Recently I saw an 18 year old male patient who was born in Florida of Haitian parents . He was brought by his 40 year old mother to my office because she felt that the son’s penis was too small. The mother had noticed the size of the son’s penis while he was taking a shower. The teenage son has never had sexual intercourse because of religious reasons . However, he is otherwise completely healthy and normal. I examined the son and his flaccid penile length on stretch was 9 cm ( 45% percentile for length) which is normal.
There is worldwide curiosity about penile size. From antiquity, in most cultures, the size of the penis has been exaggerated . To satisfy this curiosity many scientific research papers have tried to answer the question to which many men and women want an answer to –
What is the accepted average penis size?
Scientific findings are often introduced with background information on men’s widespread anxiety about whether or not their penis is big enough. Many men believe that if their penis is too short the sexual partner will not be satisfied. Some men use pornographic information to determine the expected average and normal penile length. Most men do not realize that looking down at the penis from above makes it appear smaller than its actual size , compared with how it looks straight on, or from the side. Contrary to popular belief many studies have shown that 85% of women were satisfied with the size and proportion of their partner’s penis. However, men were less sure of themselves. Surprisingly, 45% of men in the study believed they had a small penis. The study documented that most men are unnecessarily worried about their penile size.
What are the true scientific measurements ?
Across studies it has been concluded that flaccid ( penis not erect / soft ) lengths range around 7 to 10 centimeters (2.8-3.9 inches). Flaccid circumferences ( related to width and girth ) range around 9 to 10 centimeters (3.5 to 3.9 inches). Erect lengths range around 12 to 16 centimeters (4.7 to 6.3 inches).Erect circumference was around 12 centimeters (4.7 inches). It is important to note that these measurement were obtained in European , American, and Middle Eastern men- not in Haitian men. No data on penile size exist specifically in Haitian men.
Obese men with a high Body Mass Index ( BMI ) appear to have a shorter or buried penis. The fat in the mons pubis engulfs the penile length.
While most men worry about the length, women are more interested in width, according to one study.
The study of 50 sexually active undergraduate women reported that penis width was more important to sexual satisfaction than penis length.
When is a penis too small ?
Only men with a flaccid (soft ) length of less than 4 centimeters [1.6 inches], or an erect length of less than 7.5 centimeters [3 inches] should be concerned if they develop sexual dysfunction associated with difficult or impossible penetration.
Men should be cautioned not to believe “gimmicks” and TV commercials, Gas Station pills which seem to indicate they can make your penis longer or wider. Lotions and remedies such as “graisse cacao” have not been shown to be effective in any scientific study. Surgical interventions to increase penile length or girth are very rarely indicated. Many such interventions can have serious side effects or complications. Therefore , before you decide on a penile lengthening surgical procedure you should consult a reputable urologist and a psychologist.
Angelo E. Gousse, MD
Clinical Professor of Urology – Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – FIU
Voluntary Professor of Urology – University of Miami , Miller School of Medicine
Director of Fellowship:Female Urology,Voiding Dysfunction, Reconstruction
21097 NE 27th Ct #200, Aventura, FL 33180
