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Penis Facts: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Penis

by Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients

We offer affordable prices for treatment by a top urologist with or without insurance.


Many men contact us with questions about the size of their penis and with requests for penile lengthening.  To help men with getting objective information, we put together the following information.  If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, or if you need a second opinion, please contact us.

What is the Average Size of the Penis?

A penis can be measured in flaccid state (non-erect), flaccid (non-erect) stretched, and erect state.  Stretched penile length predicts the size of the erection most closely.  There appear to be some ethnic and genetic variations in penile length.

Based on the analysis of published medical literature, the best estimates for the average dimensions of the male penis are as follows:

  • Mean flaccid length: is 8.7-9 cm +/- 1.6-2 cm
  • Stretched flaccid penile length: 12.5 cm +/-2 cm
  • Erect penile length: 12.9 cm +/- 2 cm
  • The average circumference in the middle of the shaft is 10 cm.

Does Shoe Size Predict Penile Size?

A study was performed by two gentlemen in the UK, who happened to be urologists. They looked at 104 men and found no relationship between shoe size and penis length. Further studies with a larger number of penises may be necessary to detect a small relationship.

Does Index Finger Length Predict the Size of the Penis?

This question certainly kept quite a few urologists awake at night. Of course, human curiosity has no bounds, and a study was performed to answer this crucial question for human-kind.

The study revealed that the penile length and penile shaft volume (girth and length) are correlated with the length of the index finger. The only size that matters is the index finger size!

Does weight or BMI (Body Mass Index) predict penis length?

Studies suggest that weight does not predict penile length.  However, when it comes to weight, it’s much more complex.  Studies measure the total length of the penis, from the ‘base of the penis‘ to ‘tip of the penis”.

When it comes to appearance, men who are obese often have a significant amount of fat in the area above the penis (infrabupic fat), which can make the visible penile length significantly shorter than it really is.

Of course, a significant amount of fat in the infrapubic area above the penis also makes functional penile length much shorter than the measured penile length. Measured penile length is usually measured from the base of the penis (which means the fat is pushed away) to the tip of the penis. During sex, fat cannot be pushed away.

While obese men have similar penis sizes as non-obese men, in severely obese men, the penis appears much smaller due to overlying fat.

This condition is called “buried penis” to signify that a significant part of the penis is hidden or buried below the fat.  

Does Height Predict Penis Length?

Multiple studies have shown that height does not predict penile length.

Is it Possible to Increase Penis Length?

Most men have a functionally normal penile length when erect.  Non-erect penis often appears small, especially in men who are obese. Weight loss is an effective treatment option; occasionally, liposuction may be beneficial for some men.

Good erection quality contributes to achieving full penile length. For men with erectile dysfunction, the treatment of ED can help.  Mechanical stretching can add 1-2 cm to penile length, but the benefits are not clear.  It is possible that in men with testosterone deficiency, testosterone replacement may help with both ED and penile length, but it has not been rigorously evaluated in scientific studies.

Surgical approaches to penile lengthening are associated with risks and side effects and are rarely indicated.  For men with ED for whom medications do not work, penile prosthesis implantation can add 1-2 cm of length.

Is it Possible To Break Penis?

While the penis is not a bone, it is possible to fracture the penis by breaking the integrity of the mechanism that maintains erection hardness. The hardness of the penis is a result of high pressure generated inside the penis by blood inflow. The mechanism involves tunica albuginea, which is similar to a sausage casing.  If the tunica rips, which can happen during sex, penile fracture results.  Penile fracture is an emergency.

Penile fracture is a  dangerous problem that can occur during sex, but fortunately, it is fairly uncommon.  
 
A penile fracture refers to a tear or rupture of the penile sheath that surrounds the penis.  It’s not a bone but more like a sausage casing.   The sheath called tunica albuginea is responsible for maintaining pressure in the penis that allows an erection to occur.  
 
