Human penis size
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[[Image:Penis Comparison.jpg|thumb|right|The circumcised penises of two different men in flaccid and erect states]]
'''Human penis size''' refers to the length and width of human male [[genitalia]]. Interest in larger
penis sizes has led to an industry devoted to [[penis enlargement]].
Compared to other [[primate]]s, even larger primates such as the [[gorilla]], the male [[human]] [[genitalia]] are remarkably large. The human penis is both longer and thicker than that of any other primate both in absolute terms and in relative size compared with the rest of the body.<ref>Small, Meredith F., ''What's Love Got to Do With It? The Evolution of Human Mating'', 1995, Anchor Books</ref>
==Measuring the penis==
To get the most accurate measurements for an individual's penis size, it has been recommended that several measurements be taken at ''different'' times, preferably with different erections on different days. Then average these figures together. This is to account for what may be natural variability in size due to factors such as arousal level, time of day, room temperature, frequency of sexual activity, and unreliability of the measurement methods.<ref name=afraidtoask>{{cite web | title = Correctly measuring your erection: Length * circumference| url = http://www.afraidtoask.com/members/measure2.html| date = [[2007-03-02]] | publisher = www.afraidtoask.com|}}</ref><ref name=reliablemeasure>{{cite journal |author=Harding R, Golombok SE |title=Test-retest reliability of the measurement of penile dimensions in a sample of gay men |journal=Arch Sex Behav |volume=31 |issue=4 |pages=351–7 |year=2002 |pmid=12187548 |doi=10.1023/A:1016276310371}}</ref>
===Length===
The length can be measured with the subject standing and the [[penis]] held parallel to the floor. The penis is measured along the top, from the base to the tip. Results are inaccurate if the measurement is taken along the underside of the penis, or if the subject is seated or prone.<ref name=afraidtoask/>
===Circumference===
Penis [[girth]] is the measurement of the circumference of the completely erect penis. It is variously quoted as an average of three measurements: just below the glans penis, in the middle of the shaft, and at the base.<ref name=afraidtoask/>
===Problems===
A penis must be completely erect in order to obtain an accurate measurement. This may be difficult to achieve in a clinical setting. At least one Brazilian doctor resorted to injecting penises with drugs to induce erection, which gave more consistent results.<ref>[http://www.free-condom-stuff.com/penis_size.asp ansell condoms<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Some clinicians measure the penis by stretching the flaccid penis as far as comfortably possible.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B7XMT-4HMXJMV-4R&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=e9fad57a6233522d79cf20e2415d19a9 |title=Ultrasound Evaluation of Normal Penile (Corporeal) Length in Children |accessdate=2008-05-13 |last=Smith |first=D. Preston |coauthors=Chris Rickman, Gerald R. Jerkins |year=1995 |month=August |work=The Journal of Urology |publisher=Elsevier |doi=10.1016/S0022-5347(01)67174-X }}</ref> Self-reported measurements tend to be unreliable because men often want to report a larger penis size.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topix.com/forum/news/sex/TI1MG8QAIVEUIC8HV |title=The average erect penis size of American men is 5 inches |accessdate=2008-05-20 }}</ref>
==Studies on penis size==
While results vary across studies, the consensus is that the average human penis is approximately 12.9–15 [[centimeter|cm]] (5.1–5.9 [[inch|in]]) in length with a 95% [[confidence interval]] of (10.7 cm, 19.1 cm) (or, equivalently, 4.23 in, 7.53 in).<ref name="Wessells">{{cite journal |author=Wessells H, Lue TF, McAninch JW |title=Penile length in the flaccid and erect states: guidelines for penile augmentation |journal=J. Urol. |volume=156 |issue=3 |pages=995–7 |year=1996 |pmid=8709382 |doi=10.1016/S0022-5347(01)65682-9}}</ref><ref name="Chen">{{cite journal |author=Chen J, Gefen A, Greenstein A, Matzkin H, Elad D |title=Predicting penile size during erection |journal=Int. J. Impot. Res. |volume=12 |issue=6 |pages=328–33 |year=2000 |pmid=11416836 |doi=10.1038/sj.ijir.3900627}}</ref><ref name="lifestyles_condoms">{{cite web
| url = http://www.free-condom-stuff.com/education/research.htm
| title = ANSELL RESEARCH - The Penis Size Survey
| accessdate = 2006-07-13
| year = 2001
| month = March
}}</ref> The typical girth or [[circumference]] is approximately 12.3 cm (4.85 in) when fully [[erection|erect]]. The [[arithmetic mean|average]] penis size is slightly larger than the [[median]] size (or, put another way, most penises are ''below'' average in size).
