The Penis Book

A Doctor's Complete Guide to the Penis--From Size to Function and Everything in Between

About the Book

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever wanted to know about the penis but were afraid to ask? Dr. Aaron Spitz has that answer—and many more.

Let Dr. Spitz—who served as assistant clinical professor at UC Irvine's Department of Urology for 15 years and who is a regularly featured guest on The Doctors—become your best friend as he fearlessly guides you through the hairiest and the scariest questions in The Penis Book. An unflinching, comprehensive guide to everything from sexually transmitted infections to the science of blood flow, The Penis Book prominently features an easy-to-follow holistic five-step plan for optimum penis health, including plant-based eating recommendations, information on some penis-healthy foods, and suggested exercises for penis wellbeing. Useful to men and women alike, The Penis Book is a one-stop-shop for the care and maintenance of the penis in your life.
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Praise for The Penis Book

“Men far too often ignore, or are too afraid to discuss, their private health concerns. Dr. Spitz to the rescue. Dr. Spitz is here to answer all of the questions you've ever had surrounding the mystery of your genitals.”
—Dr. Travis Stork, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lose Your Belly Diet and Emmy Award-nominated TV Talk Show Host of The Doctors

“From our first season, Dr. Aaron Spitz has been the go-to expert for topics below the belt on The Doctors television show. His wit and expertise have provided not only laughter but learning and help for many people about taboo topics. In this book, he answers any and all questions about the penis with the humor and simplicity that have made him one of our audience favorites. This book is a wonderful resource for anyone with a penis or for anyone who knows someone with a penis.”
—Andrew P. Ordon, MD, F.A.C.S., Plastic Surgeon, and Emmy Award-nominated TV Talk Show Host of The Doctors

“A man’s guide to understanding his own intimate machinery, this book is raucous, honest, scientifically accurate, and a must-read. Only Dr. Aaron Spitz could combine his unique brand of humor with a thorough knowledge of urology. I am sure this enlightening book will find its way to many night tables both here and abroad.”
—Larry I. Lipshultz, M.D., Professor of Urology, Chief of Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine

“Dr. Spitz has written a book that answers all the questions people are thinking about but are afraid to ask. He has a simple, humorous way of explaining things which makes it an easy read for all.”
—Stanton Honig, MD, Director of Men’s Health at Yale Medicine Urology

“Dr. Spitz blends meticulously referenced science with provocative humor to educate the reader about everything penis. The text also relays the crucial point that sexual health translates to general health and vice versa. This state of the art reference book for the penis deservingly earns its place next to the dictionary.”
—Tobias S. Köhler, MD, MPH, Mayo Clinic

“Dr. Spitz’s The Penis Book is a valuable resource to patients and providers alike, providing important contemporary insight to penile health as a marker of overall health and other men’s health issues in 2018. Men who read this book will have a new sense of understanding of their body, and women who read the book will appreciate the frank, open discussion of this often misunderstood male anatomy, leading to overall better relations between men and women. As he does on The Doctors show on TV, Dr. Spitz offers straightforward explanations of various male issues and has become one of the leading men’s health experts in America.”
—Jason Jameson, MD, Urologist and Men’s Health Specialist, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix AZ

“Dr. Aaron Spitz is a brilliant urologist who comprehensively tackles this topic with both clarity and humor. His insightful advice will prove to be highly informative for male and female readers alike.”
—Robert E. Brannigan, MD, Professor of Urology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

The Penis Book is an amusing read while also an exhaustive reference source on man’s best friend. The chapter on pornography alone is worth the purchase price.”
—Steven K. Wilson, MD, FACS, FRCS, Editor-In-Chief of ISSM Video Journal of Prosthetic Urology

The Penis Book tells the facts and exposes the fiction about the penis, its anatomy and function, in a casual, comfortable manner understandable by all. At a time where the internet makes so many men feel they must be lacking, this little book tells the big story of what can be done to help when there is an issue with the penis, what shouldn’t be done as it might do harm, and what safe and effective treatments are currently available for sexual health concerns. As a sexual medicine physician for almost 40 years, I applaud Aaron Spitz for writing such a readable book to educate men (and their partners) everywhere so that an enjoyable sex life can be maintained.”
—Irwin Goldstein, MD, Director of Sexual Medicine, Alvarado Hospital, Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California at San Diego, and Director of San Diego Sexual Medicine

“Perhaps no other organ in the body is surrounded by so much myth, fascination, and misinformation. Dr. Spitz, a well-respected urologist in the field of men’s sexuality and infertility, has succeeded in providing men and women with a practical user’s manual that can actually be read with great interest from cover to cover. This book provides serious medical advice in an accurate and engaging, yet detailed, dialogue. I congratulate the author for setting the record straight and answering questions that many people have been afraid to ask.”
—Edward D. Kim, MD, Professor of Urology at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine

