Skip to main content
Sexual Medicine logoLink to Sexual Medicine
. 2025 Sep 10;13(4):qfaf068. doi: 10.1093/sexmed/qfaf068

Visual illusion in male self-assessment of penile dimensions: a clinical study on penile length perception bias between flaccid and erect states

Zhongjie Zheng 1,2, Yan Chen 3,4, Wei Zhang 5, Qianxi Chen 6,7, Zhen Liu 8,9, Eric Chung 10,11, Kai Hong 12,13,, Haocheng Lin 14,15,
PMCID: PMC12422012  PMID: 40937119

Abstract

Background

Despite the significance of penile dimensions in male health and self-perception, there is a lack of population-specific references and understanding of self-assessment biases.

Aim

To establish population-specific references and investigate self-assessment biases in penile dimensions.

Methods

A single-center cross-sectional study (2024-2025) prospectively enrolled 342 Chinese males. Standardized measurements of flaccid and stretched lengths were performed by a trained andrologist. Participants were asked to report their perceived erect penile length, and stratified into three mutually exclusive groups: (1) accurate estimation (AE), where self-reported lengths = stretched lengths; (2) overestimation (OE), where self-reports > stretched lengths; and (3) underestimation (UE), where self-reports < stretched lengths. The penile lengthening ratio (PLR) was calculated as (stretched − flaccid length)/flaccid length. Statistical analyses included paired t tests and one-way analysis of variance for multigroup comparisons.

Outcomes

Mean flaccid and stretched lengths, self-reported lengths, and the distribution of estimation groups were determined.

Results

Mean flaccid and stretched penile lengths were 7.27 ± 1.60 and 11.89 ± 1.57 cm, respectively. Self-reported erectile lengths (12.81 ± 1.85 cm) significantly exceeded measured values (Δ = 0.92 cm, P < .001), with 72.81% of the participants overestimating their erectile length. OE participants exhibited greater flaccid (7.46 ± 1.64 vs 6.74 ± 1.39 cm, P < .05) and stretched lengths (12.01 ± 1.47 vs 11.46 ± 1.69 cm, P < .05) than AE participants. UE individuals showed paradoxically higher stretched lengths (13.50 ± 2.38 vs 11.46 ± 1.69 cm, P < .05) and PLR (97 ± 36% vs 71 ± 14%, P < .05).

Clinical Implications

These findings provide critical references for clinical counseling on penile size and perioperative doctor-patient communication, potentially alleviating patient anxiety stemming from cognitive biases to a certain extent.

Strengths and Limitations

The strengths include standardized measurements and a clear classification of estimation group. The limitations include incomplete baseline data (lacking penile circumference, smoking history, etc.), single-center small-sample bias, inevitable selection bias, and absence of partner satisfaction data and validated assessments.

Conclusion

This study revealed that self-reported erect lengths among adult males were significantly longer than clinician-measured stretched lengths. OE participants accounted for more than 70% of the sample, while UE participants tended to have a greater PLR. The research provides reference ranges for flaccid and stretched penile lengths in Chinese males, offering objective data to support clinical counseling and surgical communication. This not only alleviates patient anxiety rooted in cognitive biases but also elucidates the potential association between penile size misperceptions and PLR.

Keywords: penis, length, penile dimensions, self-perception bias, penile lengthening ratio

Introduction

As a defining morphological feature of male secondary sexual characteristics, penile dimensions can have substantial sociocultural implications and clinical significance to men. Accumulating evidence indicates that penile size not only serves as a sociocultural symbol of virility and masculinity, but also exerts profound impacts on male psychological well-being.1,2 A striking “penile size perception paradox” has been observed cross-culturally where literature reports that while 85% of females express satisfaction with their partner’s genital dimensions, 45-68.3% of males demonstrate clinically significant penile size anxiety.3–6 This marked discrepancy between objective assessments and subjective perceptions underscores the variations between what females and males perceive as relevant and the profound influence of sociocultural constructs on male body image formation.

