The topic of penis size is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Both men and women are curious about the average size of men’s genitals. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of average penis size, particularly focusing on data and factors relevant to South Africa, while also debunking common myths and discussing the influencing factors.
How Big is the Average Penis (And Other Male Questions Answered)
Understanding Penis Size
Human penis size varies on a number of measures, including length and circumference when flaccid and erect. Besides the natural variability of human penises in general, there are factors that lead to minor variations in a particular male, such as the level of arousal, time of day, ambient temperature, anxiety level, physical activity, and frequency of sexual activity.
How to Measure Penis Size
In principle, the length is always measured on the upper side from the root of the shaft to the tip of the glans. If there is a fat pad above the root, this may be slightly pressed in during measurement. To measure the circumference, one usually takes the circumference at the root.
Average Measurements
A 2015 systematic review measured by health professionals rather than self-reporting, found an average erect length of 13.12 cm (5.17 in), and average erect circumference of 11.66 cm (4.59 in). The 2015 review (measured by staff) found average flaccid, stretched, and erect lengths of 9.16 cm (3.61 in), 13.24 cm (5.21 in), and 13.12 cm (5.17 in), respectively, and average flaccid and erect circumferences of 9.31 cm (3.67 in) and 11.66 cm (4.59 in), respectively.
Uncircumcised human penis, flaccid (left) and erect (right)
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Factors Influencing Penis Size
Several factors can influence penis size, including genetics, environmental conditions, and health-related aspects.
Genetic Factors
There are certain genes, like homeobox (Hox A and D) genes, which may have a role in regulating penis size. In humans, the AR gene, located on the X chromosome at Xq11-12, may affect penis size. The SRY gene located on the Y chromosome may have a role to play. Variance in size can often be attributed to de novo mutations.
Environmental and Health Factors
It has been suggested that differences in penis size between individuals are caused not only by genetics, but also by environmental factors such as culture, diet and chemical or pollution exposure. Endocrine disruption resulting from chemical exposure has been linked to genital deformation in both sexes.
During a person’s younger years and adolescence, improper nutrition can impact penile development. Endocrine disruptions, which can be caused by exposure to pesticides, plasticizers, and even natural sources, can negatively impact genital development. Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), plasticizers, or certain fertility drugs during a mother’s pregnancy can decrease penis size in her offspring. Certain radiation therapies can shrink the penises of adult men.
Myths and Misconceptions
Many myths surround penis size, often leading to unnecessary anxiety and self-consciousness. Here are some common misconceptions:
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- Relationship to Body Height: Only a few studies have been able to establish a correlation between body size and penis length. If at all, the correlation is marginal.
- Correlation with Other Body Parts: Limited to no statistically significant correlation between penis size and the size of other body parts has been found in research.
- Shoe Size and Finger Length: It is often claimed that the length of the male limb can be determined by the size of the shoe or the length of the index finger. No connection was found here either.
Penis Size Perception
A 2020 review found most men believed the average erect penis length is more than 15.24 cm (6 inches). This inaccurate belief has likely been fed by inaccurate and exaggerated data presented in studies where the size of a participant's erect penis is self-reported.
Males may quite easily underestimate the size of their own penis relative to those of others. A survey by sexologists showed that many men who believed that their penis was of inadequate size had average-sized penises. The study found that almost all of their patients that were concerned about their penis size overestimated the average penis size.
Micropenis Condition
An adult penis with an erect length of 2.5 SD below the average but otherwise formed normally is referred to in a medical context as having the micropenis condition. Some of the identifiable causes are deficiency of pituitary growth hormone or gonadotropins, mild degrees of androgen insensitivity, a variety of genetic syndromes and variations in certain homeobox genes. Some types of micropenis can be addressed with growth hormone or testosterone treatment in early childhood.
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