What Is Considered a Micropenis and What Can Be Done About It?

The measurements of the male reproductive system have an impact on the psychological and sexual life of a man. A small size of the penis is due to a congenital condition that can be treated.

Reviewed and approved by the nurse Leidy Mora Molina.

Written by Luz Marina Carpio Hernández

Last update: 16 December, 2022

A penis with a length below what is considered regular is called a “micropenis.” However, this is not a term chosen lightly or part of popular slang, but a medical condition detected at birth.

It’s true that the male genitalia manifests anthropomorphic differences based on the origins and characteristics of certain populations. Still, in cases of microphalosomia, the measurements are due to alterations in the nervous and endocrine systems.

This condition tends to raise concerns, especially in adulthood, because in addition to being the channel to expel urine, a man’s penis also represents the male reproductive organ, which results in probable repercussions in the social, psychological, and sexual spheres of a man’s life. We’ll take a closer look at this topic in this article.

What is a micropenis and what are its causes?

A micropenis is an abnormality in the size of the penis that’s produced by variations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. This is explained by the magazine Vox Paediatrica, which states that the structure of the organ is normal, but its length is 2.5 standard deviations below the average for the man’s age and ethnicity.

Sometimes, a micropenis is confused with conspicuous or hidden penises, which group infrequencies such as penises that are buried or trapped; the difference lies in the clinical particularities and in the reasons for the condition.

Although it’s possible that the causes are idiopathic, the genetic factor and the pituitary or gonadal axis are involved in the condition, in terms of mutations and polymorphisms, deficiency of hormones that control penile growth, and the disability of the testes to produce testosterone.

A diagnosis is usually made during comprehensive newborn screening. In adulthood, this is understood as a symptom of microphallus that the erection is no greater than 6.5 centimeters (under 2.5 inches).

What’s the normal size of a penis?

The dimensions must be understood as an average measurement rather than with a ruler. Estimating that more than one circumstance interferes with the result, we can highlight the following:

• Age
• Country of origin
• Illnesses
• Family history
• Anatomical malformations

In society, myths abound surrounding the calculation of the length of the male organ, often taking as reference the man’s body mass and the length of his foot, hand, or index finger. However, the reality is that there’s a lack of scientific explorations that reveal the connection between penis size and other parts of the body.

According to a table published by World Data, in all the countries surveyed, the average size of a penis is 13.58 centimeters (a little over 5 inches), which could be understood as “normal.”

On the other hand, some researchers correlate anthropometric and penile measurements. One of these analyses was developed by the Revista Mexicana de Urología, stating that the measurement connects height, weight, body mass index, and waist-hip ratio with the parts mentioned below:

• The extension of the base circumference of the penis
• The length from base to tip, both at rest and stretched

Can the diagnosis of micropenis be corrected?

In theory, the diagnosis of micropenis has no cure. However, according to UC San Diego Health therapy to stimulate penile growth may be indicated during childhood.

Any treatment depends on the patient’s age and medical history, how severe the case is, the expected outcome, and the tolerance to medication or treatments. On the other hand, when the patient is an adult, the panorama widens to the options that we will now share:

• Penis enlargement pumps: Although there’s a lack of solid evidence on the efficiency of these devices, advertising campaigns sell penis enlargement vacuum pumps as promising devices that may increase penis size. It’s advisable to use such a device under medical supervision and with the knowledge that it can cause injuries.
• Hormones: If the causes of microphalosomia are related to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, the testicles do not produce testosterone. Hormone replacement treatment is therefore recommended, often even from infancy, to achieve a penis within the standards; doses are administered orally or by injections. And if the method is ineffective, the doctor may suggest other growth hormones.
• Surgery: Penile reconstruction and penile augmentation surgery are also options in adulthood. This kind of procedure is advised to correct physical deficiencies and deformities that stress the man with regard to the appearance of the organ. Although each case is different, there is a strong record of successful operations and they involve aesthetic and functional advantages, which include adequate sexual performance and tactile sensation.

The effects of a micropenis on a man’s sexual life and health

A micropenis does not pose any issues when it comes to reproductive activity or urination. Howevever, there are conflicting opinions when it comes to impotence. The Spanish Archives of Urology state that geometric or structural alterations in gestation or early childhood often derive in primary erectile dysfunction.

Regarding this issue, an interview published in the newspaper El Español highlights the statements of an andrologist alleging that penises smaller than 9 centimeters erect may have problems with penetration and intercourse.

The counterpart defends that sexual intercourse with  a man who has a micropenis is as pleasurable as with someone whose genitalia is “normal” sized. The only harm that can occur is if the person focuses all of his attention on the dimensions of his member instead of taking advantage of tools that increase climax, such as erotic toys, oral sex, the use of hands, and varying sexual positions.

The emotional impact and the diagnosis of a micropenis

Finally, it’s possible that this diagnosis impacts the quality of a man’s intimate life, for fear of being singled out by his partner. The same fears are perceived by adolescents with small penis condition, who are reluctant to attend swimming pools and gyms due to the complexes often generated by the appearance of their penises.

For patients with this condition, psychological support helps them to understand that a microphallus is a medical issue, that there are ways to treat it, and, above all, that it’s not a serious disease.