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The Average or 'Normal' Penis Size. What Is It?

psychiatrist, sexologist, psychotherapist
  • Published:
    02 May 2022
  • Updated:
    14 March 2024
Average penis size

You're not the only one who has ever questioned how big your penis is about other people's. A lot of guys are interested in how their penises compare to the norm. Regretfully, occasionally a casual curiosity about penis size can turn into a serious preoccupation and cause worry. Given that the majority of guys who believe their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises, this can be an unhealthy and frequently needless fixation.

What is the typical size of a penis, then? An average flaccid length of 3.6 inches and an average flaccid circumference (girth) of 3.7 inches were discovered in a study involving over 15,000 men. The penises measured 5.1 inches in length and 4.5 inches in circumference when they were erect.

In this blog post, we will discuss the nuances of genital size, bust myths, offer coping mechanisms for self-conscious people, and offer insights into standard measures.

What Is the Average Penis Size? 

According to a 2020 review, a lot of people think that a penis should be six inches long on average. The typical erect penis, according to the experts, is probably between 5.1 and 5.5 inches. The average is about 5 inches, which is on the lower end of that range when the researchers took volunteer bias into account.

In a 2014 study involving 1,661 men, the average erect penis measured 5.57 inches in length and 4.81 inches in circumference.

In another study, researchers found that the average flaccid penis measured 3.73 inches in length and 3.78 inches in circumference among 4,685 men in Italy.

In spite of this information, up to 68% of men have stated that they would want a larger penis, in part because of false beliefs about normal length and what their partners think of them.

What is the Average Penis Length by the Continents?

Have you ever wondered how the average penis size around the world compares to yours? It's time to swallow your pride because the nations with the greatest number of members worldwide have been identified.

Populations in different locations have different penis sizes, and these variations are influenced by several variables.

Regarding 2024, the following geographic variations exist:

  • The average penis length in Europe is 16.5 cm (6.14 in) for men from the Netherlands and 12.18 cm (4.79 in) for Greek males.

  • The average penis length in North America is 13.92 cm (5.48 in) in Canada and 14.15 cm (5.57 in) in the USA.

  • Suriname has the least average penis length in South America, measuring 13.34 cm (5.25 in), while Ecuador leads the region with an average length of 17.59 cm (6.92 in).

  • There are differences among the Asian countries; Indonesia has the longest average length (11.67 cm or 4.33 in), while Thailand has the lowest (9.53 cm or 3.71 in).

  • The average penis length in the Sudan is the longest in Africa at 17.95 cm (7.07 in).

What Factors Determines Penis Size?

Your penis size is primarily determined by genetics. Penis size is influenced by inherited factors, much like eye and skin color are. According to studies, height is another element that strongly predicts the size of a flaccid penis. Unsurprisingly, genetics also plays a role in determining your height.

Aside from these major variables, the following minor variables may affect the size of your penis:

  • Biological hormones. Potential hormonal complications that arise during pregnancy may affect various anatomical features of the embryo, such as the penis of the male offspring. This phenomenon could manifest, for example, when the pregnant woman fails to produce adequate quantities of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), an essential hormone for fetal testosterone synthesis. Penis enlargement abnormalities may also ensue from androgen insensitivity, a condition in which the neonate is incapable of responding to testosterone.

  • Nourishment. Pregnancy-related malnutrition may impede the healthy growth of the unborn penis. Similar to this, teenagers who experience malnutrition throughout puberty may experience delayed puberty, which is linked to smaller penis and testicles.

  • Chemicals in the environment. Numerous substances found in the environment, including pesticides, plasticizers, fertilizers, and phthalates, can harm a fetus's development of the penile organ. This occurs due to their endocrine-disrupting effects, which prevent the fetus from producing hormones.

What are Myths About Penis Length? 

It is crucial to rely on scientific evidence rather than hearsay or cultural ideas, even if there are many myths about the length of the penis.

  1. Typically, an erection lasts for eight inches: According to a literature review cited in the British Journal of Urology, the average length of an erect penis is between 5.5 and 6.2 inches.

  2. Shoe size can be used to estimate penis size: The notion that the dimensions of other anatomical regions are correlated with the penis lacks empirical support. There are variations of this myth that concern the dimensions of the genitalia and hands.

  3. Supplements and lotions are available for the purpose of penile enlargement: The only potentially advantageous method of penile enlargement is through surgery. Following his 28 years of experience as a urologic surgeon in Beverly Hills, Dr. Elist developed a unique methodology for performing penile augmentation surgery.

