Penis Size Variations: Flaccid vs. Erect Lengths Explained

Penile length

It's interesting to note that the size of a penis when flaccid does not always correlate with its size when erect.
The phenomenon you're observing can be attributed to individual anatomical differences and the elasticity of the penile tissue.

In general, a penis that is longer when flaccid may have more potential to grow when erect, but this is not a strict rule.
Factors such as blood flow, tissue composition, and the degree of erectile tissue expansion can all influence the final size when erect.

The fact that one partner's penis returns to its flaccid size quickly after erection could be related to the amount of blood flow or the elasticity of the erectile tissue.
Each individual can have different responses to arousal and erection, which can lead to variations in size and duration of erection.

Ultimately, these differences are normal and can vary widely among individuals.

Lin Meimei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/02/12

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Each individual has a different constitution.

Reply Date: 2011/02/12

More Info

Understanding the variations in penis size, particularly between flaccid and erect states, can be quite intriguing and often leads to questions about normalcy and expectations. The phenomenon you described, where two individuals have different flaccid lengths but similar erect lengths, is not uncommon and can be explained by several anatomical and physiological factors.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that penis size can vary significantly among individuals, and both flaccid and erect sizes are influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal levels, and overall health. The flaccid state of the penis is affected by blood flow, temperature, and the level of relaxation of the smooth muscle tissue within the penis. When a man is relaxed, the penis may hang lower and appear longer, while stress, anxiety, or cold temperatures can cause it to retract and appear shorter.

The erect length, on the other hand, is primarily determined by the amount of blood that fills the erectile tissues (corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum) during arousal. When a man becomes sexually aroused, blood flow increases significantly, causing the penis to become erect. The maximum length achieved during an erection is influenced by the size of the erectile tissues and the elasticity of the surrounding skin and connective tissues.

In your case, the individual with a flaccid length of approximately 10 cm may have a larger amount of erectile tissue or a more elastic structure that allows for a more significant increase in size when erect. Conversely, the individual with a flaccid length of about 5 cm may have less erectile tissue or a different anatomical structure that limits the lengthening effect during an erection. This can result in both individuals reaching a similar erect length despite their differences in flaccid size.

Moreover, the phenomenon you observed with the 5 cm flaccid individual quickly returning to a flaccid state after erection could be attributed to several factors, including the duration of the erection, the level of arousal, and individual physiological responses. Some men may experience a rapid detumescence (the process of the penis returning to a flaccid state) due to a quick release of blood flow or a lack of sustained arousal.

It's also worth noting that penis size does not correlate with sexual performance or satisfaction. Many factors contribute to sexual experiences, including emotional connection, technique, and communication between partners. Therefore, while size can be a topic of curiosity, it is essential to focus on the overall sexual experience rather than just physical measurements.

In conclusion, variations in penis size between flaccid and erect states are normal and can be attributed to individual anatomical differences, blood flow dynamics, and physiological responses. If you or anyone else has concerns about penis size or sexual health, consulting a healthcare professional can provide personalized insights and reassurance.

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