===Size at birth===
[[Image:Penis frequency.svg|thumb|right|275px|Frequency graph of LifeStyles data]]
[[Image:Penis percentile.svg|thumb|right|275px|Percentile plot of LifeStyles data]]
[[Image:Penis circum.svg|thumb|right|275px|Plot of LifeStyles data of circumference]]
[[Image:Penis circum percentile.svg|thumb|right|275px|Percentile plot of LifeStyles data of circumference]]
The average stretched penile length at birth is about 4 cm (1.6 in), and 90% of newborn boys will be between 2.4 and 5.5 cm (0.9 and 2.2 in). Limited growth of the penis occurs between birth and 5 years of age, but very little occurs between 5 years and the onset of [[puberty]]. The average size at the beginning of puberty is 6 cm (2.4 in) with adult size reached about 5 years later. W.A. Schonfeld published a penis growth curve in 1943.<ref name=Miller>Schonfeld, W. A. (1943). Primary and secondary sexual characteristics:
Study of their development in males from birth through maturity, with
biometric study of penis and testes. American Journal of Diseases of
Children, 65, 535.</ref>
===Size with aging===
Age is not believed to negatively correlate with penis size. “Individual research studies have ... suggested that penis size is smaller in studies focusing on older men, but Wylie and Eardley found no overall differences when they collated the results of various studies [over a 60 year period].”<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070531114303.htm
| title = Men Worry More About Penile Size Than Women, Says 60-year-old Research Review
| work = ScienceDaily
| accessdate = 2007-06-25
| date = [[December 7]] [[2004]]
}}</ref>
===Erect length===
Several scientific studies have been performed on the [[erection|erect]] length of the adult penis. Studies which have relied on self-measurement, including those from Internet surveys, consistently reported a higher average length than those which used medical or scientific methods to obtain measurements.<ref name=average>{{cite web | url = http://www.altpenis.com/penis_news/average_size.shtml | work = altpenis.com | title = What's Average? | accessdate = 2007-11-09 }}</ref><ref name="lifestyles_condoms">{{cite web
| url = http://www.free-condom-stuff.com/education/research.htm
| title = ANSELL RESEARCH - The Penis Size Survey
| accessdate = 2006-07-13
| year = 2001
| month = March
}}</ref>
The following staff-measured studies are each composed of different subgroups of the human population (i.e. specific age range and/or race; selection of those with sexual medical concerns or self selection) which may meet the definition of possible [[Biased sample|sample bias]].<ref>"A sample that is not representative of the population to which generalizations are to be made. FOR EXAMPLE, a group of band students would not be representative of all students at the middle school, and thus would constitute a biased sample if the intent was to generalize to all middle school students."[http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/evaluation/glossary/glossary_b.htm Bureau of Justice Assistance website]</ref><ref name="average" />
*A study published in the September 1996 ''Journal of Urology'' concluded that average erect length was 12.9 cm (5.08 in) (measured by staff).<ref name="Wessells">{{cite web
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8709382&dopt=Abstract
| title = Penile Length in the Flaccid and Erect States: Guidelines for Penile Augmentation
| accessdate = 2007-06-05
| author = Wessels, H
| date = 1996-9-1
}}</ref> The purpose of the study was to “provide guidelines of penile length and circumference to assist in counseling patients considering penile augmentation.” Erection was pharmacologically induced in 80 physically normal American men (varying ethnicity, average age 54). It was concluded: “Neither patient age nor size of the flaccid penis accurately predicted erectile length.”
*A study published in the December 2000 ''International Journal of Impotence Research'' found that average erect penis length was 13.6 cm (5.35 in) (measured by staff).<ref name="Chen">{{cite web
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=11416836&query_hl=2&itool=pubmed_docsum
| title = Predicting penile size during erection
| accessdate = 2006-09-23
| author = Chen, J
| date = 2000-12-1
}}</ref> Quote: "The aim of this prospective study was to identify clinical and engineering parameters of the flaccid penis for prediction of penile size during erection." Erection was pharmacologically induced in 50 Jewish Caucasian patients who had been evaluated for [[Erectile dysfunction]] (average age 47±14y). Patients with penis abnormalities or whose ED could be attributed to more than one psychological origin were omitted from the study.
*A study conducted by LifeStyles Condoms found an average of 14.9 cm (5.9 in) with a standard deviation of 2.1 cm (0.8 in) (measured by staff).<ref name="lifestyles_condoms">{{cite web
| url = http://www.free-condom-stuff.com/education/research.htm
| title = ANSELL RESEARCH - The Penis Size Survey
| accessdate = 2006-07-13
| year = 2001
| month = March
}}</ref> The purpose of this study was to ensure properly sized condoms were available. 401 college students volunteered to be measured during 2001 Spring Break in [[Cancún]], Mexico, of which 300 gained an erection to be clinically measured (without pharmacological aid). The 300 effective measurements makes this study double the size of any prior study that uses medical staff to measure penis size.
===Erect circumference===
* A study conducted by LifeStyles Condoms during 2001 Spring Break in [[Cancún]] found an average of 12.6 cm (5.0 in) with a standard deviation of 1.3 cm (0.5 in).<ref name="lifestyles_condoms" />
Similar results exist regarding studies of the [[circumference]] of the adult fully [[erection|erect]] penis, with the measurement taken mid-shaft.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} As with length, studies that relied on self-measurement consistently reported a higher average than those with staff measuring.
=== Flaccid length ===
One study found the mean flaccid penis length to be 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) (measured by staff).<ref name="Wessells" /> Length of the flaccid penis does not necessarily correspond to length of the erect penis; some smaller flaccid penises can grow much larger, and some larger flaccid penises cannot grow much larger.
The penis and scrotum can contract involuntarily in reaction to cold temperatures or nervousness, referred to by the slang term "shrinkage", due to action by the [[cremaster muscle]].
==Penis enlargement surgery==
{{main|Penis enlargement}}
Surgical techniques used for penis enlargement (enhancement phalloplasty) -- penis lengthening and penile widening (girth enhancement) -- have been in the urologic literature for many years.
