Our genitals are such an important and sensitive part of our bodies. So it’s not surprising that keeping them healthy was as important in antiquity as it is today.

Some ancient ideas about our genitals, and ways of caring for them, may make us wince, and certainly wouldn’t be recommended today. But one attitude remains.

At least one ancient doctor stressed the importance of people overcoming any embarrassment talking about their genitals to seek medical attention for any concerns.

But medical writers, especially doctors, didn’t hold back. They had plenty to say about how genitals work and how to care for them. Here are their top five topics and tips.

The Greek physician Soranus (2nd century AD) wrote the book Gynaecology in which he described diseases and their treatment. He wrote:

The vagina […] is a sinewy membrane, almost as round as the intestine, comparatively wide inside, comparatively narrow at the external end; and it is in the vagina that intercourse takes place […] those parts which lie outside of it and are visible are called ‘labia’, situated as if they were the lips of the vagina. They are thick and fleshy […]

Writers also tried to explain how the genitals worked.

For example, the unknown author of the treatise On Generation (perhaps late 5th century BC) explained the function of the penis, and semen production:

Vessels and cords from the whole body lead to the penis, and these, as they are gently rubbed, warmed, and filled, are befallen by a kind of tickling sensation, and from this pleasure and warmth arise in the whole body. As the penis is rubbed and the man moves, the moisture in his body is warmed, turns to liquid, is agitated........

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