Penis size: When is a penis too small?

The size of their penis is a problem for many men because they associate their masculinity solely with a large or long penis.
They fear that their penis is too small to satisfy their partner’s sexual needs or desires, and constantly compare themselves and their “best asset” with other men. The central question is how the length and girth of their penis “compares” to other men.

True micropenis?

There are indeed men with penises that are too small. A micropenis is only referred to when the penis is actually pathologically small. From a medical point of view, this is the case when an adult man’s penis is shorter than 4 cm when flaccid and shorter than 7.5 cm when erect.

There can be many reasons for such a short penis, but it is often due to hormonal disorders that result in insufficient development of the penis.

In fact, a true micropenis is relatively rare. In most cases, men subjectively perceive their penis as too small, even though it is well within the normal range: according to a British study from 2015, the average penis is 9.16 centimeters long when flaccid, 13.24 centimeters long when stretched (measured from the pelvic bone to the tip of the penis) and 13.12 centimeters when erect. The average penis circumference when flaccid is 9.31 centimeters and 11.66 centimeters when erect.

Small Penis Syndrome & Penile Dysmorphic Disorder

The so-called “locker room mentality” describes the phenomenon that many men constantly compare the length of their own penis with the apparent penis length of other men, as they see them in saunas, changing rooms, and showers.

Some men perceive their own penis as smaller than it should be, despite its normal size.
Unrealistic and exaggerated expectations, fueled by the porn industry, further reinforce the subjective perception of having a below-average penis.

Almost every second man would like a larger penis, but between 1% and 3% of men suffer from a pathological belief that they have a penis that is too small, despite the fact that it is actually of normal size.

This is referred to as “penile dysmorphic disorder” or “small penis syndrome.” This condition is a form of distorted self-perception (dysmorphophobia) and causes grief, anxiety, and depression.

Not only do those affected avoid situations in which they could be seen naked by others, but they also withdraw from relationships or avoid entering into them altogether due to declining sexual self-confidence and fear of rejection.

Self-reflection in the mirror

To get a more objective view of your own penis, you should not simply look down at yourself, but instead look at yourself in the mirror.

When you simply look down, your penis appears smaller and may even be covered by a belly.

If you look at yourself in full length, i.e., in front of a mirror, your view will be more objective and you will be able to better assess the size of your penis in relation to your body.

A longer penis is achievable

It is impossible to say how long or how large a penis should be, because there is no such thing as the perfect penis. The important thing is that men feel comfortable in their own bodies, are comfortable with their penises, and know how to use them properly. As long as it is not a micropenis, the length of the penis is not solely responsible for good sex.

However, men who do have a relatively small or short penis, or who feel uncomfortable with the size of their penis, can be helped. Through surgical penis enlargement, the visible part of the penis in a flaccid state can be lengthened by 2–6 centimeters. For men who do not suffer from a micropenis but also do not have more than five to six centimeters of penis length when flaccid, these centimeters can make a massive difference to the original penis. Penis augmentation can also increase the thickness of the penis.

However, if pathological dysmorphophobia is present, it is recommended to seek psychological help before undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Photo credit: Jon Tyson / Unsplash