There are two basic ways of enlarging the penis:
#Penis lengthening surgery<ref>[http://www.penileenlargementsurgery.blogspot.com Suspensory Ligament Surgery for Penis Enlargement Blog]</ref> involves the release of the fundiform ligament and the suspensory ligament that attaches the 2 erectile bodies to the pubic bone. Once these ligaments have been cut, part of the penile shaft (usually held within the body) drops forward and extends out, enlarging the penis in 2-3 cm.
#Penis widening with [[PMMA]] injection. This method involves injection of [[silicone]], [[PMMA]]<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/valternascimento/cirurgia.html Penis enlargement Surgery: Myths and Facts]</ref> and other materials into the penis and scrotum, to achieve girth enlargement.
==Perceptions of penis size==
===Historical perceptions===
[[Image:Pompeya erótica6.jpg|thumb|right|Fresco of [[Priapus]] from [[Pompeii]]. Depicted weighing his large erect penis against a bag of gold. Unlike the Greeks, Ancient Romans admired the large penis of Priapus, although they had a sense of humor about it.<ref name="Roman_art">{{cite web | url = http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/features/phallus-wonderland/index.html | work = CBC Radio | title = Phallus in Wonderland | accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref>]]
In ancient Greek art, it is common to see smaller male genitalia than one would expect for the size of the man. [[Renaissance]] art also followed this aesthetic; note [[Michelangelo]]'s ''[[David (Michelangelo)|David]]''. According to Kenneth Dover's landmark study "Greek Homosexuality", Greek art had extreme interest in the genitals, but was not obsessed with size.
The weekly Q&A column "[[The Straight Dope]]" deduces, based on pornographic Greek art work and Dover's aforementioned study, that in [[ancient Greece]] an uncircumcised and small penis was culturally seen as desirable in a man, whereas a bigger or circumcised penis was viewed as comical or grotesque (at least in the high-brow view), usually being found on "[[fertility god]]s, half-animal critters such as [[satyr]]s, ugly old men, and barbarians."<ref name="Greek_art">{{cite web
| last = Adams
| first = Cecil
| title = Why does so much ancient Greek art feature males with small genitalia?
| publisher = The Straight Dope
| date = 2006-12-09
| url = http://www.straightdope.com/columns/051209.html
| accessdate = 2006-08-05 }} "From this vast array of XXX-rated artwork we can make a few deductions about Greek aesthetic preferences, genitaliawise (here I mainly follow Kenneth Dover's landmark study Greek Homosexuality, 1978): (1) Long, thick penises were considered — at least in the highbrow view — grotesque, comic, or both and were usually found on fertility gods, half-animal critters such as satyrs, ugly old men, and barbarians. A circumcised penis was particularly gross. (2) The ideal penis was small, thin, and covered with a long, tapered [[foreskin]]. Dover thinks the immature male's equipment was especially admired, which may account not only for the small size but the scarcity of body hair in [[classical art]]. A passage from [[Aristophanes]] sums up the most desirable masculine features: 'a gleaming chest, bright skin, broad shoulders, tiny tongue, strong buttocks, and a little prick.'"</ref>
[[CBC Radio|CBC]] radio has suggested, based on several sources, that [[ancient Rome|ancient Romans]] had a viewpoint ''contrary'' to that of the Greeks.<ref name="Roman_art"/>
===Modern perceptions and sexual preference===
Males may quite easily underestimate the size of their own penis relative to that of others, because of the [[foreshortening]] obtained from looking down, or because of the accumulation of fat at the base of the penis.<ref>Partial concealment of the penis by the [[abdomen]] was noted in [[Paul Fussell]]'s memoirs.</ref> A survey by [[sexologist]]s showed that many men who believed that their penis was of inadequate size had average-sized penises.{{Fact|date=April 2007}} Another study found sex education of standard penile measurements to be helpful and relieving for patients concerned about small penis size, most of whom had incorrect beliefs of what is considered medically normal.<ref>[http://www.altpenis.com/penis_news/20050610180934data_trunc_sys.shtml Education The Best Treatment For Penis Size Concerns<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> One source of continued debate is the extent to which women actually prefer certain penis sizes.
A 2005 study found only 55 percent of men were satisfied with their penis size, whereas 85 percent of women said they were "very satisfied" with the size of their partner's penis, and only six percent of women rated their partner as smaller than average.<ref name="Lever et al.">{{cite journal
| url = http://www.lrc.edu/psy/dillk/Gender%20Class/Does%20size%20matter.pdf
| title = Does Size Matter? Men’s and Women’s Views on Penis Size Across the Lifespan
| accessdate = 2007-07-06
| author = Lever, J., Frederick, D. A., Peplau, L. A.
| journal = Psychology of Men & Masculinity
| date = 2006
| volume = Vol. 7, No. 3.
