# Are the male and female genitalia "the same" in every respect aside from their shape? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 9, 2013, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794 "2013-08-09T11:55:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/21 "2013-08-09T19:48:17Z")
> [@aNewLeaf](#): > > Furthermore, a uterus is a baby-delivery organ, you don’t need one to grow a baby. > (an embryo will implant pretty much anywhere, the inside wall of the abdomen is a nice location.) > > You- or any man- could have an embryo implanted, carry it to term, deliver it by c-section and then nurse it. Arnold Schwarzenegger did this, it was published as the medical journal documentary called “Junior”. Once again, Maria did not catch on. ---
**Author:** ![Darwins\_Finch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darwins_finch/32/20304_2.png) [@Darwins\_Finch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darwins_Finch)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/22 "2013-08-09T19:50:46Z")
> [@aNewLeaf](#): > > Given that all embryos start as female, and only develop male characteristics as an option, it really should seem reasonable. Embryos begin _undifferentiated_; they do not begin as female. The default developmental pathway in humans is female, however, in the sense that certain processes have to occur in order for a male to develop; in fhe absence of those processes, the embryo develops as a female. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/23 "2013-08-09T19:54:10Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Guys, if you walk around in hot weather all day and then put your hand down your pants and grab your junk, you will find your hand smells not merely sweaty, but a bit . . . **fishy.** Then shake hands with someone. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/24 "2013-08-09T20:11:48Z")
> [@donnie\_darko](#): > > It actually kind of bothers me in a philosophical sense that they are so similar. I guess I’m probably thinking about it too much. :dubious:😃 Probably. Liking women’s parts doesnt make a guy gay. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/25 "2013-08-09T21:10:17Z")
> [@aNewLeaf](#): > > Urethras move around as the baby develops- not every male pees out the end of his penis. (Don’t google hypospadius if you are squeamish.) The urethra still goes through the penis, it just emerges in the wrong place. It is described as a defect. I’m talking about normal development. > [@Darwins\_Finch](#): > > Embryos begin _undifferentiated_; they do not begin as female. The default developmental pathway in humans is female, however, in the sense that certain processes have to occur in order for a male to develop; in fhe absence of those processes, the embryo develops as a female. Genetically male fetuses can develop by all outward signs as female if they do not respond to androgens during fetal development. But they don’t develop a uterus, IIRC. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/26 "2013-08-09T21:50:50Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Then shake hands with someone. Note to self: if **Fear Itself** offers his hand for a handshake, hand him [ass pennies](http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=DO1Q7F23DxM&t=50). ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/27 "2013-08-09T22:14:56Z")
I’m betting none of this will show up as _Jeopardy_ answers read by Alex Trebek. I’ll take _Hot Weather for $200_, Alex. _If you walk around in hot weather all day and then put your hand down your pants and grab your junk, you will find your hand smells not merely sweaty, but a bit . . . **fishy.** _ What is the difference between men and women, and their junk? ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/28 "2013-08-09T22:18:34Z")
> [@Martian Bigfoot](#): > > Just in a philosophical sense? The resemblance of the clitoris to a tiny penis really squicks me out. Actually the clitoris is quite large; most of it is just [buried](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Clitoris_anatomy_labeled-en.svg) inside the woman’s body. (link is to an anatomy pic on Wikipedia) ---
**Author:** ![njtt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ecd19e/32.png) [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/29 "2013-08-09T22:31:59Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Actually the clitoris is quite large; most of it is just [buried](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Clitoris_anatomy_labeled-en.svg) inside the woman’s body. (link is to an anatomy pic on Wikipedia) Couldn’t you say the same about the penis, though? In either case, it really all depends on what you count as being “part of” the organ in question. Usually, when people talk about a clitoris or a penis, they mean the bit that actually sticks out. ---
**Author:** ![JKilez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e5b9ba/32.png) [@JKilez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKilez)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2013, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/30 "2013-08-09T22:42:31Z")
But you have to admit, in that Wikipedia pic at least, it does look like a little penis. ---
**Author:** ![Darwins\_Finch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darwins_finch/32/20304_2.png) [@Darwins\_Finch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darwins_Finch)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/31 "2013-08-10T00:17:28Z")
Or a big one, in the case of the [hyena](http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Largest-Clitoris-in-the-World-45527.shtml)… ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/32 "2013-08-10T00:27:18Z")
I slept with a guy whose nipples gave milk. ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/33 "2013-08-10T00:29:10Z")
> [@california\_jobcase](#): > > Organs that have the same embryological origins are homologues. Here’s the Wikipedia article on human genital homologues- > > [List of related male and female reproductive organs - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_homologues_of_the_human_reproductive_system) The gubernaculum? The Canal of Nuck? You can’t make this shit up. ---
**Author:** ![TheChileanBlob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thechileanblob/32/435_2.png) [@TheChileanBlob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheChileanBlob)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/34 "2013-08-10T01:23:57Z")
> [@aNewLeaf](#): > > [Y]our nipples contain milk glands. Add a little bit of hormones, and you’d lactate. Breastfed newborns of either sex can lactate. Mine did. Cool, eh? ---
**Author:** ![Jake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/35 "2013-08-10T15:23:20Z")
> [@aNewLeaf](#): > > You have it backwards- your penis is a giant clitoris. > Also, your nipples contain milk glands. Add a little bit of hormones, and you’d lactate. A giant clitoris? :eek: It boggles the mind… ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/36 "2013-08-10T15:28:24Z")
The male and female genitalia are the same in the sense that everything on Taco Bell’s menu is the same - it’s all made out of the same bits and pieces, but it’s the sauce that makes the difference. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![aNewLeaf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ac91a4/32.png) [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/37 "2013-08-10T15:28:54Z")
> [@ratatoskK](#): > > I slept with a guy whose nipples gave milk. Did he have any other hormone-influenced traits? Hairlessness, high voice, etc? ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/38 "2013-08-10T18:05:32Z")
> [@aNewLeaf](#): > > Did he have any other hormone-influenced traits? Hairlessness, high voice, etc? No, he was very manly, in every way. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2013, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/39 "2013-08-10T18:31:18Z")
> [@dracoi](#): > > Ah, OK. Well, that fits with what I would have expected. I see what you did there. ---
**Author:** ![donnie\_darko](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@donnie\_darko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/donnie_darko)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794/40 "2013-08-11T17:27:34Z")
> [@ratatoskK](#): > > No, he was very manly, in every way. Weird. I wonder if all men are capable, or only some… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-genitalia-the-same-in-every-respect-aside-from-their-shape/665794.md?page=3)