In early 2021 the estimated number of new cases of testicular cancer was 9,740. It is a rare disease, yet the chance of someone losing their life to it is only 1 in 5,000.1 What is it? Testicular cancer begins in the germ cells located in the testicles. Germ cells are responsible for making sperm…
Tag: sperm
Birth Control Pill Overview
Birth control pills are one of the most effective contraceptive methods for preventing pregnancy. Commonly referred to as “The Pill,” this type of birth control comes in a variety of forms and can be taken in a variety of different ways depending on the method that works best for the individual. There are two main types of…
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The IUD is a highly effective, long lasting form of birth control. The two different types, the hormonal IUD and the copper IUD, function in different ways, resulting in differing advantages and disadvantages. The IUD must be inserted by a trained health care professional, and it does not prevent against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What Is…
Swallowing Your Partner’s Ejaculate
Swallowing a partner’s ejaculate may be an erotic activity to some; however, others may find this activity unappealing. Choosing to swallow, spit out, or refrain from touching semen are all personal preferences that should be respected. For those who decide not to swallow their partner’s ejaculate, spitting out the ejaculate or withdrawing the penis before…
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the production and development of sperm. This process begins at puberty and continues for the remainder of a male’s life. The sperm and the egg, which are the male and female gametes, meet during fertilization. Both gametes are haploid cells; these cells contain 23 unpaired chromosomes, which is half of the human genetic…
Spermicides
What Are Spermicides? Spermicide is a substance that kills sperm on contact. Spermicides are available in a variety of different forms including creams, gels, foams, suppositories and films.1 Spermicides are inserted deep into the vagina, near the cervix, with a plastic syringe applicator, or they are inserted with a diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.3…
The Testes
Typically, males have two testes. The testes are contained within the scrotal sac, located beneath the penis and in front of the anus. They are round in shape and tend to be about the same size as golf balls. Testicles are attached to the body via the spermatic cords, which are cord-like tissue structures formed…
Semen
What is Semen? Semen (meaning seed in Latin), male ejaculate, or “cum,” is a combination of seminal fluid and mature sperm (spermatozoa), which is ejaculated through the urethra during the male orgasm. Semen is the medium through which a male’s sperm is delivered to a female’s egg cell, or ovum, during procreative sex. Boys start…
Male Masturbation
Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals with a hand, sex toy, vibrator, or other object for sexual pleasure. Masturbation can be done alone (solo masturbation) or at the same time as a partner (mutual masturbation). Masturbation is a common and healthy activity that most individuals with penises do regularly throughout their lifetimes. A 2017…