| format = {{dead link|date=June 2008}} – <sup>[http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=intitle%3ADoes+Size+Matter%3F+Men%E2%80%99s+and+Women%E2%80%99s+Views+on+Penis+Size+Across+the+Lifespan&as_publication=Psychology+of+Men+%26+Masculinity&as_ylo=&as_yhi=&btnG=Search Scholar search]</sup>
}} Derived from data from Lever, J. (2003, June). The Elle/MSNBC.com sex
and body image survey. Elle, pp. 111–113.</ref> In the same data set, 70 percent of women expressed dissatisfaction with their breasts, whereas the majority of men (56 percent) were satisfied with their partner's breasts and only 20 percent of men wished their partner had larger breasts.<ref>Mundell, E.J. "[http://health.msn.com/centers/mensexualhealth/ArticlePage.aspx?cp-documentid=100104853 Does Size Matter? Most Romantic Partners Say 'No']," MSN Health & Fitness: Men's Sexual Health, MSN.com, [[27 May]] [[2005]]. Retrieved [[23 September]] [[2006]].</ref><ref>{{cite journal
| url = http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/05/27/hscout525946.html
| title = Does Size Matter? Most Romantic Partners Say 'No'
| accessdate = 2007-07-06
| author = E.J. Mundell
| journal = Forbes
| date = [[May 27]] [[2005]]
}}</ref><ref>Frederick, D.A., Peplau, L.A., & Lever, J., (under review). ''The Barbie mystique: Satisfaction with breast size and shape across the lifespan''.</ref>
A study published in BMC Women's Health, surveyed women's preferences concerning penis size and concluded that width rather than length is a more important factor of sexual stimulation.<ref>Eisenman, Russell. "[http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=33342 Penis size: Survey of female perceptions of sexual satisfaction]," ''BMC Women's Health'' 1: 1, [[8 June]] [[2001]].</ref>
Similar results were found in a cover story published in ''[[Psychology Today]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url = http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-19941101-000022.html | work = Psychology Today | title = Men's bodies--the survey | accessdate = 2007-07-17 | Author = Michael Pertschuk, Alice Trisdorfer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-19941101-000021.html | work = Psychology Today Nov-Dec 1994 (web edition last reviewed 2004-8-30) | title = The beefcaking of America | accessdate = 2007-07-20 | Author = Jill Neimark}}</ref> which surveyed 1,500 readers (about 2/3 women) about male body image. Many of the women were not particularly concerned with penis size and over 71 percent thought men overemphasized the importance of penis size and shape. Details were examined among the women with a size preference. Generally women cared more about width than men thought, and less about length. "...the number one reason women preferred a thicker penis was that it was more satisfying during intercourse." It's suggested this is because a wider penis provides more friction to the [[clitoris|clitoral]] area while a longer penis reaches an area less stimulable. The same article comments that there is a strong correlation whereby “Women who rated themselves as more attractive were particularly concerned with larger size. Of women describing themselves as "much more attractive than average," 64 percent cared strongly or moderately about penis width and 54 percent cared about penis length. Women who rated their own looks as average were about 20 percentage points lower."
Another study, conducted at [[Groningen University Hospital]], asked 375 sexually active women (who had recently given birth) the importance of penis size and concluded: "Although clearly in the minority, a nevertheless considerable percentage of the women respondents attached substantial importance to the size of the male sexual organ".<ref>{{cite journal |author=Francken AB, van de Wiel HB, van Driel MF, Weijmar Schultz WC |title=What importance do women attribute to the size of the penis? |journal=Eur. Urol. |volume=42 |issue=5 |pages=426–31 |year=2002 |pmid=12429149 |doi=10.1016/S0302-2838(02)00396-2}}</ref>
A study undertaken at Utrecht University found that the majority of homosexual men in the study regarded a large penis as ideal, and having one was linked to self esteem.<ref>{{cite web | title = Size does matter (to gays) | date = [[February 20]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.mg.co.za/articledirect.aspx?articleid=264731&area=%2fother_news%2f | work = [[Mail&Guardianonline]] | accessdate = 2006-11-09 }}</ref>
The term '''size queen''' is slang terminology for a person of either sex who prefers a larger-than-average [[penis]] on their sexual partner(s).<ref>''The Happy Hook-Up: A Single Girl's Guide to Casual Sex''. Alexa Joy Sherman, Nicole Tocantins. p208. Ten Speed Press, 2004.</ref><ref>[http://gaylife.about.com/cs/gaylifeglossary/g/sizequeen.htm "Size queen" at gaylife.about.com]</ref>
===Popular culture===
Culturally, widespread private concerns related to penis size have led to a number of [[folklore]] sayings and [[popular culture]] reflections related to penis size. These include beliefs that it is possible to predict the size of someone's [[penis]] by observing other bodily features such as the [[hands]], [[Foot|feet]], [[nose]] or height, and in some cases so-called "[[penis panic]]" - a form of [[mass hysteria]] involving the believed removal or shrinking of the penis, known as [[genital retraction syndrome]]. Penis size, and [[sexual anxiety]] generally, have led to products such as [[Penis enlargement#Penis pump|penis pumps]], pills, and other dubious means of [[penis enlargement|enlargement]] becoming some of the most marketed products in [[E-mail spam|spam mail]].