The Penis Book by Dr. Aaron Spitz is one of those rare examples of how humor and sarcasm can help with learning a complex subject such as the human penis. While the butt of many jokes (pun intended), the penis is a fascinating organ, something that men are typically fixated on from birth until death. Dr. Spitz does an incredible job of educating the reader about all things penis, from how it works to how/why it doesn’t work. The book is broken up into sections that make sense, and the reader is taken through the entire sexual process. He has several chapters on penile health (and how you can improve it), as well as a section on problems of the penis, including the very timely topic of gender identity and the role of the penis. His writing style is just like his speaking style, somewhat sarcastic, extremely funny, and very well informed. This book is geared towards the layperson, but health care professionals will find it very useful as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the inner workings of a very complex, although often underestimated, organ. This should be on everyone’s coffee table.”
—Jay Sandlow, MD, Professor and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin

The Penis Book is truly a great read for men (and women) to understand the often wondered, but too embarrassed to ask, questions about The Organ. Dr. Spitz has done an amazing job of explaining all of the functions and dysfunctions of the male sexual and reproductive organs to readers with his use on humor, metaphor, and slang. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.”
—Edward Karpman, MD, FACS, Men's Health, Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Microsurgery at El Camino Urology Medical Group, Inc.

The Penis Book is a humorous and informative guide to a man’s most precious organ. Read it if you have always wanted to understand how the penis works, what causes sexual and other problems, and how to treat them. Most of all, you can learn at last the connection between the big head and the little head.”
—Stephanie Buehler, PsyD, CST-S, author of What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know about Sex

“Let me start by saying that the penis is funny! What many do not know about Aaron Spitz, MD, Chief Representative for America’s Urologists to the American Medical Association, is that he once was a stand-up comedian and a good one. This adjunct to his training courses smoothly through The Penis Book, making it a must read for anyone who finds the penis both funny and essential. From the “fake news” on circumcision and penile enlargement to the rational treatments for anejaculation and erectile dysfunction, Dr. Spitz nails it! I have seen more penis than most during my career and this book will remain on my desk as both a reference and a joy to re-read.”
—Paul E Perito, MD FACS, Program Director and Chief Surgeon PeritoUrology, Center for Prosthetic Surgery, Coral Gables Hospital

“Aaron Spitz has given us an accurate and entertaining review on everything anyone might want to know about the penis. It covers topics from the biological development of the organ to normal function as well as a variety of dysfunctions. It is a welcome addition to the very limited available literature published for the lay public on the penis. I especially like his humorous approach to these subjects, while at the same time addressing each topic with a level of expertise which is easy to understand.

This book contains loads of useful information that clarifies and debunks many of the myths about the penis. Although it may be a difficult book to leave on the coffee table, it will be a useful addition to one’s personal library.”
—Laurence A. Levine, MD, Professor of Urology, Rush University Medical Center

“There is never an honest and “basic” conversation about male sexual issues. The Penis Book by Dr. Aaron Spitz fixes that. A complete medical, humorous and occasionally racey/risqué look at the subject is easy to read, uses words that most men use and understand (let’s be honest). Even I as a male reproductive and sex specialist learnt something! If guys were to sit together drinking beer, like a bunch of urologists, maybe the conversation about the issue would sound like Dr. Spitz’s book. Dr. Spitz is one of the smartest and funniest human beings I know and no surprise his book is just the same. I recommend the book to any man to learn about their body in private or clinician to educate their patients. Well done!”
—Ajay K. Nangia MBBS, FACS, Professor and Vice Chair, Director of Andrology, Department of Urology, University of Kansas Health System
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Excerpt

The Penis Book

Introduction

Dick, dong, putz, schlong, peter, johnson, skin flute, trouser snake, Mr. Happy, Vlad the Impaler, aka the penis. The penis as a topic of discussion is immediately provocative. And now you can say the word on television. Its likeness seems to pop up just about everywhere these days, whether as an eggplant emoji in a sext or, in its most explicit digital rendition, streaming across Internet porn. Usually the subject of jokes, the penis is often misunderstood, shamed, and just plain given a hard time (although sometimes a hard time is okay). It’s time to lift the veil of ignorance and give this vital organ its day in the sun.
 
As a urologist, it is in my job description to do the dirty work of probing around where other doctors are typically afraid to go. Doctors are people too, and they are often squeamish about discussing sexual issues and concerns about the penis. I know the importance of getting the conversation started because confusion, fear, and even desperation so often surround these topics. I have had the privilege of educating and helping not only thousands of my own patients but many people across the country and around the world through my many television appearances. All the information you will read here is highly accurate and heavily referenced. I am a bona fide expert, serving on guideline committees and reviewing journals for prestigious medical societies, but my true joy is educating people with a lighthearted touch. Call it a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down.
 
