Penis Development Issues: Common Concerns and Solutions

Q: Penis Development Issues: Common Concerns and Solutions

Concerned College Student： Hello! 1. It is uncertain whether surgery is necessary. Note： Generally, it can be easily retracted without the need for surgery. 2. The length of the foreskin is not related to the length of the penis. 3. Testosterone and simila

Penile development issues

Hello, Chief Physician.
I am 22 years old, and I have been confused about the size of my penis for several years.
When erect, it measures about 12 to 14 centimeters in length, but the width (when viewed from above) is slightly thinner than two fingers combined, approximately 2.5 to 3 centimeters.
I have a few questions as follows:
1.
When I am erect, my foreskin does not retract on its own and completely covers the glans.
When I try to push it back, it feels quite tight and uncomfortable.
Is this normal? Do I need a circumcision? The first image I found on Google regarding phimosis (sorry, the system here seems to not allow external links) resembles my situation: not pushing back is like image 2 (constrictive phimosis), and pushing back feels like image 8 (narrow phimosis).
2.
Although others say that adult film actors have larger-than-average penises, I have seen people around me with significantly larger sizes.
In comparison, my length and girth seem quite inadequate.
Based on my description of my penis, could my long foreskin be causing poor penile development?
3.
Hypothetically, if I am still within the standard range, I believe most men would still prefer a larger size.
I have read online that some men may continue to develop until the age of 25, and that testosterone medication can help with penile growth.
Is this true? Although it feels a bit late to consider medication, I still want to explore my options.
4.
Additionally, I have a question that may or may not be related (I apologize).
I do not have issues with erections or ejaculation (my libido seems normal), and I have developed body hair as expected, so my hormone levels, including testosterone, should be normal, right? However, my facial hair grows very slowly, and I cannot grow a beard (it takes about three days to grow a little).
Also, my Adam's apple is not very prominent.
Is this a personal issue?
I apologize for asking so many questions, but I have been worried about this since middle school and have not dared to discuss it with my family.
Please help me, dear physician!

Fanrao de daxuesheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/25

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Concerned College Student: Hello! 1.
It is uncertain whether surgery is necessary.
Note: Generally, it can be easily retracted without the need for surgery.
2.
The length of the foreskin is not related to the length of the penis.
3.
Testosterone and similar medications, when misused, may potentially cause cancer.
4.
If there are concerns about developmental issues, you can undergo relevant examinations nearby.
If necessary, male hormone levels can be tested.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Online responses should only serve as a reference; if needed, it is essential to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/02/25

More Info

Understanding concerns related to penis development is a common issue among young men, and it’s important to address these concerns with accurate information and reassurance. Let’s break down your questions one by one.

1. Phimosis and the Need for Circumcision: It sounds like you may be experiencing a condition known as phimosis, where the foreskin cannot be easily retracted over the glans (the head of the penis). This can be classified into two types: physiological phimosis, which is common in young boys and often resolves naturally, and pathological phimosis, which may require medical intervention. If retracting the foreskin causes discomfort or pain, it may be advisable to consult a urologist. They can assess whether circumcision or other treatments are necessary. In many cases, gentle stretching exercises or topical treatments can help alleviate the condition without the need for surgery.

2. Concerns About Size and Development: It’s completely normal to have concerns about penis size, especially when comparing oneself to others or to media portrayals. The average erect penis size is typically around 12 to 16 cm (about 4.7 to 6.3 inches) in length, and your measurements fall within this range. Width can vary significantly, and there is no "ideal" size. It’s important to remember that penis size does not determine sexual function or satisfaction. If you feel that your foreskin is excessively long and may be affecting your perception of size, discussing this with a healthcare provider can provide clarity and options.

3. Growth and Testosterone: The notion that testosterone can aid in penis growth is a common misconception. While testosterone plays a crucial role in male development, including the growth of the penis during puberty, most growth occurs before the age of 18. By age 22, it is unlikely that further significant growth will occur, even with hormone therapy. Additionally, using testosterone without medical supervision can lead to serious health risks and side effects. If you have concerns about your hormone levels or development, a healthcare provider can perform tests to assess your testosterone levels and overall hormonal health.

4. Facial Hair and Hormonal Concerns: The growth of facial hair and the prominence of the Adam's apple can vary widely among individuals and are influenced by genetics and hormonal levels. Slow facial hair growth does not necessarily indicate a hormonal imbalance, especially if you are experiencing normal sexual function and libido. If you are concerned about your hormone levels, it may be beneficial to discuss this with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and possibly conduct blood tests to check your testosterone and other hormone levels.

In summary, it’s essential to approach these concerns with a focus on health rather than comparison. Consulting with a urologist or an endocrinologist can provide you with personalized advice and treatment options. Remember, many young men share similar worries, and seeking professional guidance can help alleviate anxiety and provide clarity on your health.

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