The media has equated a man's penis size with both power and masculinity.<ref name="media">[http://psycnet.apa.org/index.cfm?fa=main.doiLanding&uid=2006-09081-001 Does Size Matter? Men's and Women's Views on Penis Size Across the Lifespan.], Lever, Janet; Frederick, David A.; Peplau, Letitia Anne, Psychology of Men & Masculinity. 2006 Jul Vol 7(3) 129-143, access date June 17, 2008</ref> Furthermore the perception of having a large penis is linked to higher self esteem.<ref name="media"/>
The suggested link between penis size, foot size and height has been investigated by a relatively small number of groups. Two of these studies have suggested a link between penis size and foot size, while the most recent report dismissed these findings.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} One of the studies suggesting a link relied on the subjects measuring the size of their own penis, which may well be inaccurate. The second study found statistically significant although "weak" correlation between the size of the stretched penis and foot size and height.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} A potential explanation for these observations is that the development of the penis in an embryo is controlled by some of the same [[Hox]] genes (in particular [[HOXA13]] and [[HOXD13]])<ref name="hox">{{cite journal
| authorlink = Frances R. Goodman
| title = Limb malformations and the human HOX genes
| journal = American Journal of Medical Genetics
| volume = 112
| issue = 3
| pages = 256–265
| date = 2002-08-27
| url = http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/98016962/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
| pmid = 12357469
| doi = 10.1002/ajmg.10776
| accessdate = 2006-08-05
| author = Goodman, Frances R.}}</ref> as those that control the development of the limbs. Mutations of some Hox genes that control the growth of limbs cause malformed genitalia (hand–foot–genital syndrome).<ref name="Mortlock">{{cite journal
| authorlink = Douglas P. Mortlock
| coauthors = Jeffrey W. Innis
| title = Mutation of HOXA13 in hand-foot-genital syndrome
| journal = Nature Genetics
| volume = 15
| pages = 179–180
| date = 1997
| pmid = 9020844
| doi = 10.1038/ng0297-179
| url = http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v15/n2/abs/ng0297-179.html
| accessdate = 2006-08-05
| author = Mortlock, Douglas P.}}</ref> However the most recent investigation<ref name="Shah">{{cite journal
| authorlink = J. Shah
| coauthors = N. Christopher
| title = Can shoe size predict penile length?
| journal = JU International
| volume = 90
| issue = 6
| pages = 586
| date = 2006-10
| pmid = 12230622
| doi = 10.1046/j.1464-410X.2002.02974.x
| url = http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1464-410X.2002.02974.x
| accessdate = 2006-08-05
| author = Shah, J.}}</ref> failed to find any evidence for a link between shoe size and stretched penis size.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Cecil
| first = Adams
| title = The size of things to come
| publisher = The Straight Dope
| date = 2003-08-26
| url = http://www.snopes.com/risque/penile/size.htm
| accessdate = 2006-08-05 }}</ref> Given the large number of genes which control the [[Morphogenesis|development]] of the human body shape, and the effects of hormones during childhood and adolescence, it would seem unlikely that an accurate prediction of penis size could be made by measuring a different part of the human body.
Other studies correlating the size of the human penis with other factors have given intriguing results. Notably one study analysing the self-reported [[Kinsey Reports|Kinsey]] data set found that homosexual men had statistically larger penises than their heterosexual counterparts.<ref name="Bogaert">{{cite journal
| authorlink = Bogaert AF
| coauthors = Hershberger S
| title = The relation between sexual orientation and penile size
| journal = Archives of Sexual Behavior
| volume = 28
| issue = 3
| pages = 213–221
| publisher = Springer Netherlands
| date = June 1999
| pmid = 10410197
| doi = 10.1023/A:1018780108597
| url = http://www.springerlink.com/content/j517r35408304087/
| accessdate = 2006-08-05
| author = Bogaert, Anthony F.}}</ref> One potential explanation given is a difference in the exposure to androgen hormones in the developing embryo. The study author's ''opinion'' is that evidence points towards both orientations being equally likely to exaggerate.<ref>{{cite web | title = Research says erect gay penises are bigger | date = [[November 4]] [[1999]] | url = http://salon.com/health/sex/urge/world/1999/11/04/size/index.html | work = [[Salon.com]] | accessdate = 2006-11-09 }}</ref>
Recently, there has been greater media attention to the issue of penis size and women being more vocal about their preferences.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Television shows such as ''[[Sex and the City]]'' and ''[[Ally McBeal]]'' popularized the penis-size issue when characters in these TV shows stated their preference for well-endowed men and rejected men who had only average endowment. ''[[Sex and the City]]'' has also shown a character expressing displeasure over her partner having too large a penis, described in comic hyperbolic terms. The media have also been criticized for making penis size into a male body issue equivalent to ''[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]'' magazine being criticized for their coverage of women's weight.
===Penis size and female genital response ===
According to some sex researchers and therapists, several misconceptions have developed surrounding penile-vaginal intercourse.<ref>{{cite web | title = Does Penis Size Really Matter? | date = [[May 27]] [[2002]] | url = http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/42/1685_53202.htm?pagenumber=1 | work = [[WebMD]] | accessdate = 2006-08-04 }}</ref> Many men exaggerate the importance of deep vaginal penetration in stimulating a woman to orgasm.
The most sensitive area of the female genitals includes the [[vulva]], [[clitoris]], and the section of [[vagina]] closest to the outside of a woman's body, which is roughly 10 centimeters (4 in) in length. Research has found that portions of the clitoris extend into the vulva and vagina.<ref>Mascall, Sharon, “Time for Rethink on the Clitoris”, BBC News. 2006 June |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5013866.stm</ref> Given that the median penis size is above this length, the majority of penises are of sufficient length to satisfy their partners.
