100 Surprising Facts About Private Parts

Welcome to Giggeli, where we explore some of the most interesting and surprising facts about private parts, since schools don't teach us enough about genitalia in general. At Giggeli, we're all about breaking down taboos and promoting open conversations about genitalia to create more accepting and informed culture, so we thought it was high time we delved into some fascinating facts about these often-overlooked body parts. From the fascinating biology behind erections and orgasms to the history of pubic hair removal, we've got 100 private part facts that are sure to surprise and delight.

100 Surprising Facts About Private Parts

1. "Erection" is derived from the Latin word "erectionem," which means "a building up" or "a rising."
2. Ancient Romans considered the left testicle to be the "lucky" one and would swear oaths on it.
3. Both men and women can experience a "refractory period" after orgasm, during which they are temporarily unable to achieve another orgasm.
4. Both penises and clitorises become erect through a similar process involving blood flow.
5. Both the clitoris and penis have a similar structure, with a shaft and a glans, but the clitoris is much more densely packed with nerve endings.
6. Certain foods, such as oysters and chocolate, have been considered aphrodisiacs due to their alleged effects on libido and sexual function.
7. During an erection, the average man's penis contains roughly 130 milliliters of blood.
8. During arousal, the vagina produces natural lubrication to facilitate intercourse.
9. During ejaculation, sperm can travel at speeds of up to 28 miles per hour.
10. Female ejaculation, or "squirting," is a phenomenon where some women expel fluid during orgasm, which is believed to come from the Skene's glands.
11. In ancient Greece, having a small penis was considered a sign of intelligence and sophistication.
12. In some cultures, genital piercings have been used as a form of adornment or as a symbol of sexual maturity or commitment.
13. In some cultures, labia elongation is considered a beauty practice and can be achieved through manual stretching or using weights.
14. In some cultures, pubic hair is considered a sign of sexual maturity and attractiveness.
15. In some cultures, the practice of "infibulation" involves the removal of the clitoris and labia minora and the partial or complete sewing together of the labia majora, leaving only a small opening for menstruation and urination.
16. In Tantra, the practice of "maithuna" or "sexual union" is considered a sacred act that can lead to spiritual enlightenment and the merging of male and female energies.
17. It's estimated that 1 in 4 men will experience some form of erectile dysfunction in their lifetime.
18. It's estimated that 75% of women need clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm during intercourse, while only 25% can achieve orgasm through vaginal stimulation alone.
19. Kegel exercises can benefit both men and women by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving sexual function.
20. Men can experience "morning wood," or nocturnal penile tumescence, due to a combination of hormonal fluctuations and the REM sleep cycle.
21. Penis size typically stops growing around the age of 16-18.
22. Penises and clitorises both develop from the same embryonic tissue, which is why they share some similarities in structure and function.
23. Smegma, a natural substance that accumulates on the genitals, serves a protective and moisturizing function but can cause odor if not regularly cleaned.
24. Some animals, such as ducks and dolphins, have corkscrew-shaped penises, which have evolved to aid in reproduction.
25. Some men can experience "retrograde ejaculation," where the ejaculate flows backward into the bladder instead of being expelled from the penis.
26. Some men can experience anejaculation, which is the inability to ejaculate despite experiencing an orgasm.
27. Some men can experience multiple orgasms, though it's more common in women.
28. Some men can experience spontaneous erections during the day, unrelated to sexual arousal, due to fluctuations in blood flow and hormones.
29. Some men can have a condition called diphallia, which is the presence of two penises. This is an extremely rare condition, affecting only 1 in 5 million males.
30. Some people experience genital synesthesia, where they perceive colors or shapes when sexually aroused or during orgasm.
31. Some people have a fetish for genitalia, known as a genital fetish or partialism, where they're particularly attracted to or aroused by the genitals.
32. Some women can achieve orgasm through nipple stimulation alone, thanks to the shared neural pathways between the genitals and nipples.
33. Some women can experience "wet dreams" or nocturnal orgasms, similar to men's nocturnal emissions.