When I proposed writing a book about the penis, the question arose: Can you really squeeze a whole book out of that thing? After all, to many it’s a body part that makes few appearances and mostly just hangs around until it’s time to go to bed. Well, as an expert who has devoted my career to the health and well-being of thousands of penises, I know the penis can be a big topic. But even I was surprised at how hard it could be to stuff all of it into the pages of one book. Working with penises all day long and being the proud owner of one I already have a firm grip on the matter, but in writing this book, I probed even deeper to give you the most penetrating treatment of the penis that money can buy (at least legally).
 
Questions, concerns, and fascination about the penis cut across class, race, and gender. Whose is the biggest? Whose is the smallest? Whose is the strongest? Whose is the fastest? Why does it do that? Why doesn’t it do that? Is it okay if it does that? Is it supposed to look like that? What the hell is that? And so on. This book answers all those questions and more. The Penis Book is organized into three parts to help you master your domain. The first part is all about how it works. You will learn the anatomy of the penis, how there’s much more than meets the eye, and how it transforms from Mister Softee into Rocket Man. Another coming attraction is, you guessed it, a section all about coming—too soon, too late, or just in time. This sticky subject is tackled tastefully. But that’s not the whole wad. We size things up with real scientific studies of length, width, and performance duration. You may be surprised where you “stand.”
 
I have been asked more times than you can shake a dick at if there really are pills that make one’s penis bigger, or devices, or even surgery. The answers are found in Part One. We look at how much of what’s advertised is snake oil, and how much is really snake. We take a piercing look at penis bling as well. When it comes to size, the porno penis stands out. We take a candid look at porn to see if it’s really all it’s cracked up to be.
 
Turtlenecks versus V-necks is a fashion choice. Circumcision is a lifetime decision. There are both risks and benefits to this widespread practice. The reasons for circumcision range from tradition to prevention or even treatment of a medical condition. Sometimes it’s hard to pull back the controversy to expose the facts, but we get inside and underneath this topic, leaving no buildup of uncertainty.
 
The penis is more than a body part. It is a symbol and an idea that has stood prominently throughout the ages. It has been glorified, envied, feared, and shunned. Part One wraps up with a discussion of the penis in history, politics, and culture.
 
Now that you know how the penis works, Part Two is all about how to work it and what to do to keep it working. By the time you get your hands on The Penis Book, you may already have had some trouble. Part Two teaches you why Mr. Happy isn’t always and how to cheer him up. Psychological and physical causes of erectile dysfunction are explained, and we look at the most effective remedies, from pills to shots to suction to surgery.
 
Testosterone is the fuel for a man’s engine. It strengthens your muscles and bones, puts hair on your chest (but not your head), and plays an important role in sexual performance. Testosterone can boost desire and it can cure depression. It can also increase your life span. But it may do nothing of the sort, if you don’t actually need it. Part Two helps you understand how to check your fuel gauge and how to fill ’er up if you are running low.
 
What you eat is critical to your penis health, and both exercise and sexercise are important as well. Proper diet and exercise can actually reverse erectile dysfunction. Sleep and supplements can play a part. It all comes together in Chapter 16, titled My Five-Step Plan for Maximum Penis Health. You will learn the easy but essential steps to maintaining a strong, healthy penis for years to come. Follow these steps and you won’t outlive your penis.
 
Part Three is not for the faint of heart, but it is for the damaged of dick. In this section we look at the range of things that can go wrong with the penis. You can bend it, you can break it, you can even cut it off and still it can be fixed. Saving Private Ryan is covered in this section. Whereas Part Two gives tips on getting it up, Part Three gives advice for when you can’t get it down—a painful situation of too much of a good thing. STDs, infections, rashes, and even cancer are all touched upon (wash your hands), with recommendations for prevention and treatment.
 
Things can go wrong when the penis is just starting to form. It may not finish forming, or its development can go too far. There can be a mismatch between your genitals and your gender when your “brain sex” mismatches the big head and the little head. We look at the options, including going from an outie to an innie and vice versa.
 
The penis is an amazing and complex organ. It holds the key to unimaginable pleasure, and at the same time it’s a window into your overall health and well-being. The more you know about your penis, the happier and healthier you may be. My wish for you is that this book keeps you up at night.

About the Author

Aaron Spitz, M.D.
Aaron Spitz, MD, is a leading expert in male sexual health and fertility. He is an assistant clinical professor at UC Irvine’s Department of Urology, serves as the lead delegate representing all of America’s urologists to the American Medical Association, and is the Presidentof the California Urological Association. He has appeared on Dr. Phil and The Real Housewives of Orange County and is a regularly featured expert on The Doctors. More by Aaron Spitz, M.D.
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