While many women find penile stimulation of the [[cervix]] to be uncomfortable or painful, others report it to be the key to orgasm.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://health.discovery.com/centers-sex-articles-sextips.shtml | work = Discovery Health | title = How to Achieve Orgasm During Intercourse | accessdate = 2006-09-21 }}</ref> The cervix may be confused with the anterior or posterior [[Fornix vaginae|fornix]], the deepest point of the vagina, above and below the cervix, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.askmen.com/love/love_tip/sextip7.html | work = AskMen.com | title = "Cul-de-sac": Increase Her Orgasm | accessdate = 2006-09-22 }}</ref> The cervix and fornix are close to each other, making it possible for there to be indirect and/or simultaneous stimulation between them.<ref name=anatomy>{{cite web | url = http://www.sexualtips.net/sexual_anatomy_questions.htm | work = sexualtips.net | title = Questions and Answers about Sexual Anatomy | accessdate = 2007-08-05 }}</ref>
The fornix is said to be another possible orgasm trigger area.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.webmd.com/content/article/44/1689_50048.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348 | work = WebMD | title = The Female Orgasm During Intercourse | accessdate = 2006-09-21 }}</ref> Tests have shown that pressure on this area causes the vagina to lubricate very quickly.<ref>Dr. Chua Chee Ann, British Journal of Sexual &
Marital Therapy Vol. 12, No 4, November 1997</ref> The area of sexual response in the anterior fornix has also been called the epicentre, T-Spot, AFE-Zone, AFE or A-Spot; while in the posterior fornix it has been called epicenter (as well) or [[cul-de-sac]] (since the cul-de-sac, also known as the [[rectouterine pouch]], may be indirectly stimulated by pressure on the posterior fornix<ref name=anatomy>{{cite web | url = http://www.sexualtips.net/sexual_anatomy_questions.htm | work = sexualtips.net | title = Questions and Answers about
Sexual Anatomy | accessdate = 2007-08-05 }}</ref>).
During arousal, the vagina lengthens rapidly to an average of about 4 in (8.5 cm), but can continue to lengthen in response to pressure.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesite.org/sexandrelationships/havingsex/performanceproblems/doessizematter | work = [[TheSite.org]] | title = Does size matter | accessdate = 2006-08-12 }}</ref> As the woman becomes fully aroused, the vagina tents (last ²⁄₃ expands in length and width) while the cervix retracts.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.askmen.com/love/dzimmer/17_love_answers.html | work = AskMen.com | title = do big penises hurt? | accessdate = 2006-08-14 }}</ref> The walls of the vagina are composed of soft elastic folds of mucous membrane skin which stretch or contract (with support from pelvic muscles) to the size of the penis.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.birth.com.au/class.asp?class=65&page=28 | work = birth.com.au | title = The female reproductive system | accessdate = 2007-05-07 }}</ref> This means (with proper arousal) the vagina stretches or contracts to accommodate virtually any size penis, from small to large.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/penissize.htm | work = netdoctor.co.uk | title = Facts about penis size | accessdate = 2007-05-14 }}</ref>
==Other variance in penis size==
===Micropenis===
{{main|Micropenis}}
An adult penis with an erect length of less than 7 cm or just over 2 inches but otherwise formed normally is referred to in a medical context as having the [[micropenis]] condition.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/12/041206205001.htm
| title = Surgeons Pinch More Than An Inch From The Arm To Rebuild A Micropenis
| accessdate = 2007-07-25
| date = [[December 7]] [[2004]]
}} "Whereas the average size of the human penis is around 12.5 cm or 5 inches, a micropenis spans less than 7 cm or just over two inches."</ref> Some of the identifiable causes are deficiency of pituitary [[growth hormone deficiency|growth hormone]] and/or [[gonadotropin]]s, mild degrees of [[androgen insensitivity syndrome|androgen insensitivity]], a variety of genetic syndromes, and variations in certain [[Homeobox]] genes. Some types of micropenis can be addressed with growth hormone or [[testosterone]] treatment in early childhood.
A news post on ''[[New Scientist]]'' dated [[December 6]] [[2004]] reads "A new surgical procedure has allowed men with abnormally short penises to enjoy a full sex life and urinate standing up, some for the first time. Tiny "micro-penises" have been enlarged to normal size without losing any erogenous sensation, say UK doctors."<ref>{{cite web | title = Length-boosting surgery for 'micro-penises' | url = http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996761 | date = [[2004-12-06]] | publisher = ''[[New Scientist]]'' | accessdate = 2006-08-06 }}</ref>
===Environmental influence on penis size===
It has been suggested that penis size differences between individuals is caused not only by [[genetics]], but also by environmental factors such as [[culture]], [[diet (nutrition)|diet]], chemical/pollution exposure,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ehponline.org/members/2005/8100/8100.html | work = ehp | title = Size decrease in Male infants with prenatal phthalate exposure | accessdate = 2006-11-08 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://copa.org/med/penis.htm | title = PCBs DIMINISH PENIS SIZE | accessdate = 2007-04-09 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/CityandRegion/2006/04/29/1556379-sun.html | work = London Free Press | title = Pesticides may affect penis size | accessdate = 2008-04-07 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://discovermagazine.com/1996/sep/hormonehell865/ | work = DISCOVER | title = Hormone Hell | accessdate = 2008-04-05 }}</ref> etc. Alarmingly, [[endocrine disruption]] resulting from chemical exposure has been linked to genital deformation in both sexes (among many other problems). Chemicals from both synthetic (e.g. pesticides, anti-bacterial [[Triclosan]], [[plasticizers]] for plastics, etc...) and natural (e.g. chemicals found in tea tree oil and lavender oil<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2007/niehs-31.htm | work = NIH | title = Lavender and Tea Tree Oils May Cause Breast Growth in Boys | accessdate = 2008-04-07 }}</ref>) sources have been linked to various degrees of endocrine disruption.
===Race and penis size===
{{Original research|date=April 2008}}
Many of the studies conducted on this subject have been subject to some sample selection bias and other flaws in the scientific method, especially considering the psychological nature of this specific subject and the ramifications of acquiring accurate data. To date, there has been no conclusive study linking penis size and race.
