Penis size can significantly affect how men see themselves and their self-esteem. While most women report satisfaction with their partner's penis size, many men have small penis syndrome despite it being normal. According to a study in the journal Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 45% of men are worried about the size of their manhood. It's no wonder the internet is full of penis extenders and male enhancment pills and potions.
Many men develop an interest in penis size at a fairly young age. While they may be concerned about it, they don't usually have reason to worry. But when that concern becomes an obsession, it's referred to as small penis syndrome.
According to Medical News Today small Penis Syndrome is a form of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). It involves an obsessive concern with penis size. This fixation often results in significant shame and increased general anxiety. This occurs even though the perceived flaw is typically unnoticed by others.
What is Small Penis Syndrome?
A condition affecting many men is small penis syndrome, in which a man perceives his penis as too small despite being in a normal range. This belief can lead them to become obsessed with checking it and comparing it to other men.
This can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, depression and anxiety. All of which can interfere with the ability to have a relationship and enjoy a satisfying sex life. Because it's such a personal issue, many men don't seek help, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Because men aren't seeking professional help, there's limited information on the number of men diagnosed with small penis syndrome. Some men suffering from the condition may seek out controversial treatments, even if they don't need them.
While small penis syndrome is a perception of penis size, it can develop into body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This is a serious psychiatric disorder affecting about 2.4% of U.S. adults. (1) It's characterized by an obsession with physical appearance and the perceived defects in appearance. Often this disorder leads to the inability to function normally.
People who suffer from BDD often develop false beliefs about many areas of their appearance. This can lead to them finding it difficult to function in work and social situations. They can become obsessed with finding ways to fix their issues. As a result, it interferes with their sexual relationships and can cause financial problems. (2) While women can also have BDD, it's more prevalent in men stemming from a preoccupation with their penis size. (3)
Small Penis Syndrome, Not a Micro Penis
Small penis syndrome is not the same as having a micro penis. A micro penis is a specific medical condition characterized by a very small penis size as measured. While Small Penis Syndrome is a psychological condition characterized by anxiety and insecurity about one's penis size. Ironically this, more often than not, doesn't align with objective measurements.
In some cases, a micro penis is caused by hormonal imbalances. In particular low testosterone levels during fetal development or puberty. Hormone therapy, involving hormones like testosterone, may be prescribed to address these imbalances and promote penile growth. This treatment is most effective when initiated during early childhood or adolescence by a qualified healthcare provider.
Average Penis Size
As reported by Medical News Today,, misconceptions regarding the average penis size, which typically falls below 6 inches in length, may influence men's perceptions of their own genitals. This can lead to unwarranted anxiety and the development of small penis syndrome. A study involving over 15,000 men revealed with regard to size, many men experience concerns, but the majority don't fall into the category of being considered small. (4)
On average:
- A non-erect penis is 3.61 inches long
- An erect penis is 5.17 inches long
- A penis longer than 6 inches is uncommon
While men worry about the size of their penis, it's been reported that about 85% of women are satisfied with their partner's penis size.
The Psychological Impact of Small Penis Syndrome
It's generally normal for people to worry about parts of their bodies and even want to change them. Still, for some men, concern about their penis size turns obsessive. They become fixated on measuring and comparing it against others.
Some additional symptoms may include:
- Withdrawing from intimate relationships due to feeling inadequate about the size of their penis
- Being embarrassed about their penis size
- Inability to believe their penis is typical size
- Distorted impression of penis size
- Thinking penis size is all that matters
- Inability to get an erection due to anxiety
- Depression due to worry about their appearance
- Being obsessed with looks
- Continually checking appearance
- Low self-esteem
While small penis size isn't considered a medical condition, it is part of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) with some symptoms overlapping. (5)
Part of the reason some men may have small penis syndrome could be due to unrealistic expectations. With images everywhere showing the perfect body and lifestyle, it's no surprise that inadequacy is an ongoing problem for both men and women.
The media shows only part of the story and touches up whatever isn't perfect, but for regular people who don't have a team of stylists and make-up artists at their disposal, that part is tossed aside, leaving them feeling less than.
Pornography includes men with huge penises. For men with small penis syndrome or BDD, it can send them into chronic distress. So, while the media puts pressure on everyone, for people that suffer from a disorder, that pressure can feel overwhelming, leading them to behave in damaging and sometimes dangerous ways.
Coping with Small Penis Syndrome
To be able to cope with your feelings, there are some steps you can take that include: (6)
- Learn about the condition.
The first step in learning to cope with small penis syndrome is to learn all about it and understand why you feel that way. Talking to a medical professional can offer actual facts about what's normal and what may not be normal concerning the size of your penis.
When worry over sexual function and performance is affecting you, an open and honest conversation with your partner can help.
- Avoid triggers
There may be certain events or activities that can trigger thoughts and feelings about penis size. Knowing what they are and avoiding them can lessen anxiety. If social media or watching porn sets you off, avoid engaging in those activities.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Working with a mental health professional, you'll get to the root of the cause and learn how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. This can help you understand the obsession and learn how to address the anxiety surrounding penis size.
- Sex therapy for couples
When small penis syndrome interferes with the ability to engage in a satisfying sexual relationship, it's helpful to engage in honest conversation that includes all parties. A sex therapist can help to provide a safe place for couples to talk about their feelings and learn to deal with them in a positive way that provides a satisfying outcome for the couple.
Medical Interventions and Treatments
If you suffer from small penis syndrome and are looking for treatments to help, it's essential to talk with your medical practitioner. They can offer a treatment plan that may include the following:
- Therapy. Having a medical consultation with a professional therapist about your feelings of inadequacy can help you understand what may be behind them. They will help you to work through any issues associated with those thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation may also help.
- Education. Learning about small penis syndrome and the realities of it can help you to evaluate your own feelings and how you came to believe them. This can help separate fact from fiction.
- Honest communication. When small penis syndrome affects your personal relationships and sexual health, it's important to talk openly with your partner about your feelings. When they understand how you feel, they can help support you.
- Avoid extreme measures. Many men feel desperate and look for radical treatments like surgery or unproven medical procedures to increase the size of their penis.
While therapies and communication can offer various benefits for men's health, extreme measures can be dangerous. They may not provide the solutions you seek.
Conclusion
Small penis syndrome is a disorder leading men to believe they have an abnormally small penis even though it's normal. When men feel inadequate about their penis and their ability to perform sexually, they can seek out treatments that may be dangerous. Since the issue is more about mental health than a medical problem, seeking therapy or counseling can be more beneficial, whether alone or with your partner.
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