Penis size (including length and girth)Degree of penis curvatureCircumcision status (circumcised versus uncircumcised)
This article explains the common characteristics of a penis and the normal variations in size and shape. It also describes some abnormal features that need to be seen by a healthcare provider.
Understanding Penis Anatomy
Before you can make a penis comparison, it’s helpful to understand the anatomy of the penis.
The penis, scrotum, testicles, and prostate gland are all part of the male reproductive tract. The penis itself is comprised of four key structures:
The urethra: This is the tube through which urine (pee) and semen (cum) exit the body. The glans: This is the head of the penis. Foreskin: Also known as the prepuce, this is a sheath of tissue that covers the glans. Erectile tissue: These are three spongy, tube-like structures that fill with blood to enable an erection (the hardening and stiffening of the penis).
Penis Size
While some people have large penises and other have smaller penises, the truth is there’s not as much difference in penis size as you might think.
With that said, there are wide variations in the following two features:
Penis Length
The length of the penis is measured along the top side of the penis from the pubic bone to the tip of the glans. The measurement is typically done when the penis is erect. However, the erect size can be estimated by stretching a flaccid (soft) penis.
In terms of length, a study of more than 15,500 males from around the world found that there’s not much actual variation in penis size.
This is telling since most males believe that the average erect penis is more than 6 inches. This is likely because porn has given many an unrealistic notion of what a “normal” penis is.
The truth is that having a large or small penis is rare. In fact, only about 5% of men have erect penises longer than 6.3 inches and only about 5% have an erect penis shorter than 4 inches.
Penis Girth
Penis girth is defined as the circumference of the penis measured at its widest part.
The girth of the penis doesn’t necessarily correspond to the length of the penis. Some longer penises may have a smaller girth, while some shorter penises may have a wider girth.
There are also common misconceptions about the average girth of a penis. In the previously mentioned study of more than 15,500 men, it was found that the average girth of a flaccid penis is 3.6 inches, while the average girth of an erect penis is 4.65 inches.
Another subcategory in penis size is the size of the glans, which doesn’t always correspond to the length or girth of the penis shaft.
Penis Curvature
Although most people think that an erect penis should stand straight up or out like a flagpole, the truth is that it’s common for an erect penis to curve slightly to right or left or bend, or up or down.
A penile curve is not considered abnormal unless it causes pain or sexual dysfunction. Even so, some people consider excessive curves (greater than 30 degrees) unsightly or embarrassing.
The degree of curvature of a penis is largely congenital (meaning something you are born with). But, there are conditions like Peyronie’s disease that cause an abnormal curve later in life (typically due to long-term injury to the penis shaft).
While only 2% complained of pain or discomfort due to the excessive curve, one out of five said that it interfered with sexual intercourse, and one out of four thought that the curve was unsightly.
There are also congenital defects like chordee that causes a penis to curve downward, usually in tandem with other defects like hypospadias (in which the urethra opens on the underside of the penis).
Circumcision Status
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis. As such, a penis can be categorized as being either circumcised (foreskin removed) or uncircumcised (foreskin not removed).
In most cases, circumcision is an elective procedure, usually performed shortly after birth. However, some medical conditions require circumcision, including recurrent balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or paraphimosis (where the foreskin is trapped behind the base of the glans).
Circumcision rates in the United States are falling as more people have reservations about doing a procedure that is not medically necessary. Others contend that having an uncircumcised penis increases sexual sensitivity, although there is no definitive evidence of this.
Being uncircumcised does not inherently pose any health risks. With that said, the increased moisture beneath the foreskin increases the risk of fungal infections and certain sexually transmitted infections, particularly if proper hygiene is not maintained.
Summary
Penises differ from one person to the next. Broadly speaking, the different types of penis vary by size (length and girth), curvature, or whether they are circumcised or not. Generally speaking, the size, shape, or circumcision status of a penis is “normal” unless it causes pain or sexual dysfunction.
A Word From Verywell
If you’re concerned about how your penis compares with other penises, you are not alone. Research shows that roughly half of all males wish they had bigger penises.
The appearance of your penis is a very intimate and personal thing. It’s entirely normal to wonder how your penis compares with other penises. Comparing yourself to unrealistic depictions, like those in porn, can cause unnecessary anxiety.
If you have concerns about your penis type or penis appearance, talk with a doctor you trust. Remember, like the rest of the parts of your body, variations in penis size and appearance are normal, and it’s best not to compare yourself to others.
