Nowadays, people are intensely interested in penis length and diameter. Many people complain that their penis size is smaller than normal and seek treatment. According to studies, about 45% of people believe that their penis is small and not of normal size.

One of the most curious subjects is whether there is a relationship between penis size and sexual happiness of couples. Some studies in this area have shown that the diameter of the penis is more effective in the opposite sex than the length. In this article, I will talk about penis size and length and their effects on partners, in the light of my own observations and literature.

How to measure penis size?

Penis size measurement is made when the penis is normal, that is, when it is deflated and stretched. In the normal state, the penis is stretched from the head and the length between the measuring tape and the root of the penis is measured. Similarly, the distance between the head and the root of the penis gives the length of the stretched penis.

When it comes to penis length, the functional measurement of the penis, that is, the erection state, comes to mind. Although the penis size is medically normal for most people, it becomes an obsession for some people.

How is penis thickness measured?

Penis thickness measurement is calculated from the middle part of the penis at rest and during erection, by measuring it with a tape measure. In an average adult male, normal penis thickness, that is, 9.31 cm in circumference, has been reported as 11.66 cm in erection.

What is the normal penis length and thickness?

Normal and erect penis lengths vary according to individuals and countries. We can summarize the normal penis length and thickness at rest and during erection as follows:

• Normal penis length (length): 9.16 cm
• Normal penis thickness (circumference): 9.31 cm
• Length of the erect penis (length): 13.12 cm
• Thickness (circumference) of the erect penis: 11.66 cm

The longest penis in the world has been reported as 17.61 cm in Ecuador.

What is the average penis length and thickness in Turkey?

Penis length and circumference sizes vary between countries and regions. In studies conducted in Turkey, the measurements of normal and tight penis length and circumference (thickness, age) differ according to regions. The penis length and diameter measurement table according to the regions is as follows.

Areas                                     Normal penis length (cm) Stretched penis length (cm)

Mediterranean region:           9.3±1.3                                 13.9±1.5

Aegean region:                      9.2±1.4                                 13.7±1.7

Eastern Anatolia:                 9.5±1.2                                 13.8±1.4

Southeast Anatolia:               9.2±1.4                                 13.7±1.7

Central Anatolia:                  9.3±1.2                                 13.5±1.6

Black Sea region:                  9.4±1.4                                 13.6±1.7

Marmara region:                   9.3±1.3                                 13.5±1.6

Are there penis size differences according to races in the world?

Around the world, penis sizes may differ from country to country. In some countries, there are studies on this subject. Studies have shown that there are differences in penis size between races.

• Average length of penis in black race: 14.75 cm
• Average length of penis in Caucasian race: 14.5 cm
• Average penis length in East Asia: 12.9 cm

In another study, penile sizes between regions:

• Penis length and thickness are larger on the African continent.
• In Europeans, penis length and thickness are moderate.
• Penis length and diameter were found to be smaller in Asians.

Individual differences in penis sizes can be seen within a breed. These differences may be due to various factors such as genetics or diet and environmental factors.

What should be the ideal penis size and thickness?

One of the frequently asked questions by people is “what is an ideal penis length (length) and thickness (diameter)”. Especially today, in the digital age, people are in a constant search. Advertisements on sexual topics are also increasing the interest in this area. It is worth noting that; There is no ideal penis size or length. In other words, there are no medically standardized, numerically specific penis sizes. Penis sizes may vary according to races, genetic and environmental factors, being overweight. Penis size is more of an obsession in men. However, in studies conducted with women, different results have been obtained regarding the size of the penis.

In general, it is known that the thickness of the penis is more important than the height for a satisfactory sexual intercourse. In a study conducted among women, penis sizes differ according to the duration of the relationship. While studies conducted between couples who have been together for a long time have shown that penis size is not very important, it has been stated that penis size is more important for a satisfactory sexual relationship in short-term relationships.

What does small penis (micropenis) mean in medical terms?

Today, people’s preferences differ. The sizes of “small penis” or “micro penis” that need to be treated medically are different. Small penis cases that need to be treated in real terms are not uncommon in society. Cases that are less than 4 cm in length when deflated and less than 7.5 cm in erection are defined as “micro-penis” or “small penis” and need to be treated surgically. Its incidence in the community is 0.14% on average. This condition is congenital. It is usually seen due to hormonal or genetic reasons.

In our practice, we operate on micropenis surgically and our results are successful. In normal-sized penis cases, if people want to have a longer and thicker penis, we also treat them with surgical methods.