From a clinical perspective, penile size–related distress has emerged as a critical issue in contemporary men’s health management. A nationwide survey encompassing 25 000 heterosexual American males revealed that 45% of the participants sought penile enlargement, with 30% of these individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria for body dysmorphic disorder.7 Such pathological anxiety frequently originates from distorted perceptions of idealized masculine archetypes, consequently driving an increased demand for unnecessary penile augmentation procedures.4,8 These findings highlight the urgent need for establishing evidence-based normative references for penile dimensions through standardized measurement protocols.9,10

Current research limitations primarily manifest in two domains: first, a concern regarding actual sample representation, as most studies employ self-reported measurements from volunteer cohorts, introducing substantial selection bias,5 and second, inconsistent conclusions often exist regarding correlations between penile dimensions and anthropometric parameters such as stature and digit length. Notably, while early studies reported median self-measured erect penile lengths of 15-16 cm, subsequent studies utilizing standardized stretched penile measurement techniques suggest potential overestimation in these initial findings.4,5,10 The observed methodological disparities emphasize the necessity for measurement standardization. Numerous factors such as temperature, sexual arousal, and sympathetic tone can significantly affect the actual penile size at the time of physical examination. Furthermore, there are inter- and intraobserver variations and underestimation of the actual penile measurements. Current consensus recognizes stretched (flaccid) length measurement as the gold standard, due to high-evidence-level meta-analysis demonstrating nearly identical results with erect length.4,10

In the context of penile size research, the penile lengthening ratio (PLR) has emerged as a significant parameter. The PLR is calculated as the percentage increase in penile length from the flaccid state to the stretched or erect state. Understanding PLR not only helps in quantifying the physiological variability in penile length changes among individuals but also has potential implications for clinical practice. In cases of suspected penile dysmorphia or when evaluating the effectiveness of penile lengthening procedures, the PLR can serve as a valuable metric. For example, in patients considering penile lengthening surgery, preoperative assessment of their natural PLR might provide insights into the potential achievable results of the surgery. Additionally, in research on body image disorders related to penile size, the PLR can be used to better understand how the perceived discrepancy between flaccid and erect lengths impacts an individual’s psychological well-being.

Is there a widespread phenomenon of overestimation in self-assessed penile length among Chinese adult males? And is there a correlation between this overestimation bias and actual penile size, as well as the PLR? This single-center cross-sectional study aims to establish standardized reference ranges for flaccid and stretched penile lengths (SPLs) in Chinese males, providing objective data to support clinical diagnosis of “penile dysmorphic disorder” and alleviate patients’ anxiety from cognitive biases. It also seeks to reveal the patterns of deviation between self-reported and measured penile lengths, explaining why patients with penile prosthesis often complain of “perceived shortening after surgery”— preoperative self-overestimation may lead to postoperative perceptual discrepancy, offering a theoretical basis for presurgical doctor-patient communication and postsurgical psychological intervention.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at Peking University Third Hospital between December 2024 and March 2025, involving 342 Chinese males who had previously attended the andrology clinic of the Reproductive Medicine Center. Participants were recruited during routine andrology consultations. The exclusion criteria included the following: patients < 18 years, chronic erectile dysfunction (a disease course of >6 months and International Index of Erectile Function-5 score < 21), prior pelvic surgery, secondary hypogonadism, and penile pathologies or congenital abnormalities, with additional exclusion criteria as previously documented.3,11 Sample size was initially set at 350 to ensure sufficient statistical power, referencing similar studies on penile morphology in Asian populations.12,13

The baseline data collected included age, height, weight, ethnic background, and self-reported erect penile length. All the participants received standardized instructions on penile measurement protocols for both flaccid and maximally stretched states. Measurements were performed by a single trained andrologist in a controlled environment maintained at 25 °C to ensure consistency. Subjects assumed an upright stance while a disposable millimeter-graduated paper ruler was applied along the dorsal penile surface. Penile length was measured from the base of the pubic symphysis bone at the start of the penile skin insertion to the glans tip under both flaccid and stretched conditions.