  4. Greater is superior: Although size may be correlated with self-confidence, the majority of women do not believe it is always associated with greater sexual gratification. Research indicates that women do not prioritize the girth of their penises. Women exhibited diminished attraction towards a man whose genitalia exceeded a certain threshold, according to one study. Additionally, women prefer penises that are proportionate to the height and physique of the male.

  5. Women report increased sexual satisfaction when the penis is larger. However, it is important to note that orgasms through vaginal penetration are uncommon, affecting only 25% of women on a regular basis. Furthermore, due to the proximity of the vaginal nerve endings to the vaginal opening, even in these cases, women only perceive a few centimeters of the penis. This indicates that larger penises afford women increased sexual gratification.

  6. In comparison to their Asian and Caucasian counterparts, black men have larger penises: This misconception was spawned by research on the average size of various communities; however, population averages contain outliers at both the large and tiny ends of the size spectrum. Indeed, the size of a large penis does not assure success in any race. However, the magnitude of an erection can be predicted by the flaccid penis size: There is no correlation whatsoever between the size of an erection and the flaccid penis size. The correlation between the dimensions of a flaccid and an erect penis can vary among individuals. Even if two men possess a flaccid penis of identical length, their erections may differ significantly in dimensions and circumference.

How to Measure Penis Size Correctly?

Knowing how to measure your penis accurately is essential to finding condoms that fit comfortably and securely. This is a thorough tutorial that will help you measure the length and circumference of your penis accurately:

Get Ready for the Measurement Process:

  • Make sure your penis is completely erect before you start measuring.
  • Prepare a piece of non-stretchable string, a measuring tape, or a ruler.

Here's how to properly measure the length of your penis:

  • Place a measuring tape or ruler at the base of your penis where it joins your body when it is erect.
  • As much as you can, press onto your pubic bone until you make contact with it. This is particularly crucial if there is a lot of visceral fat.
  • Measure your penis starting at the base and ending at the tip.

Many individuals solely consider the penis' length when measuring, despite the fact that the girth may be more crucial for fit and comfort. That being said, the length of an erect penis influences the way condoms are marketed and classified in the US; sizes range from "snug" and "regular/standard" to "large" and "extra-large."

Do Partners Care About Penis Size?

According to research, most people's primary sexual factor is not size. 84% of female respondents to a 2006 survey of 52,031 heterosexual men and women said they were happy with the size of their partner's penis. Just 14% of respondents preferred their partner's penis to be bigger, and 2% preferred it to be smaller.

What Size Penis do Women Prefer?

Women exhibited a preference for a penis that was marginally longer and had a larger circumference when engaging in one-time sexual encounters (length = 6.4 inches/16.3 cm, circumference = 5.0 inches/12.7 cm) as opposed to long-term ones (length = 6.3 inches/16.0 cm, circumference = 4.8 inches/12.2 cm).

Do Gay Males Worry About Their Penis Size?

In examining the penile size preferences of homosexual men, it is critical to acknowledge the complex interplay between individual perspectives, personal experiences, and cultural norms.

Health professionals have emphasized the significant ramifications of penis-size anxiety among homosexual males. The Gay Men's Health Project discovered in a survey of 586 men that 38% of respondents were concerned about the girth of their penis. This underscores the critical nature of providing aid and resources to individuals who are confronted with comparable challenges.

When to Seek Penis Enlargement?

Although there are methods such as hormone therapies, surgeries, and other procedures to enlarge the penis, it's important to understand that these interventions come with hazards. Most people don't fit the bill for these kinds of procedures because doctors usually don't recommend them unless a penis has abnormally small dimensions.

Treatment alternatives should normally only be considered, according to medical authorities, when a penis measures less than 4 cm (1.6 in) in flaccid length or less than 7.5 cm (3 in) in stretched/erect length. By establishing these standards, it is possible to make sure that procedures are sought for legitimate medical issues rather than just aesthetic ones.

Given that many people tend to overestimate the size of an average penis, it is imperative to address issues around the impression of penile size. Research has shown that rather than being driven by a medical need, the reasons behind pursuing penis enlargement are frequently concerns about one's self-worth, feelings of inadequacy, and social pressures.

Studies have also shown that many people decide against getting treatment after learning about the possible dangers and negative effects of penile augmentation operations. This emphasizes how crucial it is to have in-depth knowledge and make well-informed decisions when thinking about therapies to change the size of the penis.

How Can You Increase Penis Size?

It's important to approach increasing penile size with caution and discernment. Research really refutes the claims made by several products and procedures that they can enhance the size of the penis. Some of these methods have dangers for your health and well-being.

Let's examine some well-liked techniques said to enlarge the penis.

