all behaviors aimed at achieving sexual satisfaction or obtaining sexual pleasure are sexual behaviors. Because sex is a human instinct, sexual behavior can be seen as a physiologically based, psychologically driven act that induces sexual pleasure.

Understanding the meaning of sexual behavior eliminates the need to feel ashamed or guilty about occasional masturbation, nocturnal emissions, or sexual dreams, and prevents the perception of normal sexual behavior as "vulgar" or "obscene." These are important avenues for fulfilling normal physiological and psychological needs and releasing sexual energy, and they represent various means of using sexual behavior to promote marital happiness and harmonious sexual relations between spouses.