Does the size of the penis have a relationship with other parameters of the body?

The relationship of penile length with other body parameters has been investigated in some studies. Among these parameters, there are parameters such as index finger, hand, arm and leg, foot length. Studies have shown that there is no relationship between penile sizes and them. In extremely obese (obese, overweight) people, especially if there is excessive fat in the root of the penis (suprapubic region), the penis may appear small in these people. In fact, the penis is not small in these people, but due to excessive lubrication, the penis is embedded in the adipose tissue and appears small. We successfully remove the fat in this area with surgery and reveal the normal dimensions of the penis. In addition, it will be even more effective for these patients to follow a general weight loss program.

What are the factors affecting penis length and thickness?

In some cases, shortening may occur in adult men with normal penis length. Diseases that cause shortening (shrinkage, withdrawal) in the length of the penis are as follows:

• Old age
• Obesity (excessive weight, obesity)
• Prostate cancer surgery (radical prostatectomy without nerve preservation)
• Diseases that cause penile curvature (Peyronie’s disease)

Is there a relationship between body weight and penis size?

The relationship between penis size and body weight is also one of the topics of interest. Every 15-20 kg increase reduces the penis size by approximately 2.50 cm. In men, especially in the suprapubic region (penis root part), the shortening of the penis is more pronounced. In this regard, we recommend that these oils be taken to our patients who have excessive fat accumulation in the root of the penis. At the end of this process, an elongation of approximately 2.5-3 cm can be achieved. In the same session, we also perform the loosening of the suspensory ligaments of the penis (penile suspensor ligament release) to our patients. With these two surgeries, we have had patients with an average of 2.5-5 cm penile lengthening.

Is penis size important for women?

The importance of penis length and thickness in sexual intercourse and partner satisfaction have always been the subject of discussion and curiosity. While men may think that penis size is important for women, this is not always true for women. In studies conducted among women, approximately 77% of women stated that penis size (height, thickness) is not important for a happy sexual union, while 21% stated that it is important.

In another study, women stated that the thickness of the penis was more important than the length.

A 2015 study among women found different results. According to the research, women have different preferences according to their regular partners and irregular relationships.

Women who have a long-term relationship with the same man prefer that the length of the penis is 16 cm on average and its circumference is 12.2 cm when erect. However, the preference of those who have a one-time relationship is stated as the average length of 16.3 cm and the average penis circumference of 12.7 cm.

In another study, 20% of women said that penis size was important, while 1% said it was very important. Conversely, while 55% of women said it was unimportant, 22% of women said it was very unimportant.

Is it possible to increase the length and thickness of the penis with surgery?

It is possible to increase the length and thickness of the penis surgically by surgery. We achieve significant elongation and thickening in the length and diameter of the penis in our surgeries. The thickening and lengthening that patients want is not always possible with surgery. In particular, there is a certain limit to the extension. The normal anatomy of the penis is not suitable for lengthening as much as desired. In order to say on average how much elongation can be achieved, it is absolutely necessary to examine the patient. We provide maximum lengthening by using the applied modern surgical techniques.

With a successful operation, it is possible to extend the average penis length up to 2.5-5 cm, depending on the person.

Various methods are used to increase the penis circumference (thickening). These are generally synthetic materials and adipose tissue transplants taken from the patients’ own bodies. Fat tissue transplants taken from the patients’ own bodies have no side effects. In some of the thickening surgeries performed by fat transplantation in this way, some of the fat is absorbed and thinning is observed over time. In some patients, irregularities may develop in the penis due to the absorption of fat. Some of these patients can be corrected by re-operation later. Long-term shortening and irregularity are not observed in the studies we used and using larger adipose tissues instead of very small pieces.

If synthetic fillers are to be used for thickening, they must be known and proven to be reliable. Otherwise, it can lead to serious problems.

Elasticity of synthetic materials wrapped around the penis for thickening is important. These should be materials that can stretch during an erection. Again, it is important that these substances are products that are not harmful to the body and whose reliability has been proven.

We usually perform lengthening and thickening surgeries together in the same session for our patients.

In conclusion; Except for the micropenis, the length, thickness, curvature, circumcised or uncircumcised penis do not pose a serious medical problem. Conditions that do not cause health problems such as pain and sexual dysfunction in the person are not important. Their treatment is not absolutely necessary. If people want a different size and diameter penis than their current situation, then surgical treatment can be performed.

Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK

Urology Specialist