[[Family Health International]] states "The World Health Organization bases its specifications for condom width on consumer preference and penis size, citing three studies. The studies used varying methods of measurements between sources, such as maximum circumference (US measurements) instead of base circumference (Thai measurements)." The Kinsey reports were based on subjective, self-reported results from African and Caucasian Americans. Taken together, the studies show the most significant variations in penis size are within the population groups themselves, and in general. However, the difference between Caucasian and African American penis size found in these subjective tests was insignificant. The Kinsey reports also found that homosexual men reported larger penises than heterosexual men, which underscores the questionability of these studies and self-reported survey methods. The WHO document referred to only specifies whole-population data for the US, Australia and Thailand, and not races in general.<ref>WHO Global Programme on AIDS. [http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/1998/WHO_RHT_FPP_98.15_spec&guidelines.pdf Specification and Guidelines for Condom Procurement]. Appendix VII, Regional or Ethnic Differences in Erect Penis Size. Geneva: WHO, 1995. Cited in [http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/booksReports/latexcondom/behavcharac.htm]</ref>
According to FHI, "Among the African sites, breakage rates were slightly higher and slippage was slightly lower for the smaller of the two condoms being compared."<ref>Joanis C, Brookshire T, Piedrahita C, et al. Evaluation of Two Condom Designs: A Comparison of Standard and Larger Condoms in Ghana, Kenya, and Mali. Durham, NC: Family Health International, 1990. Cited in [http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/booksReports/latexcondom/behavcharac.htm]</ref> The data from the Asian sites was inconsistent.<ref>Neupane S, Abeywickrema D, Martinez K, et al. Acceptability and Actual Use Breakage and Slippage Rates of Standard and Smaller Latex Condoms: Nepal and Sri Lanka. Durham, NC: Family Health International, 1992. Cited in [http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/booksReports/latexcondom/behavcharac.htm]</ref><ref>Andrada A, Ravelo N, Spruyt A, et al. Acceptability and Functionality of Standard and Smaller Latex Condoms during Human Use: Philippines. Durham, NC: Family Health International, 1993. Cited in [http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/booksReports/latexcondom/behavcharac.htm]</ref> FHI concluded that "almost none of the differences in breakage and slippage rates from either the Indian or African sites were statistically significant. Thus, results from these studies pertaining to penis size and condom failure were inconclusive."<ref>"[http://fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/booksReports/latexcondom/behavcharac.htm The Latex Condom: Recent Advances, Future Directions; Chapter 3: User Behaviors and Characteristics Related to Condom Failure]," Family Health International.</ref>
One of the earliest researchers on the subject, [[Frantz Fanon]], covers this subject in some detail in ''Black Skin, White Masks'' (1952), where he tends towards the view that the supposed positive correlation between penis size and African ancestry is erroneous.
In an article concerning penis size, Dr. David Delvin, GP and family planning specialist, states that there is no correlation between penile size and race.<ref>[http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/penissize.htm Facts about penis size<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The [[BBC]] reported an Indian Council of Medical Research study finding that "about 60% of Indian men have penises which are between three and five centimetres shorter than international standards used in condom manufacture."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6161691.stm BBC NEWS | South Asia | Condoms 'too big' for Indian men<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> However, the study also stated that "data collected in Mumbai till 2001 showed that 60% of the participants measured 126 to 156 mm [5 to 6.1 inches] in length and 30% between 100 and 125 mm [4 to 5 inches]."<ref>[http://scienceagogo.com/news/20061111222312data_trunc_sys.shtml Modestly Endowed Indian Men Causing Condom Failures<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name=w_erectlen>[[Human penis size#Erect length]]</ref> The international size standard for condom length is 150 to 180 mm (6 to 7 inches),<ref>[http://www.slate.com/id/2154841/ Are Indian men too short for condoms? - By William Saletan - Slate Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> larger than the average human penis size; thus, the average human penis falls short of international condom size standards.<ref>[http://sexuality.about.com/b/a/257877.htm Penis Size: It's Hila-racist-ious!<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In a 2005 study, "Penile measurements in normal adult Jordanians and in patients with erectile dysfunction," the purpose of the work was to determine penile size in adult normal (group one, 271) and impotent (group two, 109) men. In group one mean midshaft circumference was 8.98±1.4 cm (3.54±0.55 in), mean flaccid length was mean 9.3±1.9 cm (3.66±.75 in), and mean stretched length was 13.5±2.3 cm (5.31±.91 in). In group two, mean flaccid length was 7.7±1.3 cm (3.03±.51 in), and mean stretched length was 11.6±1.4 cm (4.57±.55 in).<ref>{{cite journal |author=Awwad Z, Abu-Hijleh M, Basri S, Shegam N, Murshidi M, Ajlouni K |title=Penile measurements in normal adult Jordanians and in patients with erectile dysfunction |journal=Int. J. Impot. Res. |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=191–5 |year=2005 |pmid=15510185 |doi=10.1038/sj.ijir.3901272}}</ref>
==Penis size and condom use==
Various studies have examined [[condom]] breakage. Ninety-two monogamous heterosexual couples (aged 18 to 40 for women, 18-50 for men) were enrolled in a prospective study of [[Durex]] Ramses [[condom]]s.<ref>[http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=2841589 Cat.Inist<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> At each sexual encounter, a diary was completed which included information on condom use, and breaks and slips. In France a random telephone survey<ref>[http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3127299.html The Effectiveness of Condoms in Reducing Heterosexual Transmission of HIV<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> of 20,000 individuals drew on 4,500 sexually active people, of whom 731 had used a condom in the previous year and 707 provided information on difficulties of use. In Australia 3658 condoms were used by 184 men in a study which looked, among other things, at penis size as a factor for breakage or slippage.<ref>[http://www.nature.com/ijir/journal/v14/n4/full/3900887a.html Penile length is normal in most men seeking penile lengthening procedures<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Although the most common type of condom, those made of [[latex]], have great ability to stretch, they are vulnerable to dry friction (ie, the dry rubbing motion of sexual activity when there is tight pressure or a lack of smooth lubricated movement) as well as other mistakes of usage.<ref name="aidshealth">[http://www.aidshealth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=921&Itemid=346 AIDS Health Care]</ref> For example, in a separate study{{Fact|date=August 2007}} of people practicing [[anal sex]], condom breakage was linked more to excessive friction (in this case due to low usage of a [[sexual lubricant]]) than to penis size ''[[per se]]''.