Anthropometric parameters (age, height, weight) were recorded for all the participants, with body mass index (BMI) calculated as kilogram per meter squared. Penile dimensions were quantified as flaccid penile length (FPL) and SPL. The PLR was derived using the formula: PLR = (SPL − FPL)/FPL.14,15

Participants completed penile length assessment where they reported perceived penile lengths, which were later compared to objectively measured stretched lengths using a standardized tape protocol, and the measured lengths were primarily rounded to the nearest centimeter. Based on this comparison, participants were stratified into three mutually exclusive groups: (1) accurate estimation (AE), where self-reported lengths = stretched lengths; (2) overestimation (OE), where self-reported lengths > stretched lengths; and (3) underestimation (UE), where self-reported lengths < stretched lengths.

Statistical analysis

Continuous variables are presented as mean and standard deviation (SD) and were compared by Student’s independent t test or the Mann-Whitney U test based on their normal or not-normal distribution, respectively (the normality of variables’ distribution was tested by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Categorical variables were tested with the chi-square test. Linear regression was used to evaluate whether the height can be associated with the penile length and circumference. All the statistical analyses were completed using GraphPad Prism version 9 (GraphPad Software, California, United States, www.graphpad.com). For all statistical comparisons, a significance level of P < .05 was considered to show differences between the groups by Wilcoxon’s signed rank test.

Results

Study selection and post hoc power analysis

Figure 1 provides a flowchart of the study and the number of participants who were screened for eligibility and subsequently excluded from or included in the final research.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Flowchart of the studies included in the final research.

A retrospective power analysis was conducted using G*Power 3.1.16 A post hoc power analysis confirmed that 342 participants provided 82% power to detect a moderate effect size (d = 0.5) at α = 0.05, supporting the validity of our findings.

Synthesis of results

The baseline characteristics of the population are shown in Table 1. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 31.85 (5.88) years, mean (SD) height was 175.8 (5.64) cm, mean (SD) weight was 80.49 (13.96) kg, and mean (SD) BMI was 26.03 (4.16) kg/m2. Mean (SD) flaccid penis length was 7.27 (1.60) cm, mean (SD) stretched penis length was 11.89 (1.57) cm, and mean (SD) self-reported penis length was 12.81 (1.85) cm.

Table 1.

Epidemiological data of the cohort.

Volunteers, N = 342
Age (years), mean (SD) 31.85 (5.88)
Height (cm), mean (SD) 175.80 (5.64)
Weight (kg), mean (SD) 80.49 (13.96)
BMI (kg/m2), mean (SD) 26.03 (4.16)
Flaccid length (cm), mean (SD) 7.27 (1.60)
Stretched length (cm), mean (SD) 11.89 (1.57)
Self-reported length (cm), mean (SD) 12.81 (1.85)
Penile lengthening ratio (%), mean (SD) 72 (16)
Penile length perception bias, n (%)
Accurate estimation 89 (26.02)
Overestimation 249 (72.81)
Underestimation 4 (1.17)

Abbreviations: SD, standard deviation; BMI, body mass index.

The nomogram and paired samples t-test results demonstrated that the mean stretched length was significantly greater than the flaccid length, and the mean self-reported length was notably higher than the measured stretched length (P < .001). This indicates that these male patients tended to overestimate their penile length by approximately 1 cm on average (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Figure 2

Penile length nomogram with comparative analysis of mean values. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t test. *P < .05, **P < .01, and ***P < .001; ns: not significant.

The percentage distribution stratified by self-reported accuracy is presented in Figure 3.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

Pie chart of the proportional distribution across stratified groups. AE: accurate estimation; OE: overestimation; UE: underestimation.

