THE
SCROTUM
The scrotum
is part of the male's external genitals. Also called the scrotal sac,
the scrotum is a thin-walled, soft, muscular pouch underneath the
penis containing two compartments to hold the testicles. Each testicle
(small ball-like structures, that produce sperm and hormones) is
connected to a cord, called the spermatic cord, that consists of blood
vessels, tubes, and nerve and muscle fibers. Under certain conditions,
such as exercise, exposure to cold, and sexual arousal in particular,
the muscle fibers in the scrotum cause the entire sac to contract and
wrinkle up, drawing the testicles closer to the body. In response to
heat or total relaxation, the scrotum becomes very loose and soft,
with a smooth surface, and the relaxed muscle fibers cause the
testicles to hang farther from the body.
These changes
in the scrotum illustrate the primary function of the scrotum, which
is to act as a natural climate control center for the testicles. The
temperature in the scrotum is a degree or two lower than the usual
body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The testicles need this
lower temperature in order to carry out their job of producing viable
sperm. If the testicles are kept at body temperature or higher for a
prolonged period, infertility or sterility can result. The scrotum
continually monitors the environment for temperature changes and
responds automatically in the way that is best for the production of
healthy sperm.
A male's
scrotum is very sensitive to touch and can be a source of sensual
pleasure. Some men enjoy having their scrotum stroked and fondled
during sexual activity with their partner. A gentle massaging of the
scrotum from underneath, cupping the testicles in the palm of the
hand, is often sensually pleasing to a male. Some men report that they
have learned to delay an impending ejaculation, thereby prolonging
sexual play, by firmly but gently pulling down on their testicles.
This is one technique used in tantric intercourse to prolong the
sexual experience.