The rate of condom breakage for correctly used condoms was 1.34% and of slippage 2.05%, with a total failure rate of 3.39%. Penis size did not influence slippage, but penis circumference and broken condoms were strongly correlated, with larger sizes increasing the rate of breakage.
==See also==
{{commons|Penis}}
* [[Penis envy]]
* [[Phalloplasty]]
* [[Penis enlargement]]
* [[Micropenis]]
==Notes==
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==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
*{{cite journal |author=Bogaert AF, Hershberger S |title=The relation between sexual orientation and penile size |journal=Arch Sex Behav |volume=28 |issue=3 |pages=213–21 |year=1999 |pmid=10410197|doi=10.1023/A:1018780108597}}
*Eisenman, Russell (2001) "Penis size: Survey of female perceptions of sexual satisfaction", PubMed Central (PMC)
* [http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-05/bpl-mwm053107.php EurekAlert! summary]
*{{cite journal |author=Goodman FR |title=Limb malformations and the human HOX genes |journal=Am. J. Med. Genet. |volume=112 |issue=3 |pages=256–65 |year=2002 |pmid=12357469 |doi=10.1002/ajmg.10776}}
* The [[Kinsey Institute]] [http://www.indiana.edu/~kinsey/resources/bib-penis.html penis size bibliography]
*{{cite journal |author=Kondo T, Zákány J, Innis JW, Duboule D |title=Of fingers, toes and penises |journal=Nature |volume=390 |issue=6655 |pages=29 |year=1997 |pmid=9363887 |doi=10.1038/36234}}
*{{cite journal |author=Lee PA, Mazur T, Danish R, ''et al'' |title=Micropenis. I. Criteria, etiologies and classification |journal=Johns Hopkins Med J |volume=146 |issue=4 |pages=156–63 |year=1980 |pmid=7366061 |doi=}}
*{{cite journal |author=Mortlock DP, Innis JW |title=Mutation of HOXA13 in hand-foot-genital syndrome |journal=Nat. Genet. |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=179–80 |year=1997 |pmid=9020844 |doi=10.1038/ng0297-179}}
* Niels Lauersen, M.D. and Steven Whitney, "It's Your Body: A Woman's Guide to Gynecology", 3rd Edition 1983, p. 480 (Berkley Publishing Co.: New York), ISBN 0-425-09917-2
*Rushton, J.P. & Bogaert, A.F. (1987) Race differences in sexual behavior: Testing an evolutionary hypothesis. ''Journal Research in Personality'' 21(4): pp. 536-7
*{{cite journal |author=Shah J, Christopher N |title=Can shoe size predict penile length? |journal=BJU Int. |volume=90 |issue=6 |pages=586–7 |year=2002 |pmid=12230622 |doi=10.1046/j.1464-410X.2002.02974.x}}
*Siminoski K and Bain J (1993) The Relationship Among Height, Penile Length, and Foot Size. ''Annals of Sex Research'' 6(3):231-235
*{{cite journal |author=Sutherland RS, Kogan BA, Baskin LS, ''et al'' |title=The effect of prepubertal androgen exposure on adult penile length |journal=J. Urol. |volume=156 |issue=2 Pt 2 |pages=783–7; discussion 787 |year=1996 |pmid=8683783|doi=10.1016/S0022-5347(01)65814-2}}
* W.A. Schonfeld, ''Am J Dis Child'' 1943;65:135
*{{cite journal |author=Wylie KR, Eardley I |title=Penile size and the 'small penis syndrome' |journal=BJU Int. |volume=99 |issue=6 |pages=1449–55 |year=2007 |pmid=17355371 |doi=10.1111/j.1464-410X.2007.06806.x}}
</div>
==External links==
*[http://www.altpenis.com/penis_news/average_size.shtml AltPenis.com What's Average?]
*[http://jameed.net/2005/04/27/168/ "Chinese Men Do Measure Up"]
*[http://ejacu.com Documentary of Penis Pictures and Surveys] Devoted to proving the penis is more than a size.
*[http://www.erectionphotos.com/ Erection Photos — FAQ]
*[http://www.indiana.edu/~kinsey/resources/bib-penis.html Kinsey Institute] An information page on the penis.
*[http://www.snopes.com/risque/penile/size.htm Penis Size Based on Body Parts]
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