Table 2 presents the baseline characteristics of populations stratified into AE, OE, and UE groups. Our analyses revealed that males in the OE group exhibited significantly greater mean values in both flaccid and SPLs compared to the AE group (P < .05), though no statistically significant differences were observed in median measurements. Notably, the UE group demonstrated no significant deviations in either mean or median flaccid length relative to both the AE and OE groups. However, their SPL showed statistically elevated mean and median values versus the AE group (P < .05) (Figure 4A). Further comparative analysis of the PLR demonstrated that the UE group had significantly higher PLR values than both the OE and AE groups (P < .05), while no significant differences were detected between the OE and AE groups in PLR measurements (Figure 4B).

Table 2.

Baseline characteristics of the accurate estimation (AE), overestimation (OE), and underestimation (UE) groups in the study.

Volunteers, N = 342 AE, N = 89 OE, N = 249 UE, N = 4 P value
Age (years), mean (SD) 31.96 (6.75) 31.86 (5,59) 29.00 (2.45) .618
Height (cm), mean (SD) 175.60 (5.33) 175.80 (5.79) 173.80 (1.71) .738
Weight (kg), mean (SD) 82.22 (14.21) 79.82 (13.91) 83.50 (8.96) .344
BMI (kg/m2), mean (SD) 26.58 (3.88) 25.80 (4.27) 27.65 (2.85) .235
Penile dimensions (cm), mean (SD)
Flaccid length** 6.74 (1.39) 7.46 (1.64) 7.00 (1.41) .001
Stretched length** 11.46 (1.69) 12.01 (1.47) 13.50 (2.38) .002
Self-reported length*** 11.46 (1.69) 13.31 (1.65) 11.75 (1.71) <.001
Penile lengthening ratio (%)** 73 (22) 71 (14) 97 (36) .008
Penile Dimensions (cm), median (IQR)
Flaccid length 7 (6-7) 7 (6-8) 7.5 (5.5-8) NA
Stretched length 12 (10-12) 12 (11-13) 12.5 (12-16) NA
Self-reported length 12 (10-12) 13 (12-14) 11.5 (10.25-13.5) NA

Abbreviations: SD, Standard deviation; BMI, Body mass index; IQR, interquartile range; NA, not applicable.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

Comparison of penile length and penile lengthening ratio (PLR) in different groups. (A) Comparison of flaccid length, stretched length, and self-reported length across groups. (B) Comparison of PLR between groups. Data are expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t test. *P < .05, **P < .01, and ***P < .001. NS: not significant; AE: accurate estimation; OE: overestimation; UE: underestimation.

Discussion

The current literature demonstrates a conspicuous absence of systematic investigations addressing both penile morphometric measurements and self-assessment accuracy among Chinese males. Our pioneering study provides normative references for Chinese adult males, with mean flaccid length at 7.27 cm (SD ±1.60), stretched length at 11.89 cm (SD ±1.57), and a PLR of 72% (95% CI 56-88). Interestingly, comparative analysis revealed a systematic overestimation bias in self-reported dimensions, with 72.81% of the participants exceeding their measured stretched length by a mean of 0.92 cm. The tripartite classification model (AE/OE/UE groups) yielded further interesting observations that OE subjects demonstrated significantly greater flaccid dimensions versus their AE counterparts (Δ = 0.72 cm, P < .001), suggesting this physical characteristic may contribute to their perceptual overestimation. Conversely, UE subjects showed no flaccid length advantage but paradoxically exhibited greater stretched lengths than their AE peers (Δ = 2.04 cm, P < .05), suggesting dissociation between anatomical reality and self-perception. Notably, the PLR was inversely associated with self-assessment accuracy, with individuals exhibiting higher PLR values showing increased likelihood of underestimation.

The terms “grower” and “shower” historically describe penile dimensional changes between flaccid and erect states, defined as ≥4 cm versus <4 cm erectile length increment respectively.17 A 2018 clinical study (N = 274) on erectile dysfunction patients revealed a 26% prevalence of growers compared to 74% showers.17 While no clinically significant differences in sexual function were observed between phenotypes, our preliminary findings suggest potential psychosexual correlations that need further validation.

