Males worry about the size of their penis, and this can affect their self-confidence and self-image. Anyone concerned about their penis size should speak with a doctor or sexual health specialist, who can advise them. There is no scientific evidence to show that masturbation has any kind of permanent effect on a person’s penis size. Penis size is mostly a result of genetic influences. The penis grows throughout puberty and sometimes for a few years after. For most, the penis will stop growing around the ages of 18 or 19. Testosterone is an essential hormone for sexual functioning and development. During puberty, testosterone levels increase and may contribute to penis growth. Some factors can cause the penis to shrink in size, such as being cold. However, these effects are again only temporary. The ancient Indian sexual treatise “KAMA SUTRA”, originally written in Sanskrit, probably between the second and fourth centuries AD, divides men into Three classes based on penis size: “Hare” size (about 5–7 cm, or 2–3 inches, when erect), “Bull” size (10–15 cm, or 4–6 inches), and “Horse” size (18–20 cm, or 7–8 inches). The treatise also divides women’s vaginas into Three sizes (“Deer”, “Mare”, and “Elephant”)and advises that a man match the size of the vagina of the woman he is having sex with to the size of his own penis.
Facts About Size
- A 2020 research article notes that most males believe the average length of an erect penis is around 15.2 centimeters (cm) or 6 inches (in). In fact, the average is much smaller.
- While sizes vary widely, the average length is probably 12.9–13.97 cm (5.1–5.5 in), and most likely toward the smaller end of this scale.
- A 2015 study by BJU International concluded the average erect penis length to be 13.12 cm (5.16 inches).
- The researchers concluded: “Only men with a flaccid length of less than 4 cm (1.6 in), or a stretched or erect length of less than 7.5 cm (3 in) should be considered candidates for penile lengthening.”
- In one study, 77% of females who completed a questionnaire said penis length was unimportant or totally unimportant.
- According to studies, about 45% of people believe that their penis is small and not of normal size.
Does size matter?
Whether size matters is an individual question. There is no definitive answer that can apply to every situation. A person’s penis size may matter if they:
1.Find it difficult to have penetrative intercourse,
2.Cannot provide adequate stimulation to their partner,
3.Cannot penetrate their partner,
4.Make penetration painful or causes injuries.
Micropenis and buried penis
Some people are born with micropenis, when a penis is unusually small, usually due to hormonal or genetic factors. A micropenis fulfills the same functions as an average-sized penis, but people may feel dissatisfied with its appearance. Hormonal treatment or surgery can increase its size if a person wishes.
Sometimes, an average-sized penis may appear small due because there is additional skin around it. People may refer to this as a buried penis, and surgery can resolve it.
What is ‘normal’ or average penis size?
A study in 2014 looked at measurements taken by healthcare professionals.
The average measurements were as follows:
Flaccid penis length: 9.16 cm (3.6 in) when stretched.
Erect penis length: 13.12 cm (5.16 in).
When does the Penis start and stop growing?
The penis grows gradually after birth. However, the most significant growth occurs during puberty, or between 12-16 years of age.
Puberty usually begins in males between 9.5–14 years of age and can last up to 4 years.
A penis typically reaches its maximum length and girth when a person is 18 or 19 years old. However, some people experience penile growth well into their early 20s.
What factors could affect penis size?
Masturbation does not cause changes in the size of a person’s penis. It is mainly genetics that determines penis size. A small penis size can be caused by:
Genetic factors.
Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone.
Medical conditions, like Klinefelter syndrome or hypogonadism.
Certain developmental issues during puberty.
Penis shrinkage can occur and is often due to age, medication side effects, or lifestyle habits, such as smoking or weight gain. It rarely requires treatment, and habit changes can often help.
Does the penis shrink with age?
Yes, the penis can shrink with age primarily due to decreased blood flow to the genital area, reduced levels of testosterone, which is crucial for maintaining tissue health and size, and changes in the connective tissue and elasticity of the penis.
These factors can collectively lead to a gradual decrease in penile size over time.
Many companies sell lotions, ointments, and other products to increase penis size. However, there is little evidence supporting these products.
Numerous myths about what factors determine penis size often lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety in people of all genders and ages. Thus, the following do not affect penis size or appearance:
Shoe Size
Height
Masturbation
Risks of trying to increase size
Marketers of penis enlargement products exploit fears of inadequacy, but there is no consensus in the scientific community of any non-surgical technique that permanently increases either the thickness or length of the erect penis that already falls into the normal range (4.5″ to 7″).
The penis enlargement or male enhancement industry claims that enlargement procedures, vacuum devices, pills, and creams increase penis size. However, there is limited research for many of these methods, and they may come with serious risks. The majority of people seeking penis enlargement have average-sized penises, meaning that they are of adequate size for sexual activity and urination.
Potential risks of trying to increase penis size include:
Swelling, infection, or scarring after surgery.
Damage due to overusing a vacuum pump or stretching devices.
Contact dermatitis that topical products may trigger.
Allergic reactions to ingredients in pills.
Erectile dysfunction.
Treatment
Doctors do not usually recommend treatment unless a penis has a flaccid length of under 4 cm (1.6 in) or a stretched or erect length of less than 7.5 cm (3 in). Many people drop the idea of penis enlargement once they understand the risks and possible treatment complications. Penis appears shorter when there is more fat under the skin at the visible base of the penis. Weight loss can often resolve this.
Penis enlargement surgery can extend the length or girth of the penis. This typically involves taking fat or other tissues from different parts of the body and inserting them into the penis. The results of these surgeries vary and can lead to complications, such as sexual dysfunction. A person may wish to try exercises to stretch the penis. However, these techniques normally focus on length rather than girth. Doctor may inject fat into the penis, or apply biodegradable frames that can temporarily increase penis size. Fat injections could increase penis thickness by around 2 cm.
Our Sexologist at Dr.SPSingh Clinic studies the case and offers the solution. We have helped couples live a better sex life by overcoming the size problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal size of penis?
Normal size of Flaccid penis is: 9.16 cm (3.6 in) when stretched and Erect penis is: 13.12 cm (5.16 in).
Does penis size matter?
What is most important , not the penis length but the penis girth (90% of women according to a recent study) which is required to achieve a sense of fullness and sufficient stimulation of the clitoris and vaginal nerves.
I would like to increase the size of my penis. What should I do next?
If you are looking to increase the size of your penis, we advise that you book a consultation with our highly experienced doctors.
How long does it takes for a penis to grow?
Most penis growth occurs between the ages of 12 and 16.
How many men have a small penis?
Less than 1% of men have micro-penis.
What is the largest size of the penis in the world?
The largest penis size on record is 34 cms / 13.5 inches, when erect.
Is having a smaller penis bad?
If you can master the techniques of sex and understand your partner’s body well, you can do much better than any man with a large penis.
Is there any way to increase the size of penis?
Penis size can be increased upto half to one inches by vacuum therapy and by penile enhancement surgery. Tablets,powders,oils can not increase the size of penis.
What causes decrease in penis size?
Penis shrinkage can occur and is often due to age, medication side effects, or lifestyle habits, such as smoking or weight gain.
What risks and complications exist regarding penile enhancement surgery?
Bruising, Numbness,Scarring, Infections, Poor recovery.