Men often harbor more anxiety about their genitals than women do about their breasts. Questions like, "Is it big enough? Is it long enough? Are my testicles unusual in appearance?" tend to plague male minds. However, let's reveal a little secret: Women don't fixate on the appearance of your penis. What truly matters is how you use it, along with your skills in other aspects of intimacy, and most importantly, how you treat your partner.
Beyond the Surface: Female Perspectives on Male Genitalia
While men may be preoccupied with the size of their penis, it's important to note that size is not a major concern for most women. Research from UCLA even suggests that 84% of women are "very satisfied" with their partner's penis size. Nonetheless, there are certain aspects of male genitalia that women have some common issues with. The good news is that resourceful women often find ways to navigate these concerns. Here's what we've uncovered:
Navigating the Extremes: Size Matters, but Not in the Way You Think
While penis size may be the first thing women notice, it doesn't hold the same significance as many men believe. In fact, women don't necessarily prefer an exceptionally large or small penis.
Lyndsey, 32, shares her experience with a well-endowed partner: "His penis was about 10 inches long and very girthy. My initial thought wasn't, 'Wow, I'm lucky.' It was, 'How am I going to handle this during oral sex, and will it cause discomfort during intercourse?' Big isn't always better, but with adequate foreplay and lubrication, we found a way to make it work."
On the other hand, Tina, 38, faced a different challenge with a below-average penis. She notes, "It was so short and thin that I would have considered breaking up with him if he hadn't excelled in oral sex and introduced sex toys into our relationship. He was a great guy, and we made it work."
The Unconventional: Dealing with Curved Penises
Some men have penises with unconventional shapes, which can be surprising for women. For instance, Sean, 34, encountered a penis with a distinct curve: "It was so crooked that it resembled a candy cane. I wasn't sure how to approach it – should I treat it like a candy cane? Despite the unusual shape, we still had an enjoyable time; it just gave me pause and made me think, 'Whoa.'"
Lisa, 29, had a similar experience with a curved penis: "It was strange, and I wasn't sure how to handle it. The curve was quite pronounced, and I wish he had mentioned it or given me a heads-up. After some research, I discovered that this curvature can actually enhance certain sexual positions, like doggy style, so I'll be better prepared next time."
However, it's crucial to note that if a curved penis interferes with intercourse, it may indicate Peyronie's disease, requiring consultation with a urologist.
Confronting the Uncircumcised
With approximately 80% of men in the U.S. being circumcised, it's not surprising that women may be taken aback when encountering an uncircumcised penis. Janet, 45, admits, "I must confess that I felt a bit perplexed by uncircumcised penises. The issue was that I wasn't sure how to approach them. Should I retract the foreskin before oral sex? It almost felt like it needed an instruction manual. It can sometimes be confusing for women, and perhaps men should guide us or explain what to do."
Another concern women have regarding uncircumcised penises is the potential for hygiene issues, such as lint or smegma (a naturally produced substance composed of shed skin cells, skin oil, and moisture). If a woman finds these aspects off-putting, it's important to educate her about smegma's harmless nature and the importance of regular penile hygiene.
Pubic Hair Predicaments
The debate over pubic hair grooming preferences persists. While most women do not find a completely hairless scrotum appealing, they often prefer a moderate approach to grooming.
Candace, 31, explains, "I'm not a fan of a fully hairless scrotum. It's distracting, and I start wondering if he's too obsessed with his appearance. If we were to start dating, would he be overly particular about other things like doing the dishes?"
Scent Matters: The Importance of Good Hygiene
Just as men don't enjoy performing oral sex on a malodorous vagina, women prefer to avoid intimate encounters with a malodorous penis. Janet aptly states, "My mouth won't go near anything with an unpleasant odor."
The solution is straightforward: A quick wash before engaging in sexual activities. Although this might require a brief pause during the heat of the moment to cleanse the penis, rest assured that your partner will appreciate the effort. Dr. Brian Steixner, MD, director of the Institute for Men's Health at Jersey Urology Group, recommends a swift wash with soap and water, followed by a thorough rinse to ensure that the penis doesn't taste like soap.