From the Guidelines
Micropenis, a condition where the penis is significantly smaller than average, is often caused by hormonal imbalances during fetal development, genetic disorders, or certain medical conditions, and it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Penis size varies naturally among individuals due to genetic factors, hormonal influences during development, and overall body proportions. What's considered "small" is often a matter of perception, as the average erect penis length is about 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm) 1. Medical conditions like hypogonadism (low testosterone), certain genetic disorders, or environmental factors during fetal development, including exposure to certain chemicals or maternal health issues, may also play a role in causing micropenis.
Some key factors to consider in the diagnosis and treatment of micropenis include:
- Hormonal imbalances during fetal development, which can affect penis growth
- Genetic disorders, such as Klinefelter syndrome, which can increase the risk of micropenis
- Certain medical conditions, such as hypogonadism, which can affect testosterone levels and penis growth
- Environmental factors during fetal development, which can impact penis growth and development
It's essential to understand that penis size has no correlation with sexual function or satisfaction for partners in most cases. If concerned about size, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider who can determine if there's a medical issue requiring treatment. Most men who believe they have a small penis actually fall within the normal range, and psychological concerns about size (penile dysmorphic disorder) are more common than actual medical conditions affecting size. According to the most recent guidelines, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the underlying cause of micropenis and to develop an appropriate treatment plan 1.
From the Research
Causes of Micropenis
There are no research papers provided that directly address the causes of micropenis. The studies provided focus on the use of vacuum devices and penile extenders for penile elongation and rehabilitation after prostate cancer therapy.
Penile Elongation Techniques
- The use of penile extenders has been shown to be safe and provide modest benefits and patient satisfaction 2.
- Vacuum treatment has been found to be not effective for penile elongation, but provides psychological satisfaction for some men 3.
- Vacuum Erectile Devices (VEDs) have been used for penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy and have been shown to improve erectile dysfunction and preserve penile size 4, 5.
Penile Rehabilitation
- VEDs have been used to encourage corporeal rehabilitation and prevention of postradical prostatectomy veno-occlusive dysfunction 5.
- Pre-operative use of VEDs for a month before penile prosthesis implantation has been shown to increase flaccid stretched penile length and facilitate easier corporal dilatation intraoperatively 6.