Dear Dr. G,

I read with interest the articles you posted a few weeks ago addressing issues of the average size of the penis and I feel very self-conscious about my own “asset in the pants” and constantly feel very “short-changed”.

I am a 25 year-old-man who is constantly aware that my manhood is comparatively smaller than those of my peers, and I use the cubicles in public toilets to avoid being judged.

Additionally, I will never use a public changing room to hide my compromised asset.

On this topic, my parents have told me that I am just a bit overweight and that the length of my penis will catch up. However, I am well into adulthood and am still feeling very short-changed.

This is really affecting my self-confidence and preventing me from courting.

I have been to several doctors to express my frustration, and they have told me that I am normal-sized as the measured flaccid penile length is 8.9cm and the erect size is 12.2cm – which is just under average according to your previous articles.

I was told that I suffer from Small Penis Syndrome, which is all in my mind!

I would like to put Dr. G on the spot to scrutinize the truth about Small Penis Syndrome. Does it really existطں If so, how is the diagnosis made and what are the ways to treat Small Penis Syndromeطں

Aside from this, I have read a lot about medicine and procedures to enlarge the penis; do you think these can help me to reverse my shortcomingطں

Yours truly,
Shorty Steve

The data on the sizes of male penises across many countries has been published over the last few decades, and the consensus is that the average length of the erect human penis ranges between 12.9cm and 15cm. Additionally, one systemic review of three decades of measurements recorded shows that the average length of a non-erect penis is 9.16cm, while the average stretched length of a non-erect penis is 9.31cm and the average length of an erect penis is 13.24cm.

The perception of having a large penis is undoubtedly linked to a higher self-esteem and confidence, and men with low self-confidence are known to underestimate their own penis size.

An individual who has a normal-sized penis but experiences persistent anxiety about the size of their penis is suffering from Short Penis Syndrome. The sufferer worries that their penis is too small or that others will judge them for its size. Some doctors also refer to this as Penile Dysmorphic Disorder (PDD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not recognize Penile Dysmorphic Disorder as a separate disorder, but as a variant of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

In this case, an individual has the size and shape of the penis as the main focus of dysmorphia, and is preoccupied with an obsessive emphasis on the penis, resulting in significant shame and handicap in daily life.

There is no well-recognized measure for the diagnosis of PDD, however the measurements of several parameters are important. The first parameter is the observation of the behaviour of measuring the actual size and shape of the penis. Secondly, the degree of psychological impact, including depression and anxiety detected. Lastly, the degree of handicap through social phobia, quality of life and sexual function is also important.

PDD is treated in the same manner as form of body dysmorphic disorder, which is reported and diagnosed by an andrologist and a psychiatrist. The treatments generally include cognitive therapy and couple counselling to overcome the anxiety. Lastly, some patients may also be prescribed antidepressants to deal with the issue.

Marketers of penile enlargement products are known to exploit the low self-esteem of men feeling inadequate, tempting them with lotions and potions to enhance their pride in the pants. Non-surgical interventions such as penis pumps and stretchers are also marketed on the Internet, with minimal efficacy and documented risks. There is no scientific data to support the success of these products; in fact multiple publications are available revealing the devastating complications derived from these interventions. At present, there is no robust evidence suggesting that medical or surgical procedures bring a satisfactory outcome for men desiring bigger penises.

Keeping up with a partner’s sexual needs does not depend solely on one’s penis size, as a healthy lifestyle ensuring high levels of testosterone can enhance sexual libido. In fact, a healthy lifestyle can also ensure persistent erections to sustain better sexual endurance. Lastly, open communication and prolonged foreplay are all techniques necessary for a fulfilling, pleasurable sex life.

Michelangelo has a famous quote: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aims too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.” I guess, when it comes to bedroom performance, there is no shortage of men aiming too low. One study of 52, 000 heterosexual men and women found that 85% of women are satisfied with the size of their partner’s penis, while only 55% of their male partners are content with their own asset in the pants. Men with slightly below average penises often put Dr. G on the spot even though they have no issues pleasing their partners. His response is when it comes to the performance between the sheets is that there is a greater danger of men with shortcoming aiming too high. Therefore set the aim low initially, and achieve the mark first. Then, even the shortcomings can always be overcome!

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