34. Some women can experience nipple orgasms, where they reach climax through stimulation of the nipples alone.
35. Some women can experience persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), a condition in which they feel constant sexual arousal without any sexual stimulation.
36. Some women can have a condition called uterus didelphys, where they have two separate uteruses, cervixes, and, in some cases, vaginas.
37. Sperm can live inside a woman's reproductive system for up to 5 days, making it possible for conception to occur even days after intercourse.
38. Testicles are housed outside the body in the scrotum because sperm production requires a slightly cooler temperature than the body's core temperature.
39. Testicles can shrink and expand in response to temperature changes, ensuring optimal sperm production.
40. The "bulbocavernosus reflex" is a test used by healthcare providers to assess the function of the nerves and muscles controlling the genitals.
41. The "death grip" phenomenon refers to when men become desensitized to sexual stimulation due to overly tight or rough masturbation techniques.
42. The "Kivin Method" is a specific technique for performing oral sex on a woman that involves stimulating the clitoris from a side-on angle, which some people find more pleasurable than the traditional approach.
43. The "lotus position" in Tantric sex involves the woman sitting on the man's lap with her legs wrapped around him, promoting a deep and intimate connection.
44. The "million-dollar point" is a pressure point located between the scrotum and anus, which, when pressed, can help prevent ejaculation during orgasm.
45. The "pompoir" technique, also known as "Kabzah" or "the Singapore grip," involves a woman using her vaginal muscles to rhythmically contract and relax around her partner's penis during intercourse, enhancing pleasure for both parties.
46. The angle of erection can vary greatly among men, ranging from pointing straight up to pointing straight down.
47. The average duration of male orgasm is 6 seconds, while the average duration of female orgasm is 20 seconds.
48. The average length of a flaccid penis is 3.61 inches, while the average length of an erect penis is 5.16 inches.
49. The average length of the vaginal canal is around 4 inches but can expand to accommodate a penis or other objects during arousal.
50. The average lifespan of a sperm is around 74 days.
51. The average speed of ejaculation is around 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour).
52. The average testicle produces around 200 million sperm per day.
53. The average testicle size is about 2 inches long, 0.8 inches wide, and 1.2 inches high.
54. The average time it takes for a woman to reach orgasm through clitoral stimulation is around 10-20 minutes.
55. The average vagina is 3 to 4 inches deep when not aroused, but can expand significantly during sexual arousal.
56. The average volume of semen produced during ejaculation is about 1 to 2 teaspoons.
57. The Bartholin's glands, located on either side of the vaginal opening, are responsible for producing vaginal lubrication.
58. The clitoral glans, the visible part of the clitoris, is only a small portion of the entire clitoral structure, which extends internally and is shaped like a wish
59. The clitoral hood serves a protective function, shielding the sensitive clitoral glans from overstimulation.
60. The clitoris can become more sensitive and responsive to stimulation with age, as opposed to the penis, which can lose sensitivity over time.
61. The clitoris has around 8,000 nerve endings, making it one of the most sensitive parts of the human body.
62. The clitoris is the only organ in the human body designed solely for pleasure.
63. The color of a person's labia can vary greatly, ranging from pink to brown or even purple.
64. The corpus cavernosum, a sponge-like tissue in the penis and clitoris, fills with blood during arousal, leading to erection.
65. The cremaster muscle is responsible for raising and lowering the testicles in response to temperature and arousal.
66. The foreskin, a fold of skin covering the head of the penis in uncircumcised men, contains thousands of nerve endings and can contribute to sexual pleasure.
67. The frenulum, a sensitive band of tissue located on the underside of the penis, is sometimes referred to as the male G-spot.
68. The G-spot, named after German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg, is a sensitive area located on the front wall of the vagina that, when stimulated, can result in intense orgasms for some women.
69. The G-spot, named after German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg, is an erogenous zone inside the vagina that, when stimulated, can lead to intense orgasms.
70. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and can affect both men and women, sometimes leading to genital warts or certain cancers.
