What is the average penis size?
Overview
It's a topic many men have wondered about at some point: what is the average penis size?
According to a study published in the British Journal of Urology International (BJUI), the average length of a flaccid penis is 3.61 inches (9.17cm), while the average length of an erect penis is 5.16 inches (13.1cm).
The average length is 3.66 inches (9.29cm) for a flaccid penis and 4.59 inches (11.6cm) for an erect penis. Girth is the circumference of the penis at its widest part.
Keep reading to learn more about penis size, what is the size of a sexual gratification problem, and what you should do if you're worried your penis is too small.
What does the research say?
The BJUI study used data from 17 studies, and the study participants totaled more than 15,000 men. In addition to the averages listed earlier, the histogram analyzes size and place them in percentages.
For example, a 6.3-inch (16cm) erect penis is in the 95th percentile. That means out of 100 men, only five have penises longer than 6.3 inches.
Likewise, a 3.94-inch (10cm) erect penis is in the 5th percentile, meaning that only five men out of 100 have penises shorter than 3.94 inches.
Other studies have produced similar results. A study published in the Journal of Urology also found that the length of the penis when flaccid was not a predictor of its length when erect. In other words, men can have erections of similar size, but have soft penises of different sizes.
How to measure your penis size
Measure the length from the top of your penis to the tip of your glans.
The tip of your penis is where it connects to your pubic bone. The tip of your penis is the round part at the end of the penis. Compress any fat in front of your pubic bone when measuring.
Also, do not include additional length in relation to the foreskin.
Measure the circumference around the base or center of the shaft.
Have a size problem?
A particular concern for some men is whether their penis is sexually satisfying for themselves and their partner. Some men may also worry about the way they look naked.
When it comes to sex, bigger may not always be better.
In a study in the journal One, researchers asked 75 sexually active women about the penis size they preferred for a one-night stand and for a long-term relationship.
The women were shown 33 different sized 3-D penis models made from blue plastic so as not to suggest a particular race.
The average size preferred by women in the study was an erect penis 6.4 inches long and 5 inches in circumference for an encounter.
For a long-term relationship, the average size preferred by women is a 6.3-inch-long penis with a circumference of 4.8-inches.
Both of these options are just slightly larger than average.
Another similar study on women's preferences, published in BMC Women's Health, found that penis size was more important to them than length for sexual satisfaction.
A man's perception of his own penis size can have an impact on confidence and a positive body image. Men who are self-conscious about the size of their penis, in its flaccid or erect state, may experience erectile dysfunction due to anxiety and other emotional problems.
Therapists who work with these self-conscious men often find that a person's perception of being too small doesn't match what research shows.
One study found that out of 67 men who were concerned that their penis was too small, none identified a penis as considered short enough to recommend penis enlargement.
Can I increase my penis size?
The decision to try to increase your penis size should be made carefully in consultation with a urologist. The Journal of Urology study recommends that only men with a flaccid penis length less than 1.6 inches or an erect penis less than 3 inches should be considered candidates for penile-stretching treatment.
Before pursuing your options, you should have a psychological evaluation and talk to a therapist about your concerns.
You and your therapist should address questions like, Do you have an unusually small penis, or is it medium or close in size? Do you and your partner have an unrealistic perception of your penis or an unrealistic idea of an average penis being?"
You should try psychological counseling before treatment.
If you are considering treatment, you have several options.
A type of surgical procedure performed on the ligaments that attach your penis to the pubic bone inside the body. The activity allows more of your penis to expand outside your body.
Surgery involving skin grafts around the shaft of the penis to increase girth is also possible.
Some men benefit from liposuction around their pubic bone to help make the part of their penis covered with a more prominent piece of fat.
Inflatable penile prosthesis, which is surgically inserted into the penis, is also effective in treating erectile dysfunction and lengthening the penis.
If you are interested in a procedure to make your penis wider or longer, consult a doctor who has extensive experience performing these procedures. You should also be wary of online advertisements for pills, creams, and other treatments that promise great results.
Prospects
Although many men wonder if they are at or near average penis size, if they exceed it, the truth is that the majority of men fall within the close range of average length and girth. Measuring yourself can give you some affirmation.
If you continue to feel that your penis is smaller than you would like, talk to your urologist about your concerns and which option might be best for you.
Tips for a positive body image
If you're unhappy with your body, whether it's the size of your penis or the look of any other part of you, try these helpful tips to feel better about yourself. :
Focus on features and body parts you like, such as broad shoulders or a beautiful smile.
Maintain a healthy weight and incorporate strength training into your exercise routine. If you look fit and healthy, you can feel better about yourself.
Do not become consumed by penis size. You can be a satisfying sexual partner regardless of the size of your penis.
Don't compare yourself to athletes, models and actors. You will develop an unhealthy and unrealistic image of what is normal and how you should look.
Dedicate more time and energy to activities you find rewarding, whether it's sports, hobbies, travel, or other activities. Lasting self-esteem comes from nonphysical traits, such as your creativity, intelligence, and values.
Question and Answer: Penis size and age
Ask:
Does penis size change naturally as you age?
Reply:
It is normal for penis size to decrease with age. Men between the ages of 60 and 70 can lose 0.4 to 0.6 inches of penis size. Additionally, an increase in body fat percentage can lead to a penis that seems to get smaller as men age. Maintaining a healthy weight will optimize the appearance of penis size.
Alana Biggers, MD
Answers represent the opinions of our medical professionals. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.