Recent years have witnessed systematic investigations into penile dimensions across global populations, primarily focusing on length and circumference analyses.1,3,12,13,18 Our analysis revealed consistency with selected studies reporting SPL ranges of 10-13 cm among East/South Asian populations.1 However, substantial discrepancies emerge when comparing these findings to numerous reports documenting higher mean stretched lengths (15-16 cm) in other demographic groups, highlighting ongoing debates regarding anthropometric applicability across different ethnicities.1,3,5,10 Crucially, these morphometric references prove vital for clinical interventions addressing micropenis misconceptions, penile size anxiety, and body dysmorphic disorder—conditions where targeted sexual health education and psychological counseling demonstrate therapeutic efficacy.4,5 Our evidence-based measurements (flaccid: 7.27 cm; stretched: 11.89 cm) provide valuable references to inform clinical counseling strategies and guide psychosexual education initiatives, especially in the Chinese population. This finding corroborates a systematic analysis by Wang15 reporting Chinese penile dimensions of 7.42 ± 0.95 (flaccid) and 12.42 ± 1.63 cm (erect).

The existing literature suggesting male tendency toward penile size underestimation appears contradictory to our findings.3,5 This discrepancy arises from differing operational definitions: previous studies primarily addressed dissatisfaction-driven underestimation (perceived inadequacy), whereas our research specifically evaluates perceptual accuracy (measured vs self-reported dimensions). Crucially, body image perception and sexual satisfaction demonstrate significant clinical correlations, with size-related anxiety potentially exacerbating psychogenic erectile dysfunction.5,8,19,20 Patients harboring micropenis misconceptions frequently exhibit decreased sexual frequency and impaired ejaculatory control, underscoring the diagnostic necessity of evidence-based size references.4,20 Notably, contemporary surveys reveal hierarchical dissatisfaction patterns: flaccid appearance (27%), erect length (19%), and erect girth (15%).21 Clinically, we express heightened concern regarding the risks associated with size overestimation and postoperative perception discordance. Patients undergoing penile procedures might inappropriately attribute surgical outcomes to length reduction, emphasizing the imperative for preoperative standardized measurements (flaccid/stretched/erect) and postoperative reassessment protocols to mitigate medicolegal disputes.22

The belief that penile size serves as a primary marker of masculinity is profoundly influenced by the absence of formal sexual education in many regions. Globally, adolescents often rely on pornography as a surrogate source of sexual knowledge due to inadequate school-based or familial education.23–25 Studies have shown that exposure to pornographic media, which frequently exaggerates penile dimensions as a symbol of virility, reinforces misconceptions about sexual function and masculinity.26 For instance, longitudinal research indicates that young males who consume explicit content are more likely to associate penile size with self-worth, a correlation that persists in the absence of evidence-based sexual health education. This underscores the need for comprehensive educational initiatives to counteract these distortions and foster healthier body image perceptions.

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the baseline data collection was incomplete. Penile circumference was not measured, and the medical histories related to other systems were not queried. Whether the patients had undergone circumcision was not recorded. Additionally, we did not inquire whether the patients had ever self-measured their penile length and what the measurement results were. These unrecorded baseline data may be crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of the study subjects. Secondly, the study was inevitably affected by selection bias. The participants were recruited from outpatient clinics, resulting in a limited sample size and data sourced from a single center. This restricts the representativeness of the data. Although patients up to 80 years old were included, the patient population predominantly consisted of young and middle-aged men seeking pre-pregnancy examinations or consultations regarding fertility and sexual function issues. Consequently, the vast majority of participants were of childbearing age, which further contributed to the selection bias. Moreover, our measurement approach involved rounding the data to the nearest centimeter, and we did not consider a tolerance range during classification, potentially influencing the classification outcomes. Thirdly, we did not investigate the satisfaction of the participants’ partners, nor did we conduct sufficient stratified analyses among different patient types. These omissions limit the in-depth exploration and utilization of the data. Finally, although previous research suggests that SPL is comparable to fully erect length, it cannot be considered a perfect substitute for actual erect length.9

Contributor Information

Zhongjie Zheng, Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.

