15 Weird Facts About the Penis You Probably Didn't Know

15 Weird Facts About the Penis You Probably Didn’t Know

The human penis is a fascinating and complex part of the male anatomy. While it may seem like a simple organ, there are actually a surprising number of weird and little-known facts about the penis that most people are unaware of. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll dive into 15 of the strangest, most bizarre, and downright shocking facts about the male member.

Penile Spines: When Humans Had Porcupine Penises

Let’s start with one of the weirdest penis facts out there – the existence of penile spines. Believe it or not, the human penis once came equipped with built-in spikes, similar to those found on the penises of many other mammalian species.

Around 6 million years ago, the common ancestor of chimpanzees and humans had penises covered in small, keratin-based spines or barbs.
These spines likely evolved to help facilitate faster erections and promote more promiscuous mating behaviors, as they are more common in species with less monogamous tendencies.
Over time, genetic changes caused these spines to disappear from the human penis, likely due to the shift towards more monogamous relationships in humans.
In chimpanzees, the spines serve to make it painful for the female to remove the male’s penis after mating, reducing the chances of the female mating with other partners.

Imagine if human penises still had those little spines – it would certainly make for a very different sexual experience! While the loss of penile spines was probably a good thing for human sexual pleasure, it’s a fascinating example of how the male anatomy has evolved over millions of years.

Size Matters… Sometimes

One of the most commonly discussed aspects of the penis is its size, with the age-old debate of whether “bigger is better” raging on. While penis size is certainly a sensitive topic for many men, the research actually does suggest that size can matter – at least for some women.

A 2013 study found that women tend to prefer a penis size that is proportional to a man’s overall height, with taller men being associated with the ideal larger penis size.
Some research has indicated that women are more likely to experience vaginal orgasms with partners who have longer penises, as the increased length allows for deeper stimulation of the vagina and cervix.
However, technique and other factors are still considered more important than pure size when it comes to sexual satisfaction for most women.

It’s important to note that penis size exists on a wide spectrum, with the smallest natural penis on record measuring just 1/16th of an inch, and the largest clocking in at a staggering 48 centimeters long. But despite the myths, there is no correlation between a man’s shoe size and the size of his penis.

Smoking and Weight Gain Can Shrink Your Penis

While the size of the penis is largely determined by genetics, there are a few lifestyle factors that can actually impact its dimensions. Chief among these are smoking and weight gain.

Smoking can cause the blood vessels that supply the penis to become calcified, reducing blood flow and resulting in up to a 1 centimeter decrease in penis length.
Weight gain can also make the penis appear smaller, as the extra abdominal fat pulls the penis inward, making it seem shorter than it actually is.

The good news is that these effects are often reversible – quitting smoking and losing weight can help restore the penis to its original size. And it’s important to remember that a large portion of the penis is actually internal, attached to the pubic bone, so it may be longer than it appears on the outside.

Penile Fractures and Peyronie’s Disease: The Horrifying Dangers of Penis Injuries

While the penis may seem like a relatively hardy organ, it is actually quite delicate and can be prone to some truly horrifying injuries. Two of the most terrifying penis-related conditions are penile fractures and Peyronie’s disease.

Penile fractures occur when the tunica albuginea, the protective sheath surrounding the penis’s erectile tissue, is torn. This can happen during vigorous sexual activity, aggressive masturbation, or even just from falling on the penis.
Penile fractures are accompanied by a loud “popping” sound, severe pain, swelling, and even blood in the urine. They require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
Peyronie’s disease is the development of scar tissue, known as plaque, under the skin of the penis. This can cause the penis to curve abnormally and lead to pain and erectile dysfunction.
Peyronie’s disease is more common in older men and those with a history of certain medical conditions or prostate cancer treatment.

While these penis injuries may sound horrifying, the good news is that they are relatively rare. However, it’s still important for men to handle their penises with care and seek immediate medical attention if any unusual symptoms arise.

The Fascinating Phenomenon of Dual Penises

One of the most bizarre penis facts is the existence of a rare medical condition known as diphallus, or the presence of two penises. This condition affects around 1 in 5-6 million people.

Diphallus can manifest in different ways, with some individuals having two fully formed penises, while others may have a single penis with a partial duplication.
The condition often requires some form of surgical intervention, known as phalloplasty, to address any functional or cosmetic concerns.
One individual who claims to have diphallus, known only as “Diphallic Dude,” has even written a book about his experiences, titled “Double Header: My Life with Two Penises.”

While the existence of two penises may seem like the stuff of science fiction, it is a very real medical phenomenon. And who knows – perhaps the “Diphallic Dude” will one day be recruited to join the “X-Rated Men” superhero team!

The Surprising Link Between the Penis and the Brain

The penis may seem like a relatively simple organ, but it actually has a complex relationship with the brain. One of the most fascinating aspects of this connection is the phenomenon of nocturnal penile tumescence, or “night erections.”

During REM sleep, the penis can become erect 3-4 times per night as part of the normal sleep cycle.
These erections are not necessarily a sign of sexual dreams or arousal, but rather a result of the spinal cord’s “ejaculation generator” taking over control from the brain.
If a person stops experiencing these regular night erections, it could be an indication of underlying erectile dysfunction or other health issues.

