Penis Size: A Topic That Deserves More Than Just Jokes
Penis size. It’s the butt of jokes, a common source of insecurity, and a magnet for myths. And yet, it’s also one of the most Googled body questions out there.
Whether you have one, love someone with one, or are just genuinely curious, let’s unpack what penis size really means – and what it doesn’t. With solid facts, a little humour, and a whole lot of compassion.
This isn’t about bravado. It’s about truth, confidence and ditching shame. Let’s go.
What’s the Real Average Penis Size?
Let’s start with some facts from one of the largest studies ever conducted on this very topic.
In 2015, researchers reviewed 15,521 penis measurements from men around the world. The results, published in the British Journal of Urology International, gave us the best global snapshot we’ve had to date:
- Erect length: 13.12 cm (5.16 inches)
- Erect girth (circumference): 11.66 cm (4.59 inches)
- Flaccid length: 9.16 cm (3.61 inches)
- Flaccid girth: 9.31 cm (3.67 inches)
Source: Veale, D. et al. (2015). “Am I normal?” A systematic review and construction of nomograms. BJUI, 115(6), 978–986.
What’s even more interesting? Most men think they’re smaller than average – even when they’re not.
So What’s Considered a Micropenis?
When it comes to size, there’s average, there’s small, and then there’s clinically small.
A micropenis is a medical condition where an erect penis measures under 7 cm (2.76 inches). The penis is structurally normal, just significantly smaller than average. This occurs in approximately 0.6% of the male population and is often linked to hormonal issues during early development.
While a micropenis may impact someone’s sex life or fertility, treatment options including hormone therapy or surgery are available in some cases. More importantly, with the right support and communication, satisfying relationships are absolutely possible.
The Big (And Then There’s… Jonah Falcon Big)
At the other end of the ruler, some penises tip into the truly extreme – and yes, that comes with its own challenges.
Take Jonah Falcon, for example, an American man who made headlines for reportedly having a penis that measures 34 cm (13.5 inches) when erect. His supersized anatomy earned him TV appearances, documentaries, and an honorary invite to the Icelandic Phallological Museum (yes, that’s a real place – dedicated entirely to penis specimens!).
But big isn’t always better. In 2012, Falcon was stopped by TSA at San Francisco Airport when a suspicious “bulge” raised concerns – and no, it wasn’t a concealed weapon, just the world’s most famous trouser snake.
While his story sounds humorous, Falcon has spoken openly about the downsides, from public scrutiny to difficulty with clothing and intimacy. Turns out, too big comes with its own baggage.
Further viewing for the curious:
The documentary My Massive Cock (Channel 4, UK) dives into the lives of men with unusually large penises and how it affects their relationships, confidence, and daily routines. It’s equal parts confronting, insightful and oddly endearing. Watch on Stan
How Is Penis Size Actually Measured?
No, it’s not just a cheeky tape measure job in the bathroom.
The proper method (used in scientific research) goes like this:
- Length: Measure from the pubic bone (not the skin) to the tip of the penis. This means pressing any fat pad at the base down to reach the bone – especially important for those carrying extra weight.
- Girth: Use a soft measuring tape around the shaft, either mid-shaft or at the base.
This is known as the bone-pressed erect length, and it helps remove variables like posture, temperature, or fluffing.
Why We’re So Hung Up on Size: Where the Stigma Comes From
Let’s be honest – the obsession with penis size didn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s been shaped by porn, pop culture, and playground banter for decades.
In mainstream porn, men with larger-than-average penises are cast for visual impact. They’re statistical outliers, not everyday blokes. But for young people watching without context, it becomes an unrealistic benchmark for “normal”.
Then there’s the locker room effect – teenage boys comparing, teasing, or staying quiet out of shame. Films and TV often reinforce the idea that bigger equals better, or worse, that smaller equals less masculine.
And unlike women, who are increasingly encouraged to talk about body image, men and non-binary folks with penises rarely get the same permission. There’s still silence – and that silence breeds shame.
As psychologist Dr David Veale put it: “Men tend to overestimate what is normal and underestimate their own size. This can contribute to body dysmorphia and anxiety.”
It’s time to throw that stigma in the bin. Penis size doesn’t define masculinity, virility, or worth. It’s a body part – not a scoreboard.
Busted: Common Myths About Penis Size
Let’s run through a few of the classic urban legends and what science actually says.
Myth: Big feet mean a big penis
Sorry, Cinderella. A 2002 study in BJU International found no link between shoe size and penis length.
Shah, J. & Christopher, N. (2002). Can shoe size predict penile length? BJUI.
Myth: You can tell by hand size or nose
Some studies have explored the finger-length ratio (2D:4D), but the correlation is so small, it’s basically useless in the real world.
Park, K. et al. (2011). 2D:4D ratio and penile length in Korean men. Asian J Androl.
Myth: Bigger is always better
Actually, research shows that very large penises can sometimes cause discomfort during penetrative sex. Girth can matter more than length for sensation — but even that varies from person to person.
Herbenick, D. et al. (2014). Women’s preferences for penis size using 3D models. PLOS ONE.
Does Penis Size Matter to Partners?
Short answer? Sometimes – but not nearly as much as most people think.
A 2006 study found 85% of women were satisfied with their partner’s size, while only 55% of men were happy with their own. That means the anxiety is often more internal than external.
Lever, J. et al. (2006). Does size matter? The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Among queer men, there’s more variation in preference. A 2019 study showed that while some gay and bisexual men had size preferences, most rated hygiene, trust, enthusiasm and skill as more important.
Miller, B. (2019). Sexual scripts in gay personal ads. Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Ultimately, the quality of the connection, not the size of the equipment, is what matters most.
The Hidden Impact: When Size Anxiety Becomes Harmful
It’s completely normal to wonder about your body – but for some, penis size anxiety can tip into deeper distress.
Known as Penile Dysmorphic Disorder, this is a form of body dysmorphia where a person becomes obsessed with the belief that their penis is inadequate, even when it’s within normal size ranges. It can lead to:
- Avoidance of intimacy or relationships
- Depression or social anxiety
- Risky or ineffective enlargement procedures
If this feels familiar, know that you’re not alone, and help is out there. Speaking with a therapist or sexologist can be life-changing – not to mention incredibly freeing.
What Actually Matters in the Bedroom (Hint: It’s Not Size)
Let’s shift the focus from centimetres to connection.
Studies and real-world feedback show the biggest turn-ons aren’t found in your pants, but in your actions:
- Listening to your partner’s needs
- Exploring foreplay and non-penetrative pleasure
- Sharing fantasies or desires
- Laughing together and feeling emotionally safe
Sex isn’t a performance – it’s a conversation. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or just getting to know someone, confidence and care matter far more than length.
Want to spice things up? Try exploring intimacy toys from Lovehoney or check out the Top 10 Toys for Couples to shift the focus to mutual fun.
The Bottom Line: You Are More Than a Number
- Most people fall well within the normal penis size range
- There’s no link between hands, feet, or finger length and penis size
- Most partners care more about how you connect than what you’re packing
- Stigma comes from media myths – not reality
- If size stress is hurting your self-esteem, you deserve support
At the end of the day, being a good lover, partner or human has nothing to do with a ruler.
We’re All in This Together
Have you ever felt pressure about penis size? Have myths shaped how you see yourself or others? What helped you feel more confident?
Let’s make this conversation safe, open, and stigma-free. Drop a comment (anonymously if you like!) – your story might just help someone else feel a whole lot less alone.
Have your say!