Whether you are a grower or a shower, you might wonder if your penis size and shape is considered normal or average. Some people find this kind of concern shallow or unimportant, but for many men where their penis falls on the spectrum of averages is an important part of their confidence and sexual health.

Rest assured that there is a wide range of “normal” for penis size and shape. Additionally, the average size is likely closer to your own measurements than you might think. While you might be average, that still doesn’t mean you can’t want a bigger penis for your own comfort and sexual pleasure.

In this article we will explore what the average penis size is, variations of penis appearance, how penis size affects sexual performance, and what action you can take if you want to change your penis size.

Understanding “Normal” Penis Size

First, it is important to understand that there is no “normal” penis size, just an average. Even knowing the average size may not change how you feel about your own penis size. That is because your body, lifestyle, confidence, and goals are unique. Just because your measurements fall within the average range does not mean you have to be satisfied with your size.

Even so, knowing what the average penis size is can be a helpful gauge for understanding how you stack up.

Average Penis Size in America

There are lots of myths about penis size, including that a man’s penis size is proportionate to his foot size or hand size, but those are not based in fact. However, some research has shown a relationship between a man’s nose size and his penis size.

The average erect penis length of American men is around 13.58 cm (about 5.35 in), though the exact measurement may vary slightly depending on your source.

The averages for girth are 9.31 cm (3.66 inches) for a flaccid penis and 11.66 cm (4.59 inches) for an erect one.

Average Penis Size Worldwide

The average penis size varies in different countries. The longest erect length is 17.61 cm (about 6.9 in) in Ecuador and the shortest is 10.04 cm (about 3.9 in) in Cambodia. This is likely due to penis size being determined by genetic factors.

Variations in Penis Size

While most men will fall within the average, some men are born with penile conditions that cause them to have a much shorter penis.

Micropenis

A micropenis is a congenital condition, due to genetic differences or the absence of certain hormones in utero. Because of this, it is usually diagnosed in childhood or even infancy.

For adults, a penis that measures 3.67 inches or less when stretched to its fullest length is considered a micropenis.

Measurement and Appearance

Measuring Your Penis

Surprisingly, many men are not measuring their penises correctly. In order to get an accurate measurement, you must follow a specific set of instructions including starting at your pubic bone. When measuring your girth, make sure you are using a flexible tape measure.

You can find more information on how to measure your penis accurately here.

Factors that Influence Apparent Size

Rest assured, you can make the most of what you have. Here are some ways to make sure your penis is more visible:

Trim your pubic hair so you can see more of your penis.
Lose weight to decrease the fat at the base of your penis.
Improve your posture to help your penis stand out more.

Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is a medical condition characterized by the formation of fibrous scar tissue (plaques) inside the penis, leading to curved, painful erections. The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease is not well-understood, but it is often associated with penile trauma or injury, either acute or from repetitive minor injuries over time.

This abnormal curvature can make sexual intercourse difficult, painful, or even impossible in severe cases, and it can also result in psychological stress and emotional distress. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may be confirmed through imaging tests like ultrasound.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity and duration of symptoms and may include medication, shock wave therapy, or surgical intervention for more advanced or debilitating cases. Early medical consultation is crucial for effective management and treatment of this condition.

Buried Penis

A buried penis is usually normal in size, gets hidden under skin or fat. The tip of the penis may still be visible, or the whole penis may be obscured.

Some babies are born with buried penis; the ligaments connecting the penis to other structures may have weakened. In children, it typically goes away on its own. However, adult-acquired buried penis occurs later in life and it’s most common in men who are morbidly obese.

Some causes of buried penis include:

Morbid obesity causing excess fat around the belly and genitals that covers the penis.
Genital lymphedema that causes swelling around the scrotum, hiding the penis.
Scars from prior surgeries.
Hidradenitis, which causes lumps form on the thighs and belly where the skin rubs together, hiding the penis.
Trauma to the genital area may cause swelling and scarring.

Penis Size and Sexual Performance

It’s an age-old question that men have: what size penis do women prefer? Sexual health research has sought answers for years.

It is important to understand that no matter what the research says, you need to feel good about your body—and that includes the size of your penis.

Does Size Matter to Partners?

Research shows that women usually prefer men who have a larger penis girth over men who have a longer length and smaller girth.

While many men get penis enlargement to satisfy their partners, larger girth actually helps them experience better sexual sensation as well.

Read More About Does Penis Size Affect Sexual Performance?

Surgical Penis Enlargement

Since surgical penis enlargement is an invasive procedure on a delicate area of your body, doctors do not recommend surgery for solely aesthetic reasons.

The Urology Care Foundation, supported by the American Urological Association, does not endorse any surgery for penis enlargement due to the high likelihood of risks.

When is Penis Enlargement Surgery Necessary?

Most doctors agree that any surgery on the penis is only necessary to correct a problem with its function. The most common functions that men want to be restored are the ability to urinate standing up and having penetrative intercourse. Some doctors do recommend surgery to correct the function of a micropenis or a buried penis.

Risks and Recovery

The reason doctors are hesitant to recommend penis enlargement surgery is because of the risks associated with the procedure. These risks include:

Negative reaction to anesthesia
Scarring or inflammation
Scarring causing a bend or kink in the new penis shape
Loss of sensation
Pain in the penis
Erectile dysfunction
Infection due to the invasive nature of the procedure

Nonsurgical Penis Enlargement

Luckily, there is a modern solution to penis enlargement that does not require surgery. Our nonsurgical method comes with fewer risks compared to surgical procedures.

With Dr. Malik’s medical experience and artistic eye, Prometheus offers a personalized, less invasive way to achieve desired results. Read more about our unique nonsurgical penis enlargement procedure here.

Schedule a Consultation at Prometheus by Dr. Malik

The first step to meeting your penis enlargement goals without surgery is to schedule your free consultation at Prometheus by Dr. Malik. This will give you the information you need about the procedure, the recovery, and what to expect from your new penis size.

No matter what penis size you are starting with, you deserve to feel confident in your body. Sexual health is health, and we are here to support you. Contact us today.

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References

Ikegaya, H., Suzuki, M., Kondou, H., Kawai, T., Sato, Y., Kitamura, T., & Kume, H. (2021). Nose size indicates maximum penile length. Basic and Clinical Andrology, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12610-021-00121-z

Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Penis enlargement surgery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23530-penis-enlargement-surgery#risks–benefits

Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.-a). Micropenis. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17955-micropenis#:~:text=In%20adults%2C%20a%20penis%20that,the%20cause%20of%20the%20micropenis.

Understanding Penis Size: What’s Normal and What’s Not?