The Transgender Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z MISCELLANEOUS

Penis

(also: cock, dick, genitalia, phallus, willy)

Table of Contents

Disclaimer

This section will contain terms referring to genitals in an educational context. There are also mild references to sexual activities, also in an educational context. Clicking on the external links at the bottom of this page may result in you seeing images of genitalia (either real photos or anatomical diagrams). Clicking on links found throughout the page itself will lead to other relevant parts of The Transgender Dictionary.

It is important to note that the anatomy of individuals varies from person to person. Below are different terms so you know what is what. Keep in mind that not everyone looks the same.
See also - vulva.

Introduction

Genitalia. Everyone has some variation of it (unless they undergo a nullification surgery). Generally, it is considered a personal topic. Something that you keep to yourself. However, when it comes to transgender people, the topic of genitalia is somehow brought up more often than not - whether or not its relevant. If you're a good ally, then you know not to ask.

This page will be discussing the anatomy of the penis (and related parts/activities) and how this is relevant in terms of various transgender people. While this page will not be discussing the IGM done towards those who are CAMAB, it is important to note those experiences. Please see the page regarding intersexism page for more information. The rest of this particular page will be discussing perisex anatomy for simplicity's sake.

General Information

The penis is a copulatory (reproductive) oragan. If a baby is born with a distinct penis, then that baby will be assigned male at birth (AMAB). This organ is used for urination. On average, the penis is 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) when flaccid (soft) and a little more than 5 inches (13 cm) when erect (hard).

Anatomy

Body (also: shaft)

Suspended from the pubic symphysis and located between the root and the glands, this is the free (external) part of the penis. The body is shaped like a tube/cylinder, and is composed of three internal chambers of erectile tissue. The two larger chambers of the shaft are the corpora cavernosa (which run side by side), while the third chamber is known as the corpus spongiosum (which surrounds the urethra.

Epithelium

Refers to the shaft skin, the prepuce, and the preputial mucosa.

Erectile Tissues

These sponge-like tissues contain thousands of spaces that fill with blood during sexual arousal, producing an erection. An erection is when the body of the penis becomes hard and ridid, allowing for penetrative sex. The skin of the penis is loose and stretchy, allowing it to change size during an erection. Erectile tissues can be found within the afformentioned three internal chambers of the shaft.

Glans

Conical in shape and the most distal part of the penis, this part contains the opening of the urethra.

Prepuce (also: foreskin)

A double layer of skin located at the neck of the glands. It typically covers the glands. The frenulum (a fold of skin) connects the prepuce to the surface of the glands). This covers/protects the glands & body.

Circumcision

The removal of the foreskin.

Prostate Gland

A walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate adds additional fluid to ejaculate, which helps nourish sperm. The urehtra runs through the center of the prostate gland.

Note - Not part of the penis, but included in this section anyway.

Root

Not visible externally, the root is the most proximal, fixed part of the penis. It is located in the superficial perineal pouch of the pelvic floor. It is attatched to the abdominal wall, and is the base of the penis.

The root contains three erectile tissues, and four muscles. The erectile tissues are known as the left and right crura, and the bulb of the penis. The muscles are known as the bulbospongiosus and the ischiocavernosus (of which there are 2 of each). The root is supported by 2 ligaments, the suspensory ligament and the fundiform ligament.

Urethra

THe urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder, and semen from the ejaculatory ducts outside of the body.

The urethral opening typically located at the center of the glans. This is where urine and semen can exit via urination and ejaculation respectively. When the penis is erect, the corpora cavernosa presses against part of the urethra, blocking the flow of urination, so that only semen ejaculates during orgasm.

Contraceptives/Birth Control

These are things that are used to prevent pregnancy.

Condoms

Condoms are thin, stretchy pouches that can be worn on the penis during sex. Condoms act as a barrier to prevent pregnancy while collecting semen. Click here to see a diagram of what lubes can be used with what types of condoms.

Only synthetic condoms can be used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. All condoms can be used to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are considered to be 87% effective at preventing pregnancy, and must be worn every time penis in vagina (PIV) sex occurs.

