Many men worry about the size of their penis. However, not many realize that there is an actual medical condition where the size of the penis is referred to as a “Micropenis”. But how small actually is a Micropenis? What causes the condition? And how is it treated? As the prefix ‘micro’ suggests, people with a Micropenis have a small penis. But how small exactly is a Micropenis? The condition refers to any penis which, when stretched, is 2.5 standard deviations below the mean size for the age of the patient. What does 2.5 standard deviations below the mean work out as? In adults, the condition refers to any penis smaller than 2.8 inches in length. In infants, a Micropenis is classed as any penis that is less than 0.75 inches in length. This is considered significantly smaller than a “normal” male newborn’s penis, which is between 1.1 and 1.6 inches in length when stretched gently.
Causes
Many things can cause a micropenis, but testosterone can play a big factor. Growth of the penis both before birth and during childhood and puberty is strongly influenced by testosterone. To a lesser degree, the growth hormone can also affect whether a guy gets a tiny penis.
What are the symptoms of micropenis?
While each child may experience symptoms differently, the most common finding with micropenis is an infant penis size that is less than 1.9 centimeters when stretched. In some cases, low sperm count, resulting in infertility or decreased fertility, is found in adulthood. Micropenis may or may not be seen in conjunction with other disorders. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.
Small Penis Syndrome
It's been dubbed small penis syndrome: the belief that you aren't a real man because you don't have a big penis. Perhaps one reason men often believe this is that most men have no idea what a normal-size penis looks like. When asked to guess, most men guess wrong. About 15% of men just throw up their hands and admit they don't know, one study found.
Can Surgery Make a Penis Larger?
It's hard for a man to open his email without encountering an offer of a drug, device, or surgical procedure that will give him a bigger penis. Sure, that stuff is simply spam. But are there real ways to lengthen a penis? There isn't much to make the penis larger. Surgically, there is not much to significantly increase penis size or girth that is not fraught with significant complications. Procedures known as "augmentative phalloplasty" promise to make a penis wider in girth. And because these procedures add weight to the penis by grafting fat from another part of the body they make the penis a half-inch or so longer when flaccid.
What is the treatment for micropenis?
Specific treatment for micropenis will be determined by your child's doctor based on:
- Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- The extent of the condition
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Your opinion or preference
There is no real cure for micropenis. Hormone therapy may be indicated for some children to stimulate penile growth. Other treatment options will be discussed with you.