71. The human penis has no bones, unlike many other mammals, which have a structure called the baculum.
72. The hymen, a thin membrane partially covering the vaginal opening, can come in various shapes and sizes and is not an accurate indicator of virginity.
73. The labia majora serve a protective function, shielding the more delicate structures of the vulva.
74. The labia minora can vary greatly in size and shape, with some being barely visible and others extending beyond the labia majora.
75. The mons pubis, the fatty area above the pubic bone, serves as a cushion during intercourse.
76. The perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus, can be an erogenous zone for both men and women.
77. The phrase "testify" comes from the Latin word "testis," which means "witness." This is because ancient Romans would swear on their testicles when giving testimony in court.
78. The practice of "edging" involves repeatedly bringing oneself to the brink of orgasm and then stopping just before climax, with the goal of intensifying the eventual orgasm.
79. The practice of "jelqing" involves manually stretching the penis in an attempt to increase its size, but its effectiveness and safety are controversial.
80. The practice of "pearling" or "genital beading" involves the insertion of small beads under the skin of the penis or labia, with the intention of enhancing sexual pleasure.
81. The practice of "sounding" involves inserting objects into the urethra for sexual pleasure, though it carries significant risks if not done correctly.
82. The raphe line, a visible seam running down the underside of the penis and scrotum, forms during fetal development when the two halves of the genital tubercle fuse together.
83. The size of a man's flaccid penis is not always indicative of its size when erect.
84. The Skene's glands, also known as the female prostate, are located near the urethra and produce a fluid similar in composition to male prostate fluid.
85. The term "blue balls" refers to the discomfort some men feel when they don't ejaculate after prolonged sexual arousal. This is due to the blood vessels in the genitals becoming engorged with blood.
86. The term "blue vulva" refers to a similar phenomenon as blue balls, where women experience discomfort due to unrelieved sexual arousal.
87. The term "penis captivus" refers to a rare occurrence where a penis becomes stuck inside the vagina during intercourse, usually due to intense muscle contractions.
88. The term "penis envy" was coined by Sigmund Freud to describe the supposed psychological phenomenon where some women desire to have a penis.
89. The term "phallophobia" refers to the fear of penises or erections.
90. The term "priapism" refers to a prolonged and often painful erection that can last for hours and is unrelated to sexual stimulation. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
91. The term "vulvodynia" refers to chronic pain in the vulvar area that has no identifiable cause.
92. The term "vulvophobia" refers to the fear or aversion to female genitalia.
93. The testicles produce both sperm and testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.
94. The vaginal corona, a term coined by the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education, is an alternative way to describe the hymen that emphasizes its varying shapes and structures.
95. The word "penis" comes from the Latin word "penis," which means "tail."
96. The word "vagina" is derived from the Latin word for "sheath" or "scabbard."
97. The word "vulva" comes from the Latin word "vulva," which means "womb" or "covering."
98. The world's largest penis on record measures 13.5 inches when erect, while the smallest is just 1.6 inches.
99. There's no correlation between a man's shoe size and penis size, despite the popular myth.
100. Vaginas can expand up to 200% during sexual arousal, allowing for greater comfort and pleasure during intercourse.

We hope you've enjoyed our deep dive into some of the most interesting private part facts out there!

At Giggeli, we're passionate about promoting body positivity and inclusivity, and part of that means breaking down the taboos and stigma that often surround genitalia. By exploring and celebrating the unique beauty and diversity of the human body, we hope to inspire a more open, accepting, and sex-positive society. So next time you light up one of our phallic candles in your home, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating biology and rich history behind these incredible body parts. And remember, there's nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to private parts - they're just another amazing part of the human experience!

About the writer:
The Giggeli Project creates penis shaped design objects to break taboos and provoke discussion on genitalia. The idea behind the project is to create products that playfully highlight everyday issues and make us think differently about them.