Lambskin

Lambskin condoms are made from animal intestines (typically sheep, as the name suggests, though there are ones made from other animals). Lambskin condoms act as a barrier to prevent pregnancy, but do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (unlike latex or plastic). Lambskin condoms are safe for people with latex allergies.

Any kind of lube can be used with lambskin condoms.

Latex

Made from rubber, latex condoms are the most common type of condom. Latex condoms act as a barrier to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases while collecting semen. Latex condoms limit the skin-to-skin contact that can spread sexually transmitted infections.

Generally speaking, both water-based and silicone-based lube can be used with latex condoms. Oil-based lube should not be used, as it can damage latex condoms. Always check the brand instructions of the condom to make sure that they are compatable with the type of lube you are trying to use.

Plastic

Non-latex plastic condoms are made from plastics such as nitrile, polyurethane, or polyisoprene. Plastic condoms are safe for people with latex allergies, and act as a barrier to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Plastic condoms limit the skin-to-skin contact that can spread sexually transmitted infections.

Generally speaking, any kind of lube can be used with latex condoms. Oil-based lube should not be used if you are specifically using polyisoprene. Always check the brand instructions of the condom to make sure that they are compatable with the type of lube you are trying to use.

Internal Condom

Internal condoms go inside the anus during penetrative sex. They prevent sexually transmitted diseases during anal sex. Internal condoms come in one size and line the inner walls of the anus, allowing for the insertion and movement of a penis, sex toy(s), or fingers.

Internal condoms have an outer ring made out of nitrile, and an inner ring made out of polyurethane. Both the inside and outside of the internal condom are coated with at silicone-based lubricant.

This method of birth control must be used every time sex occurs to prevent STDs or pregnancy.

Note: Sometimes referred to as a "female condom" though can be used by anyone, regardless of gender, for vaginal or anal sex. This is an alternative to a regular condom.

Vasectomy

Also known as sterilization, a vasectomy is done by a doctor in a hospital, office, or clinic. The small tubes in the scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off so that sperm cannot leave the body and cause pregnancy. The procedure is very quick, and you can go home the same day. Local anesthesia is used during a vasectomy.

Vasectomies are nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. Vasectomies are a permenant form of birth control.

Incision

During an incision-method vasectomy, one or two cuts are made into the skin of the scrotum. The tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) are blocked off through the incision. Sometimes, a small part of the tubes is removed. The tubes may be tied, blocked with surgical clips, or closed with an electrical current (cauterized). The incision is then stitched up. This procedure is approximately 20 minutes.

No Scalpel

A single, tiny puncture hole is made to reach the vas deferens. The tubes are then tied off, cauterized, or blocked. There is no stitches, nor scarring.

Withdrawl (Pulling Out)

The pull out method is simply where you "pull out" your penis before ejaculation, and make sure that none of the semen ends up anywhere near your partner's genitals. Withdrawl is 78% effective at preventing pregnancy, and is best when combined with another method of birth control such as condoms (above).

Withdrawl must be performed every time PIV sex occurs to prevent pregnancy.

Interaction with HRT

When taking FHT it is important to note that it will have some effect on the penis. It will cause some shrinkage in size. Taking these hormones will also result in decreased spontaneous erections; and erections in general. The penis will be softer, smaller, and more feminine.

Transgender Men

Trans men are men who were born without penises. Typically, this causes gender dysphoria, as lacking this can make a transgender man feel as though something is missing, or wrong. Some men are unbothered by this. Others seek out surgeries such as metoidioplasty, scrotoplasty, and/or phalloplasty in an effort to obtain gender euphoria.

When a transgender man goes on testosterone, this will cause something called "bottom growth" which is essentially the clit morphing into a micropenis.

To many people, posession of a penis is intrinsically linked to manhood. Some would go as far as to define posessing one as being the very definition of being a man. It is important to note that all transgender people have their own unique relationship with gender and their genitalia.

Anatomy Resources

Contraception Resources

United States-Based Resources

Trans-Feminine Specific Resources

Trans-Feminine Specific Resources

Additional Resources