Yan Chen, Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.

Wei Zhang, Department of Urology, the People's Liberation Army No. 92493 Hospital (PLA No. 92493 Hospital), Huludao 125000, China.

Qianxi Chen, Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.

Zhen Liu, Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.

Eric Chung, Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; AndroUrology Centre, St. Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.

Kai Hong, Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.

Haocheng Lin, Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.

Author contributions

H.L.: Conceptualization, Data curation, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Writing – review & editing. W.Z.: Data curation, Investigation, Writing – original draft. Z.Z.: Formal analysis, Methodology, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft. Q.C.: Formal analysis, Software. Y.C.: Methodology, Visualization, Writing – original draft. Z.L.: Methodology. K.H.: Supervision, Writing – review & editing. E.C.: Validation, Writing – review & editing.

Zhongjie Zheng, Yan Chen, and Wei Zhang have made equal contributions to this study and thus share the first authorship.

Funding

This research was financially supported by the National Science Foundation of China (no. 82371633), Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation (no. 7212134), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities: Peking University Clinical Scientist Program (BMU2023PYJ H012), and the Clinical Cohort Construction Project C of Peking University Third Hospital (BYSYDL2024011).

Conflicts of interest

None declared.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request.

Ethical approval

All the study procedures were carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (2013) of the World Medical Association and participants provided written informed consent after accepting to participate. This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the Institutional Review Board of Peking University Third Hospital, and the protocol was approved by the same ethical committee (approval number: LM2025304).

