Normal Penis Size in Preteens: What Parents Should Know

Q: Normal Penis Size in Preteens: What Parents Should Know

Penile Size： I think I may not have expressed myself clearly, as I type slowly and omitted some concepts. <br>What I mean is that if your child has reached puberty and shows some secondary sexual characteristics, including a certain degree of testicular development, then having a

I have a question again!

I apologize for bothering you again.
I realize there was a misunderstanding in my previous message regarding my younger son's genitalia; it is the penis, not the testicles.
My son is currently 11 and a half years old (almost 12).
The average length of his penis when not erect is about 2-3 cm, and when erect, it averages 6-7 cm.
Is this considered short or normal? Additionally, what is the normal penis length for boys aged 11 to 12 years?

ni jiao qiang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/05

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Penile Size: I think I may not have expressed myself clearly, as I type slowly and omitted some concepts.
What I mean is that if your child has reached puberty and shows some secondary sexual characteristics, including a certain degree of testicular development, then having a slightly smaller penis size may be normal.
However, if they have not yet reached puberty, it is entirely normal for the penis to not have developed.
In such cases, it may be necessary to consult a pediatric endocrinologist to determine if there are any endocrine issues causing delayed development.
Symptoms like these need to be evaluated before we can determine if the penis size is normal.

In simple terms, we must ascertain whether puberty has started or ended, as the effects of puberty are significant.
A penis before puberty resembles that of a child, while after puberty, it is closer to that of an adult.
Therefore, if puberty has already occurred and the penis is still very small, we should investigate endocrine factors.
My previous point was not to suggest that penis size is unimportant, but rather to assess the stage of development.

For example, some girls may develop breast size by the third grade, while others may still be flat by the first year of junior high.
We cannot say that one is problematic over the other; we can only judge based on individual differences.
I hope this clarifies things for you.
I recommend first understanding the developmental stage of the child before making any assessments.
If there are genuine concerns, it is best to consult a pediatrician or urologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Note: In our country, statistics on penis size are only collected for adults.

Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2005/11/05

More Info

Understanding normal penis size in preteens is an important topic for parents, especially as children approach puberty. It’s crucial to recognize that there is a wide range of what is considered "normal" when it comes to the size of a penis in preteens and adolescents.
For boys aged 11 to 12 years, the average size of an erect penis typically ranges from about 6 to 10 centimeters (approximately 2.4 to 3.9 inches). When it comes to the flaccid (non-erect) state, the average size can vary significantly, usually falling between 2 to 4 centimeters (approximately 0.8 to 1.6 inches). Your son's measurements of 2-3 cm when flaccid and 6-7 cm when erect fall within the normal range, suggesting that he is developing appropriately for his age.

It's important to note that penis size can vary greatly among individuals, and many factors can influence this, including genetics, hormonal levels, and overall health. During puberty, which typically begins between ages 9 and 14 for boys, there will be significant changes in the body, including growth spurts and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This is when the penis and testicles will grow, and boys may experience changes in their body shape and hair growth.

Parents should also be aware that boys may feel self-conscious about their bodies during this time, especially when comparing themselves to peers. Open communication is key. Encourage your son to talk about any concerns he may have regarding his body, and reassure him that everyone develops at their own pace.
If there are concerns about development, such as a lack of growth in size or other signs of delayed puberty (like lack of testicular enlargement by age 14), it may be beneficial to consult a pediatrician or an endocrinologist. They can assess whether there are any underlying hormonal issues or developmental concerns that need to be addressed.

In summary, your son's measurements are within the normal range for his age, and it’s essential to foster an environment of understanding and support as he navigates this stage of development. Encourage healthy discussions about body image and development, and reassure him that variations in size are normal. If you have further concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and reassurance.

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