The brain-penis connection doesn’t end there, however. Researchers are also exploring the potential challenges of sexual activity and reproduction in the microgravity environment of space, as the lack of gravity can make it difficult for the penis to become fully erect.

The Surprising History of Cornflakes and Their Relation to Masturbation

One of the most bizarre penis facts involves the surprising history of a breakfast cereal that many of us enjoy on a regular basis: cornflakes.

Cornflakes were originally invented in the 1890s by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a prominent member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Kellogg believed that bland, flavorless foods like cornflakes could help curb the “sinful” urges of masturbation, which he saw as a major health concern.
In addition to promoting cornflakes, Kellogg also advocated for painful procedures like circumcision and the application of carbolic acid to the clitoris to prevent masturbation in young people.

While the connection between cornflakes and masturbation may seem absurd, it’s a fascinating example of how religious and cultural beliefs have shaped our understanding of the human body and sexuality over time. Thankfully, cornflakes have since become a beloved breakfast staple, rather than a tool for sexual repression.

Erections in Space and Other Bizarre Penis Facts

The penis is capable of some truly remarkable feats, including the ability to become erect in the microgravity environment of space. However, this process may not be as straightforward as one might think.

Due to the lack of gravity in space, blood flow to the lower body can be impaired, making it difficult for the penis to become fully erect.
Researchers have described the process of erection in space as more of a “taffy pull” than a traditional erection, with the penis struggling to maintain its rigidity.
The challenges of sexual activity and reproduction in space are still largely unexplored, as there is limited research funding dedicated to this area.

But the penis’s remarkable capabilities don’t end there. Did you know that the average ejaculation contains between 80-300 million sperm, which can travel at speeds of up to 28 miles per hour? Or that the seam on the underside of the penis, known as the “penile raphe,” is a remnant of the penis’s development from female genitalia in the womb?

These are just a few of the many weird and fascinating facts about the human penis that most people are unaware of. From its evolutionary history to its modern-day capabilities, the penis is a truly remarkable and complex organ.

15 Weird Facts About the Penis You Probably Didn't Know — 15 Weird Facts About the Penis You Probably Didn’t Know

The Controversial Practice of Circumcision

One of the most widely debated topics when it comes to the penis is the practice of circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin. This procedure has a long and often controversial history, with both advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Proponents of circumcision argue that it can reduce the risk of penile cancer, prevent foreskin infections, and lower the chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
However, critics point out that circumcision also removes thousands of sensitive nerve endings, potentially reducing sexual pleasure and leading to rare complications like meatal stenosis (narrowing of the urethral opening).
Circumcision is often tied to religious or cultural beliefs, with the practice being particularly common in certain communities. However, the decision to circumcise is a highly personal one that should be carefully considered.

Regardless of one’s stance on circumcision, it’s clear that this procedure has had a significant impact on the male experience throughout history and across different cultures.

More: What Are TARIFFS, And How Do They Affect You?

The Surprising Phenomenon of “Death Erections”

One of the most morbid and unsettling penis facts is the existence of “death erections,” also known as terminal erections or Rigor Erectus. This phenomenon occurs when the penis becomes erect after death, particularly in cases of hanging.

Death erections are believed to be caused by the pressure on the cerebellum from the noose, which can trigger the spinal cord’s “ejaculation generator” and lead to penile erection.
This macabre occurrence is not limited to hanging, and can happen in other cases of death as well, though it is most commonly associated with this method of dying.

While the idea of a “death erection” may be unsettling, it is a relatively common and well-documented phenomenon in the medical field. It serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often unpredictable nature of the human body, even in the face of death.

The Mysterious Case of Napoleon’s Severed Penis

Perhaps one of the most bizarre and intriguing penis facts of all time involves the alleged severed penis of the famous French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte.

According to the story, Napoleon’s penis was amputated shortly after his death in 1821 by his personal physician, and it eventually found its way into the hands of a New Jersey urologist in the 1970s.
The urologist reportedly kept the “imperial dong” for 30 years, allowing only a select few to view the shriveled, leather-like object.
However, the authenticity of this alleged artifact has been widely debated, with some experts describing it as “barely recognizable as a human body part” and comparing it to a “maltreated strip of buckskin shoelace.”

While the tale of Napoleon’s severed penis may seem like the stuff of urban legend, it serves as a fascinating example of the enduring fascination and mystery that surrounds the male member, even centuries after its owner’s death.

Conclusion: Embracing the Weirdness of the Penis

From ancient penile spines to the challenges of sex in space, the human penis is a truly remarkable and often bizarre organ. By exploring these 15 weird and fascinating facts, we’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity and evolutionary history of the male member.

Whether it’s the surprising link between cornflakes and masturbation or the horrifying reality of penile fractures, the penis is a part of the human body that is full of surprises. And as we continue to uncover new and unexpected insights about this unique organ, it’s clear that there is still much more to learn about the weirdness and wonder of the penis.

So the next time you find yourself pondering the peculiarities of the male anatomy, remember that there is always more to discover about this remarkable and often misunderstood part of the human body.