The shape of things to come

Naked bodies:

Beauty, youth, vigour, and health are extolled in our society. It's impossible to watch television, view a film, or read a magazine without seeing idealised models or actors portraying what is supposed to represent the height of physical and material perfection. We are taught to believe that outer appearance is everything.

Masturbation:

Strictly speaking, masturbation is sexual activity involving only one person. It is sexual self-stimulation, often, but not necessarily, involving manipulation of the sexual organs by hand.

Your penis:

No other part of the male anatomy causes such a stir nor has had so much myth cloaked about it. An awful lot of rubbish gets talked about penises. Find out more about size, shape, function, scrotum, testicles, enlargements and circumcision.

Ejaculation:

Ejaculation is the process of ejecting semen from the penis, and is usually accompanied by orgasm as a result of sexual stimulation. It may also occur spontaneously during sleep (called a nocturnal emission) or due to stimulation of the prostate.

Penetration:

Not surprisingly, the secret to increased pleasure from orgasms and ejaculation lies in being relaxed and willing to explore yourself. A rapid "rub and tug" is not going to lead to the same explosive climax as a slower, more considered approach to self pleasuring. Find out more about oral, anal, straight, gay, bisexual and other fetishes.

Problems:

If you think about the slang used to describe an adult penis, it all has a certain weight substance to it: words like beef, dong, whanger, rod, bazooka, meat and truncheon all suggest size and solidity. Find out more about male sexual health and other concerns.

Resources:

Books about sex, it's history, practise and theory.