The
penis-- The end part
The
appearance of the penis varies considerably from one male to
another. These variations are due to differences in color, size,
shape and status of the foreskin (circumcised or uncircumcised).
Concerns
about penile size are common in males of all ages. Although the
size of the nonerect penis differs widely from one male to
another (the average length is approximately 9.5 centimeters or
just under 4inches), in adulthood this variation is less
apparent in the erect state. Erection can be thought of as
“the great equalizer” since men with a penis that is smaller
when flaccid (nonerect) usually have a larger percentage volume
increase during erection than men who have a larger flaccid
penis. Such interest in penis size has several different
components.
First,
it
shows a concern for being “normal”—the same as everyone
else.
Second,
it
is related to a wish to be sexually adequate. Our society
generally believes that “ biggest is best” and the notion
that a big penis will provide more sexual satisfaction to a
woman is widespread. Actually penile size has little
physiological effect for the woman (although it may have
positive or negative physiological significance) since the
vagina accommodates its size equally well to an erect penis that
is relatively smaller or larger in circumference. The length of
the penis, which determines the depth of the vaginal
penetration, is also relatively unimportant, since the inner
portion of vagina and the cervix has few sensory nerve endings.
Third,
there
is often an element of status seeking in wishing to have
a large penis.
Finally,
some
males feel that a larger penis would make them more sexually attractive. Most of these points apply to both
heterosexual and homosexual males.
A
study on psychological impact of penis size on sexual arousal
found that reading erotic passages that differed only in the
description of the size of the penis produced no differences in
the levels of arousal of male or female undergraduates. Thus
they concluded, “ Penis size may be as unimportant on
psychological level as it appears to be on physical level.”
There
is a rare medical condition called micropenis in which the penis
is formed properly but is miniature in size. This condition is
marked by a penis length of less than two centimeters
(approximately ¾ inches), and sometimes is due to a treatable
deficiency of testosterone. In other circumstances, there is no
means of increasing penis size by drugs, creams, gadgets,
hypnosis, or hormones.
Men
who are preoccupied or extremely anxious about the size of their
penis appear to be more likely to develop sexual difficulties
than other men. These difficulties range from the avoidance of
potentially sexual relationships in obtaining or maintaining an
erection due to poor self-confidence, tension, and anxiety.
Fortunately, brief sex counseling or therapy can usually
overcome this type of problem.
