Aa
is this harmful?
I am 20 Years old and have never had sex. About 4 years ago i first noticed what looks like a scar on my penis? It starts at the base of the penis to the tip. The skin is a little thicker as well as darker. I do not experience pain or discomfort, including when in erection. However i do not know if this is a disease or infection that will harm me in the future. Any advice or suggestions are appreciated thank you
get it checked by a doctor
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello.
Relax. It's actually been there all the time, but you never noticed it until you hit puberty. It's called the "Raphe line," and all men have one. Some are more obvious than others. This is one of those little-known but miraculous sex factoids.
It is the result of a fetal developmental phenomenon whereby the scrotum (the developmental equivalent of the labia in females) and penis close toward the midline and fuse. All male mammal embryos initially start off as female. You might say “female” is the default setting. It takes something extra (androgens) for males to differentiate as male around the sixth week of embryonic development. Once androgens (most notably, testosterone) kick in, the vagina seals up and your penis and testicles form. That line is the scar left behind when everything seals up. BTW: all birds and reptiles are just the opposite: male is the default setting.
So you see, whether biologically female or male, we're all the same under the skin. Dr. J
Relax. It's actually been there all the time, but you never noticed it until you hit puberty. It's called the "Raphe line," and all men have one. Some are more obvious than others. This is one of those little-known but miraculous sex factoids.
It is the result of a fetal developmental phenomenon whereby the scrotum (the developmental equivalent of the labia in females) and penis close toward the midline and fuse. All male mammal embryos initially start off as female. You might say “female” is the default setting. It takes something extra (androgens) for males to differentiate as male around the sixth week of embryonic development. Once androgens (most notably, testosterone) kick in, the vagina seals up and your penis and testicles form. That line is the scar left behind when everything seals up. BTW: all birds and reptiles are just the opposite: male is the default setting.
So you see, whether biologically female or male, we're all the same under the skin. Dr. J
You are reading content posted in the Sexuality & Relationships Forum
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
STDs aren't transmitted through clothing. Fabric is a germ barrier.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