Stretches

During manual stretching exercises, you will be massaging the tissues down your penis with your hand. The goal is to stretch the skin and induce "micro-tears" in the surrounding tissue. As the tissues mend, they may appear engorged, giving the appearance of a longer penis.

Additionally, certain exercises claim to enhance girth. The focus of girth workouts like jelqing is likewise on massaging the tissues.
Maintaining one of these alleged effects requires consistency.

Gadgets for stretching

Penile extension devices have been explored. However, it's still unknown how effective they could be.

Consider the penile pump as an example. An air-filled, cylinder-shaped chamber that you attach to your pelvic region is called a penis pump. They are known to cause an erection to happen right away. Additionally, according to some tales, regular use can gradually lengthen your penis.

Devices for penile traction are also widely used. The tool adjusts the curvature of your penis by pulling on it. Peyronie's disease has been treated with traction devices, although further study is required to evaluate its efficacy.

Penis-enlargement products

The most popular techniques for enlarging the penis are ineffective. And some can harm your penis permanently. These are a few of the methods and goods that are most frequently advertised:

  • Creams and pills: The manufacturers of lotions and tablets commonly assert that the penis is enlarged due to the vitamins, minerals, hormones, or herbs they contain. There are no indications that any of these products operate. Furthermore, some may be hazardous.

  • Pumps that use a vacuum: Pumps are occasionally used to treat erectile dysfunction because they encourage the penis to enlarge by drawing blood into it. A vacuum pump has the ability to enlarge a penis momentarily. However, overusing or prolonging one might harm the penis' elastic tissue, resulting in erections that are not as firm.

  • Practices: These movements, also known as jelqing, involve moving your hands back and forth to force blood from the base to the head of your penis.

There is no scientific evidence that this procedure works, even though it seems safer than alternative approaches. Moreover, it may result in discomfort, deformity, and scarring.

Surgery is risky and may not work

Research on penis-lengthening or penis-thickening operations has yielded conflicting findings about patient satisfaction, safety, and effectiveness.

The penis may, at most, slightly enlarge after surgery. Alternatively, surgery could give the non-erect penis the illusion of being slightly longer. However, it has no effect on the penis's real length. Infection, scarring, and loss of function or feeling are the worst-case scenarios for surgical complications.

Injections

Some choose to grow their penis by injecting chemicals such as hyaluronic acid subcutaneously. Typically, the injection lasts between 1.5 and 3 years. The process will need to be repeated after a while. These injections come with several problems, and it's yet unclear if they're safe and effective. 

How to build confidence?

Gaining confidence is crucial for general enjoyment in and outside of the bedroom, especially when it comes to body image. The following techniques can help you become more confident:

Learn for yourself

Spend some time learning from reliable sources regarding sexual health and body positivity. Lessening emotions of inadequacy and normalizing differences can be achieved by acknowledging the diversity of human bodies and sexual experiences. Learning about anatomy, pleasure, and consent can also give you the confidence and self-respect you need to handle intimate circumstances with your partner or partners.

Accept what you have

Learn to make the most of what you have rather than obsess over imagined shortcomings. Try a variety of body-type-appropriate positions and techniques, regardless of whether your penis is larger or less than normal.

Perception of appearance, not real appearance, is the main issue for males who have anxiety related to small penises. Interventions must, therefore, concentrate on addressing and modifying negative self-images in a way that does not result in damage or self-harm. Men who have anxiety related to their little penis should avoid having surgery or other cosmetic procedures done.

Continue to move

Frequent exercise will lower stress levels and increase resilience and confidence. Regular exercise will help you feel more confident and resilient while lowering stress levels. Exercise boosts mood and general well-being by increasing physical fitness and releasing endorphins.

Engage in constructive self-talk

Affirmations can be used to counter negative self-talk, and you can also try focusing on the positive aspects of oneself. Develop an attitude of kindness and self-compassion for your body.

Steer clear of comparisons

Never evaluate yourself against other friends, celebrities, or people in the media, for example. Realize that every person has a different body and that concentrating on comparisons can harm your sense of self.

Seek expert assistance

If issues related to your body image are harming your self-esteem and general well-being, you might want to speak with a mental health specialist with expertise in this field. Therapy can offer helpful methods and techniques to address underlying problems and encourage a healthy body image.

 

Sources: 

Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521 men
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25487360/

Penis Size by Country 2024
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/penis-size-by-country

A review of penile elongation surgery
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313298/

Average-Size Erect Penis: Fiction, Fact, and the Need for Counseling
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32666897/

Penis size: Survey of female perceptions of sexual satisfaction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC33342/

Women's Preferences for Penis Size: A New Research Method Using Selection among 3D Models
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558040/

Penis anxiety is impacting gay men’s self-esteem
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558040/


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