Does penis size really matter? What is the average length and diameter of a penis? Clinical studies are not entirely accurate due to a number of different reasons (e.g., standardization in measuring length, diameter, and penile rigidity). Based on a meta-analysis of more than thirty years of clinical studies, typical patient expectations include:
- The length of a non-erect penis varies considerably, but the average is 9.16 cm;
- The average length of an erect penis is 13.12 cm;
- The average diameter of an erect penis is 9.31 cm. There is little variation between sizes larger or smaller than the average.
Despite the above information, men and their partners often desire "a little more of everything." For penis length, there is little or no option to actually increase the natural anatomy of anyone. Only by removing fat from the area above the penis can some additional length be revealed. Such a procedure is only achieved with liposuction, liposculpture, or surgical removal of tissue. Surprisingly, this visual effect can be achieved simply with a diet. On the other hand, treatments for increasing penile diameter have been experimental at best. Previous treatments for increasing penile diameter have gained little traction for a variety of reasons related to their safety and efficacy.
There are a small number of centers reporting favorable results with the use of fat transfer surgery. Unfortunately, surgeons and patients must be concerned about granulomatous changes in the fat that may occur after the (natural and expected) revascularization of such fat deposits. It is important to note that several sites have reported up to 70% loss of transferred fat over a period of 1 year. Some centers have already reported problems with dermal fat grafts taken from the groin, gluteal folds, or acellular dermal matrices. Again, surgeons and patients must be concerned about the long recovery period after surgery and the possibilities of complications such as penile shortening, curvature, graft loss, and devastating infections.
There are also experimental treatments (e.g., silicone, paraffin wax) that are often performed by uncertified professionals. Treating your penile diameter is a personal choice that only you can make.