Men typically go through a growth spurt during puberty, between the ages of 9 and 14. The penis grows longer and wider during this time.
However, some guys are dissatisfied with their penis size. Several enlargement methods claim to grow the penis, but most don’t work or have negative side effects.
Causes
During puberty, the body undergoes many significant changes that make you look more like a man. The voice gets deeper, the hair grows longer and darker, and the penis gets bigger too. This is a normal part of growing up and can happen as early as age 10 or as late as 18.
However, some men may notice that their penis doesn’t grow as they get older. This is called delayed penis growth and it can occur due to a variety of factors.
One cause is that the penis isn’t getting enough blood. This can lead to a condition known as Peyronie’s disease, where scar tissue develops inside the penis. Another reason is that the foreskin can’t be retracted. This can cause pain and a loss of sensation. Finally, a lack of sexual stimulation and erections can also prevent the penis from growing.
Hormones play a major role in the growth of the penis. Some people have low hormone levels, which can delay the growth of the organ. Other people may be exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can interfere with the natural balance of hormones and affect penis size. Additionally, if you are overweight, it can lead to a buildup of fatty tissue around the penis and make it appear smaller. It is important to talk to a doctor if you are concerned about the size of your penis. They can perform a physical exam and run blood tests to assess hormone levels and determine the cause of your concerns.
Treatments
As children go through puberty, they experience many fundamental changes. Their voice gets deeper, their hair grows and the penis & testicles grow too. This growth is mostly influenced by hormones but genetics can also play a role in size. In addition, there are certain lifestyle factors that can negatively impact penis growth. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and drug use can all affect hormone levels and lead to delayed or halted penis growth.
Men who are dissatisfied with the size of their penis often seek steroid medication, weight lifting or other non-surgical methods to enlarge them. Unfortunately, these methods don’t work and should be avoided. They can cause serious damage and should only be used under the care of a doctor or urologist.
If you’re experiencing severe distress over the size of your penis, please speak to a GP. It can be a sign of body dysmorphia and can lead to anxiety, depression and avoidance of relationships. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your GP, try visiting a sex therapist or The Samaritans who offer free and confidential support. You can also visit the Calm Zone who provide a confidential helpline or web chat service.
Surgery
Men who complain of a small penis despite adequate length are often suffering from Peyronie’s disease or another form of body dysmorphic disorder (PDD). These disorders are described by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder as a somatoform condition whereby people have a persistent preoccupation with a flaw in their physical appearance that causes them significant distress and impairment.
Unfortunately there are no medications or non-surgical methods known to enlarge the penis beyond what it naturally grows. There are, however, a number of surgical procedures to elongate the penis which can be done in private hospitals and are sometimes available on the NHS in exceptional cases. Men should beware of claims of treatments that can enlarge the penis as these are often scams.