In Part 2 of The Hard Facts About the Penis, we’re back with more lessons you never got in school. Asa continues as a guest lecturer to explore the anthropology of the penis—from cultural views, language, and shame to the ways history has shaped how we think about this organ today.

Then, it’s time for science class with a pop quiz: sperm 101. We test your knowledge on the surprising stats behind sperm production, speed, and survival. Spoiler: there’s a lot more going on than what you learned in health class.

📌 This is the second half of Lesson 005—make sure you listen to Part 1, where we covered anatomy, size, and health research.

Resources Mentioned

• Sperm speed - Turner, T.T., & Lysiak, J.J. “Sperm transport and survival in the female reproductive tract.” Reproduction. 2008;136(5): 633–644.
• Sperm duration of survival in female body - Suárez, S.S., & Pacey, A.A. “Sperm transport and storage in the female reproductive tract.” Human Reproduction Update. 2006;12(1): 23–37.
• Number of sperm per ejaculation. World Health Organization. WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, 6th edition. 2021.
• Sperm production time. Amann, R.P. “Spermatogenesis and sperm production.” In: Knobil & Neill’s Physiology of Reproduction, 4th edition. 2015.
• Percent of ejaculate that is sperm. Carlsen, E., et al. “Semen quality and reproductive health: WHO manual.” Human Reproduction. 1992;7(1): 109–116.
• Greek views - Dover, K.J. Greek Homosexuality. Harvard University Press, 1978.
• Roman views -Clarke, J.R. Roman Sex: 100 B.C. to A.D. 250. Harry N. Abrams, 2003.

✏️ Listener Note

This podcast is a sex education resource intended for an adult audience. This episode includes discussion of cultural attitudes toward anatomy, as well as scientific research on sperm. Listener discretion is advised.

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