From the Guidelines
The size of the penis varies naturally among individuals, and what may seem "abnormally big" is often within the normal range of human variation. If you're concerned about penis size, it's essential to understand that the average erect penis length is approximately 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm), with a normal range extending from about 4 to 7 inches. Genetic factors primarily determine penis size, similar to how genes influence height or foot size. Some men may have larger penises due to their genetic makeup, hormonal influences during development, or ethnic background.
Key Points to Consider
- Penis size has no correlation with sexual function or satisfaction, and many concerns about being "abnormally big" stem from unrealistic expectations portrayed in media or pornography.
- Consulting with a healthcare provider such as a urologist would be appropriate if you're experiencing discomfort or concerns about your penis size, as they can provide personalized medical advice and determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that need attention 1.
- A comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough medical, sexual, and psychosocial history, physical examination, and selective laboratory testing, is necessary to assess any potential underlying conditions that may be contributing to concerns about penis size 1.
- The American Urological Association (AUA) guideline on erectile dysfunction recommends that men with ED undergo a thorough evaluation, including assessment of penile skin lesions and placement/configuration of the urethral meatus, to rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to concerns about penis size 1.
- It is also important to note that Peyronie's disease, a condition characterized by fibrosis of the tunica albuginea, may be accompanied by pain, deformity, erectile dysfunction, and/or distress, and should be considered in the evaluation of penis size concerns 1.
From the Research
Penis Size Perception
- The perception of an abnormally large penis is not commonly discussed in medical literature, as most studies focus on men who perceive their penis as being too small 2, 3.
- However, there are some conditions that can cause an increase in penile girth, such as circumferential acquired macropenis, which can lead to mechanically hampered penetration 4.
Conditions Affecting Penis Size
- Micropenis is a condition where the penis is significantly smaller than average, with a stretched length of less than 7.5 cm 5.
- Peyronie's disease can cause a shortening of the penis due to curvature, as well as pain and difficulty with penetration 6.
- Circumferential acquired macropenis is a condition characterized by an acquired increase in penile girth, which can be caused by priapistic episodes or other factors 4.
Treatment Options
- Treatment for conditions affecting penis size, such as micropenis or Peyronie's disease, often involves surgical interventions, such as penile lengthening or corporoplasty 5, 6.
- For circumferential acquired macropenis, a geometrically-based reduction corporoplasty has been proposed as a treatment option 4.
- Counseling and psychological support are also important for men who are concerned about their penis size, as many men with normal penis size may still experience anxiety and distress about their size 2, 3.