Erect penile dimensions in a cohort of 778 Middle Eastern men: establishment of a nomogram

Abstract

Introduction: Accurate data regarding the size of the erect penis are of great importance to several disciplines working with male patients, but little high-quality research exists on the subject, particularly in different ethnic groups and for erect penis size.

Aim: The aim of this study was to create a nomogram of erect penile dimensions in a large sample of Middle Eastern men.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 778 men (mean age 43.7; range 20-82) attending urological outpatient clinics in Saudi Arabia was conducted. Exclusion criteria were age under 18 years, a presenting complaint of small or short penis, Peyronie's disease or complaint of congenital curvature, clinical hypogonadism, and previous penile surgery or trauma.

Main outcome measures: Three erect penile dimensions following induction of erection using intracavernosal injection of Quadrimix.

Results: Mean patient body mass index (BMI) was 29.09 (standard deviation [SD] 5.76). The mean suprapubic skin-to-penile tip erect length was 12.53 cm (SD 1.93); the mean erect length from the symphysis pubis to the penile tip was 14.34 cm (SD 1.86); and the mean erect shaft circumference was 11.50 cm (SD 1.74). A nomogram was constructed and statistical analysis performed, demonstrating a weak negative correlation between BMI and erect penile length measured from the suprapubic skin (r = -0.283, P < 0.000) but not from bone to tip, and a weak negative correlation between age and both erect penile length measurements (skin to tip r = -0.177, P < 0.0005; bone to tip r = -0.099, P = 0.006).

Conclusion: A nomogram for Middle Eastern men can be used as a standard when advising men with small penis anxiety. The importance of measuring erect size and allowing for infra-pubic fat interference in measurement is emphasized. We envisage that this tool can be used to educate and reassure concerned men about the size of their penises.

Keywords: Circumference; Erect; Girth; Length; Nomogram; Penis.