The most common cause of penile fracture is from an erect penis slipping out from the vagina and hitting the perineum during sex. It appears that woman-on-top is the highest risk position for a penile fracture to occur, but it can occur in any position. During vigorous sexual activity, if the penis slips out and hits something hard, it generates very high torque force on tunica albuginea and can lead it to be torn.  
 
The most common symptom of penile fracture is a ‘popping sound’ that occurs often but not always, followed by severe pain and loss of erection. “Black-and-blue” hematoma can occur on the penis; some men may also experience bleeding from the tip of the urethra or blood in the urine.   
 
Typically, a penile fracture is considered a urological emergencySurgical repair of the tear usually results in good outcomes.  If the penile fracture is severe and not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to problems with obtaining or maintaining erections (erectile dysfunction); it may also cause scar formation in the penis and a condition called Peyronie’s disease which causes curvature and deformity of the penis.   
 

Did you know?  Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 penile surgeries, including penile implants, correction of Peyronie’s disease, circumcisions, circumcision revisions, frenuloplasty, and congenital penile curvature.  He performs 150-200 penile surgeries a year.

Where to Get Treatment for Penis Problems in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer specialized treatment for ED for men. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Call/text today: 1-646-663-5747 or make an appointment online.  

We treat sexual and erection problems and perform penile surgery. We offer comprehensive STD testing for infections.  We treat penile problems in men, including phimosis, balanitis, penile irritation, and penile redness. We perform a no-scalpel vasectomy, vasectomy reversal, cosmetic circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, penoscrotal web repair, penile cyst removal, penile skin bridge removal. We offer confidential appointments.

Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insuranceLow-cost Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) are available to our patients.  We offer free insurance verification.

Read Real Stories of Men who Underwent Treatment for Penis Problems at New York Urology Specialists.

We offer treatment for penile problems, including ED, Peyronie’s disease, foreskin irritation, penile cysts, skin bridges, and other problems to patients within driving distance to our offices as well as from other states and countries.  Our patients come from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and over 70 countries worldwide.

What do Penile Problems Look Like?

You can find pictures of penile problems, including before and after treatment images, in our image gallery.

What You Need to Know:

Cost of Treatment and Insurance

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

We accept many health insurance plans.  We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and to provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage.  Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Treatment of Penile Problems?

  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with penile problems, symptoms of ED, premature ejaculation, and other sexual problems using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of sexual, penile, and erection problems in men.
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
  • We offer treatment options for balanitis, genital warts, phimosis, Peyronie’s disease, and penile cysts in our office, which avoids the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.  
  • Extensive Experience: Thousands of men have been treated successfully using medical therapy, penis surgery, penile injections with Trimix, penile plication, plaque excision, and grafting, and penile implant surgery.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
  • We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men who are seeking ED treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.

Scheduling Appointments for Penis Problem Treatment at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients

We offer affordable prices for treatment by a top urologist with or without insurance.


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Penile Problems are Treatable in Nearly Every Man

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of penile problems and erectile dysfunction.  We understand the challenges that penile problems create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for erectile dysfunction that fits your needs, lifestyle, and your preferences.

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction. By virtue of our experience and skill, we can offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man who desires an effective treatment for penile problems. We specialize in minimally invasive, highly effective treatment for symptoms of penile pain, urethral burning, foreskin inflammation, and penile cancer. Many treatment procedures are performed in the convenience and privacy of office settings under local anesthesia.  We offer medical and surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction.

We Treat Some of the Most Complex ED Problems Including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-5747 or make an appointment online

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of penis problems, including sexual and erection problems in men using modern effective, and proven treatment methods.  We offer inflatable penile implant, shockwave therapy for ED, and treatment for Peyronie’s disease.  We perform circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, penoscrotal web repair, testicular implants, penile cancer treatment,

He has successfully treated thousands of men of all ages with penile problems, including irritation and inflammation of the penis, bent penis, and weak erections. 

He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients

We offer affordable prices for treatment by a top urologist with or without insurance.