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Average penis size July 17 2007 Difficulty in researching average penis size Determining what the average penis size is seems like it shouldn’t be that complicated. It’s a physical body part, you measure it, and repeat hundreds of thousands of times around the world, then take an average. Unfortunately, arriving at an accurate idea of what is an average penis size, is more complicated. Some of the problems with figuring out average penis size include: Is penis size considered to be the length, the girth, or both? When measuring penis length, where do you start? Is penis girth measured at the base of the penis, at the glans (head), or around the shaft? Are the people measured in these studies representative of the general population? Do all studies include measurements taken by others, or self-reported measurements (which are historically bigger than measurements reported by others)? Different studies answer these questions differently, which makes arriving at a single average penis size almost impossible. Also, many researchers believe that those who are willing to participate in a study about penis size may have larger than average penises, which would also skew the results. With all that in mind, here are some figures from different studies published in academic journals. Measurement of average penis size in research The results from three studies of penis size where the measurements were taken in a laboratory setting give the following ranges: Average penis length (flaccid/not erect): from 3.4 inches to 3.7 inches (8.6 cm to 9.3 cm) Average penis length (erect): from 5.1 inches to 5.7 inches (12.9 cm to 14.5 cm) Average penis girth (circumference when erect): from 3.5 inches to 3.9 inches (8.8 cm to 10 cm) These numbers are obviously very different from the sizes we hear (and see) in adult movies, and even the kinds of numbers you read on line. Why such a difference? Many, possibly most, statistics you read are not from legitimate research, but from marketing companies who want you to feel bad about your penis size (so you’ll buy their product). Other important things to know about average penis size There is much greater variation in size of flaccid (non-erect) penises than of penises when they are erect. A soft penis that looks large may be roughly the same size when erect as a soft penis that looks smaller. Because most men see other penises when they are not erect it can appear as if there is a big difference, and men may be likely to assume their erect penis is much smaller when compared to others. Male porn stars are often chosen specifically because they have larger than average penises. Also, there are a variety of techniques used to make penises look bigger on camera. Lighting, camera angle, and even shaving of pubic hair can all make things look bigger on camera. References: H. Wessells, T. Lue, & J. McAninch. Penile Length in the Flaccid and Erect States: Guidelines for Penile Augmentation The Journal of Urology. Vol: 156, Issue: 3, September, 1996. A. Smith D. Jolley, J. Hocking et al. Does penis size influence condom slippage and breakage? International Journal of STD AIDS 9: 444-447, 1998. P. Bondil, P. Costa JP. Daures, et al. Clinical study of the longitudinal deformation of the flaccid penis and of its variations with aging. European Urology 21: 284-286, 1992. C. da Ros C. Telo¨ken, P. Sogari , et al. Caucasian penis: what is the normal size? Journal of Urology 151: 323A, 1994. A. Kinsey, W. Pomeroy, & C. Martin. Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1948. J. Richters, J. Gerofi, & B. Donovan. Are condoms the right size(s): a method for self measurement of the erect penis. Venereology 8: 77-81, 1995. T. Schneider, H. Sperling, G. Lummen, et. al. Does penile size in younger men cause problems in condom use? a prospective measurement of penile dimensions in 111 young and 32 older men. Urology 2001 pp. 314-318. Z. Awwad, M. Abu-Hijleh, S Basri, et. al. Penile measurements in normal adult Jordanians and in patients with erectile dysfunction International Journal of Impotence Research 17, 191?195, 2005. |