Treatment of men complaining of short penis

Abstract

Objectives: To report the outcome of a sex education-integrated treatment program of men complaining of a short-sized penis.

Methods: This study included 92 patients presenting to our department in the past 2 years complaining of a small-sized penis. History, with particular stress on the duration of the complaint and sexual habits of the patients, was collected from all patients. All patients were asked to complete the International Index of Erectile Function short-form questionnaire. Also all patients were tutored by an andrologist on sex education. Penile length and girth were measured twice using a tape measure in both flaccid and fully stretched states. Every patient was informed that if his flaccid and stretched penis size was 4 cm and 7 cm or more, respectively, it was considered normal.

Results: All patients complained of a short penis in either the flaccid or erect state. Of the 92 patients, 66 (71.7%) complained of a short penis only in the flaccid state, and 26 (28.3%) complained of a short penis in both the flaccid and the erect state. None of the patients had erectile dysfunction. None of the patients had short penis according to our measurements. Almost all patients overestimated the normal penile size. Most men found the combination of sex education with standard penile measurements helpful and relieving.

Conclusions: Men complaining of short penis could be treated using basic principles of sex education with objective methods of penile size evaluation. This combination can correct any previous sexual misconceptions, relieve unnecessary anxiety concerning penile size, and decrease the desire to undertake still-to-be verified lengthening procedures.