The human body is ever-changing, full of quirks, and can come in many variations. No two bodies are the same carbon copies of each other, not even in identical twins. And these changes of the body continue to occur, especially during rapid growth phases such as during infancy and puberty. The genitalia of the body are no exception to these changes.

A common question asked by those with testes is “why are my testes uneven?”

Simply answered, testicles are usually asymmetrical. Most persons have their left testicle at a slightly lower level than the right testicle. There are many biological reasons for this, including:

1. Preventing the testes from pressing against each other, which may be uncomfortable.

2. The blood vessels of the testes are different in each testicle which can result in different sizes.

Whilst slight changes are normal, it is important to be aware of what your testes look and feel like, so if there is a sudden change, it is immediately obvious. Sudden changes like swelling, redness or colour change, or immense pain, should be shown to a healthcare worker as they may be a sign of infection, twisting of the testes (torsion) or dilated vessels (varicocoeles).

Anxiety concerning penile size is another common concern

The length of an erect penis greatly varies across different nationalities. Despite media (pornography) portrayal and locker room conversations of bigger penises, the average erect penile length is approximately 5-6 inches in length. Additionally, it is important to note that penile length does not correspond to the level of sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction has been found to be more determined by confidence, intimacy and emotional connection.

Why are there bumps on my penis?

There are different causes of bumps on the penis or surrounding genitalia.

Often, small bumps around the rim of the head of the penis are normal and known as pearly penile papules. They are harmless small flesh-coloured or white bumps, not associated with pain or discharge, but are often mistaken for sexually transmitted infections.

Other reasons can include ingrown hairs, infections (herpes, genital warts or syphilis) or even skin conditions like psoriasis.

Whilst it is common to question or be a little concerned about body changes, in most cases it is a perfectly normal change. If ever in doubt however, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional rather than relying on the internet for answers. A clinical consultation can dispel anxiety and give a better understanding about changes of the body.

If you or someone you know is struggling with body acceptance or has questions regarding changes to their body, please contact Bloom Medical Clinic or the Alokaya Counselling Centre at the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (+94 779895252, No. 37/27, Bullers Lane, Colombo-07).