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Feb 12, 2024 · The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says adult-size genitals generally develop anywhere between ages 13 and 18. Just as when penis growth begins, there's no specific age at which...
- Barbara Poncelet
- Overview
- What does the research say?
- Does penis size matter?
- Can you increase the size of your penis?
- What penis size do cisgender women and other vulva-having partners want?
- What penis size do cisgender men and other penis-having partners want?
- Ways to build confidence
- The bottom line
The average penis is between 5.1 and 5.5 inches, with one study finding that nearly everyone falls within this range. Penis enlargement methods do exist, but many may be harmful, do not work, or only have temporary effects.
The average penis size is not nearly as big as many people think it is!
A 2020 review of research on penis size found that the average length of an erect penis is between 5.1 inches and 5.5 inches. Factoring in volunteer bias, the researchers believe that the average falls closer to the lower end of that range.
Older 2014 research pegged the average length of a flaccid penis at 3.61 inches.
Let’s start with some interesting numbers:
•When it comes to length, the average is 3.61 for a flaccid penis and 5.16 inches for an erect penis.
•Most people with penises overestimate what the average penis size actually is, according to 2015 research.
•Many people with penises are under the impression that the average package is over 6 inches long — a notion that researchers partially attribute to older studies that were based on self-reported measurements.
•Based on various reports, many people with penises wish they had a larger penis, including those who have average-sized ones.
•For some perspective, an erect penis of 6.3 inches falls into the 95 percentile, according to 2014 research, meaning that only 5 out of 100 people would have a penis longer than 6.3 inches.
When it comes to sex, penis size really doesn’t matter. It doesn’t affect desirability, function, or health.
A penis doesn’t need to be big to have sex, pee, or reproduce. Size only matters as much as you let it.
People with penises and people with vaginas report dissatisfaction with the appearance of their own genitals.
Worrying about having a smaller-than-average penis can drain your confidence and affect your ability to enjoy sex. Furthermore, stress and anxiety can make it more difficult to get an erection or climax.
You can, but most of the methods available only offer a temporary, marginal increase in size. Beware of miracle methods advertised online, like pills and oils, that can do more harm than good to your penis and your pocketbook.
The following are some of the more popular penis enlargement methods available:
•Penis pumps: Penis pumps are devices that use suction to draw blood into the penis, engorging the blood vessels in your penis so it gets — temporarily — harder and bigger. Putting on a cock ring can help the blood remain in your penis longer. Both are typically considered safe when used correctly.
•Traction devices: Penile traction devices are most useful for correcting curvatures and deformities of the penis, but they may provide a small, temporary increase in size. A 2022 review found that penile traction therapy may have benefits for people with smaller penises, though additional research is still needed. This therapy is typically recommended for people with Peyronie’s disease and ED.
•Stretching exercises: Stretching exercises, like jelqing, use massage to manipulate the tissues and skin of the penis. This creates micro tears, that when healed, look engorged and make the penis bigger and thicker. Most of the “evidence” on these techniques is anecdotal. There’s no science-backed evidence to support their use.
Surgical implantation of a synthetic device made from silicone is the only option that can achieve a permanent increase in size. But this is a cosmetic surgery and is typically not covered by insurance.
Most of the research into partner penis preference is older and focuses on “females,” which can include cisgender women — people assigned female at birth and identify as such — or people with vulvas, regardless of how they identify.
According to this research, most prefer partners with average to slightly-above-average penises. That goes for one-night stands and long-term relationships.
There’s even less research available on the penis size preferences of cisgender men and other penis-having folks who have sex with other penis owners.
While we can’t say what size they prefer, research does indicate that penis owners who have sex with other penis owners have a more accurate view of penis size than those who have sex with vulva owners.
Confidence plays a bigger role in satisfaction in and out of the bedroom.
If you’re unhappy with your body — below the belt or otherwise — these tips can help improve your body image:
•Work on not comparing yourself to others, including your friends and people in the media.
•If you want to boost your sexual confidence, learn to work with what you have by experimenting with positions for bigger or smaller-than-average penises.
•Get regular movement to help boost confidence and stamina, as well as reduce stress levels.
•Practice positive self-talk by replacing negative thoughts about yourself with things you like about yourself.
Penises come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to size, the majority of them fall into the average range — and the size has no bearing on what it can do or the pleasure you can give and get from it.
If the research doesn’t provide the affirmation you need, consider talking with a doctor or other healthcare professional about your concerns.
- Adrienne Santos-Longhurst
Usually by the end of puberty, a guy's penis has reached its expected size. Puberty usually ends about 4 years after it starts, so this is usually around age 13–19. In addition to size, guys also wonder about how their penis looks. For example, a guy might wonder if the skin covering the penis is normal or if it's OK for a guy's penis to hang ...
As of 2015, a systematic review of 15,521 men, who were measured by health professionals rather than themselves, concluded that the average length of an erect human penis is 13.12 cm (5.17 inches) long, while the average circumference of an erect human penis is 11.66 cm (4.59 inches). [2]
Feb 20, 2024 · You may have a penis that's grown to its full size as early as age 13 or as late as age 18. When does a penis stop growing? Your penis stops growing when you finish puberty.
- Hedy Marks
Apr 28, 2023 · Somewhere between the ages of 9 and 15, your pituitary gland releases hormones that tell your body to start making testosterone. Puberty begins and brings changes. Your testes (testicles), scrotum ...
If you are wondering what is the average penis size at this age, the answer may surprise you. Most people with male sex organs believe that an average penis measures 15.24 cm (6.0 inches)...