References

  • 1. Nguyen Hoai  B, Pham Minh  Q, Nguyen Cao  T, Sansone  A, Colonnello  E, Jannini  EA. Data from 14,597 penile measurements of Vietnamese men. Andrology. 2021;9(3):906–915. 10.1111/andr.12978 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2. van Renterghem  K, De Bruyn  H, Jorissen  C, et al.  Penile length after penile implant surgery is determined by stretched penile length before surgery. J Sex Med. 2025;22(1):165–169. 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae153 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3. Di Mauro  M, Tonioni  C, Cocci  A, et al.  Penile length and circumference dimensions: a large study in young Italian men. Andrologia. 2021;53(6):e14053. 10.1111/and.14053 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4. Falcone  M, Bettocchi  C, Carvalho  J, et al.  European Association of Urology guidelines on penile size abnormalities and dysmorphophobia: summary of the 2023 guidelines. Eur Urol Focus. 2024;10(3):432–441. 10.1016/j.euf.2023.08.012 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 5. King  BM. Average-size erect penis: fiction, fact, and the need for counseling. J Sex Marital Ther. 2021;47(1):80–89. 10.1080/0092623X.2020.1787279 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 6. Loos  S, De Wil  P, Delcarte  L, Serefoglu  EC, Van Renterghem  K, Ward  S. The effect of penis size on partner sexual satisfaction: a literature review. Int J Impot Res. 2023;35(6):519–522. 10.1038/s41443-022-00636-7 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 7. Lever  J, Frederick  DA, Peplau  LA. Does size matter? Men’s and women’s views on penis size across the lifespan. Psychol Men Masculinity. 2006;7(3):129–143. 10.1037/1524-9220.7.3.129 [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 8. Gül  M, Altintas  E, Özkent  MS, Fenner  A, Serefoglu  EC. Depictions of penises in historical paintings reflect changing perceptions of the ideal penis size. BJU Int. 2023;131(5):581–587. 10.1111/bju.15926 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9. Cakir  OO, Pozzi  E, Castiglione  F, Alnajjar  HM, Salonia  A, Muneer  A. Penile length measurement: methodological challenges and recommendations, a systematic review. J Sex Med. 2021;18(3):433–439. 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.11.012 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10. Veale  D, Miles  S, Bramley  S, Muir  G, Hodsoll  J. Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521 men. BJU Int. 2015;115(6):978–986. 10.1111/bju.13010 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 11. Sanches  BC, Laranja  WW, Alonso  JC, Rejowski  RF, Simões  FA, Reis  LO. Does underestimated penile size impact erectile function in healthy men?  Int J Impot Res. 2018;30(4):158–162. 10.1038/s41443-018-0039-1 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12. Ojewola  RW, Ogunjimi  MA, Animashaun  EA, et al.  Urethral length and its relationship with anthropometric parameters in adult male Nigerians. BMC Urol. 2023;23(1):185. 10.1186/s12894-023-01360-0 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 13. Belladelli  F, Del Giudice  F, Glover  F, et al.  Worldwide temporal trends in penile length: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Mens Health. 2023;41(4):848–860. 10.5534/wjmh.220203 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 14. Wang  C. Systematic review and comparative study on length and circumference of penis of adults at home and abroad. Chin J Hum Sex. 2020;29(9):143–148. [Google Scholar]
  • 15. Wang  C, WangDing  Y. A meta-analysis of Chinese men’s penile size in a global context. Andrology. 2024;13(4):681–693. 10.1111/andr.13727 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 16. Faul  F, Erdfelder  E, Buchner  A, Lang  A-G. Statistical power analyses using G*Power 3.1: tests for correlation and regression analyses. Behav Res Methods. 2009;41(4):1149–1160. 10.3758/BRM.41.4.1149 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 17. Yafi  FA, Alzweri  L, McCaslin  IR, et al.  Grower or shower? Predictors of change in penile length from the flaccid to erect state. Int J Impot Res. 2018;30(6):287–291. 10.1038/s41443-018-0053-3 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 18. Solé  M, González  IT, Compagnucci  M, et al.  Reference penile size measurement and correlation with other anthropometric dimensions: a prospective study in 800 men. Asian J Androl. 2022;24(6):620–623. 10.4103/aja2021121 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 19. Massie  JP, Sood  R, Nolan  IT, et al.  Defining aesthetic preferences for the penis: a photogrammetric and crowdsourcing analysis. Aesthet Surg J. 2021;41(11):1293–1302. 10.1093/asj/sjab082 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 20. Soubra  A, Natale  C, Brimley  S, Hellstrom  WJG. Revelations on men who seek penile augmentation surgery: a review. Sex Med Rev. 2022;10(3):460–467. 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.10.003 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 21. Gaither  TW, Allen  IE, Osterberg  EC, Alwal  A, Harris  CR, Breyer  BN. Characterization of genital dissatisfaction in a national sample of U.S. men. Arch Sex Behav. 2017;46(7):2123–2130. 10.1007/s10508-016-0853-9 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 22. Chung  E, Ralph  D, Kagioglu  A, et al.  Evidence-based management guidelines on Peyronie’s disease. J Sex Med. 2016;13(6):905–923. 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.04.062 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 23. Mubasshera  H. Pornography usage during adolescence: does it lead to risky sexual behavior?  Health Econ. 2024;33(8):1682–1704. 10.1002/hec.4825 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 24. Yu  C, Kågesten  AE, De Meyer  S, Moreau  C, van Reeuwijk  M, Lou  C. Pornography use and perceived gender norms among young adolescents in urban poor environments: a cross-site study. J Adolesc Health. 2021;69(1):S31–S38. 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.03.008 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 25. Pathmendra  P, Raggatt  M, Lim  MS, Marino  JL, Skinner  SR. Exposure to pornography and adolescent sexual behavior: systematic review. J Med Internet Res. 2023;25:e43116. 10.2196/43116 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 26. Sun  C, Bridges  A, Johnson  JA, Ezzell  MB. Pornography and the male sexual script: an analysis of consumption and sexual relations. Arch Sex Behav. 2016;45(4):983–994. 10.1007/s10508-014-0391-2 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request.


Articles from Sexual Medicine are provided here courtesy of Oxford University Press

RESOURCES