An intriguing review article[1] has just been published in the British Journal of Urology. Urologists Kevan Wylie of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield and Ian Eardley of St. James’ Hospital in Leeds combined the results of more than 50 international research projects into penis size and small-penis syndrome conducted since 1942, and further debunked various sexual myths.

They brought together the results of twelve relevant studies that measured the penises of 11,531 men, and noted the average erect penis mostly ranged from 14 – 16cm (5.5″ – 6.2″) in length and 12 – 13cm (4.7″ – 5.1″) in circumference at mid-shaft.

Further, according to two studies included in the review, about ninety percent of women preferred a wide penis to a long one, and according to another study, eighty-five percent of women reported being satisfied with their partner’s penis size. Yet, many normal men suffer ‘small-penis syndrome‘ (a condition in which they believe their penis is too small — even though it isn’t) and only fifty-five percent of men felt their penis was big enough.

The research notes that small-penis syndrome is much more common among men with normal-sized penises than in those afflicted with a condition known as Micropenis (defined as a penis having a length of less than 7cm (2.75″) when erect), even though Micropenis is estimated to affect only about 0.6 percent of men.

Dr Wylie said:

It is very common for men to worry about the size of their penis and it is important that these concerns aren’t dismissed as this can heighten concerns and anxieties.

It is helpful to normalise the situation and provide as much accurate information as possible, as many men either lack any information or have been misinformed.

The initial approach should be a thorough urological, psychosexual, psychological and psychiatric assessment, possibly with more than one clinician involved.

Conservative approaches to therapy, based on education and self-awareness, as well as short-term structured psychotherapies, are often successful.

There is poorly-documented evidence to support the use of penile extenders, and while information is starting to emerge on the success of some surgical techniques, this is not backed up by data on patients’ satisfaction with such procedures.

The issue of attractiveness to women is complex, but most data suggests that penile size is much lower down the list of priorities for women than such issues as a man’s personality and external grooming.

Myths debunked

Some research studies have suggested that penis size is smaller in studies focussing on older men, but Wylie and Eardley found no overall differences, when they collated the results of all the studies together.

The evidence showed little evidence due to racial differences, with the exception of one Korean study where the men had smaller than average-sized penises; and here the authors point out that this area needs further investigation.

The review also supports recent studies that find penis-enlarging vacuum devices, penis extenders and traction devices rarely live up to their promises, but in some cases, provide a psychological benefit.

The authors also take a cautious view on the subject of penis-enlargement surgery; which can include almost everything from partially separating ligaments in the penis so it hangs further from the body to injecting fat into the penis to increase its girth.

While information is starting to emerge on the success of some surgical techniques, this is not backed up by data on patients’ satisfaction with such procedures.

However, there are some ancient tried-and-tested methods for penis enlargement, but these definitely aren’t recommended.

Indian Sadhus use weights to increase their penis length, while the Topamina tribe of Brazil encourage poisonous snakes to bite their penises to get a size increase that lasts about six months.

1. Wylie, K. R., and I. Eardley, ‘Penile size and the ‘small penis syndrome’’, BJU International (2007), 99:6, 1449–1455

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Posted by Jonathan in Art & Literature, Biology

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