Outcome studies among men with micropenis

Area of Science:

• Andrology
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Micropenis is a condition defined by penile length significantly below average.
• Understanding long-term outcomes, including adult penile length and psychosocial adjustment, is crucial for affected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine adult stretched penile length (SPL) in males diagnosed with micropenis.
• To compare adult SPL with diagnosis-related factors (SPL at diagnosis, age of diagnosis, etiology).
• To assess social, psychosexual, and psychiatric adjustment in adult males with a history of micropenis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of adult SPL in 22 males diagnosed with micropenis.
• Comparison of adult SPL with historical data (SPL at diagnosis, age of diagnosis, etiology) in 20 males diagnosed pre-puberty.
• Administration of questionnaires (Social Adjustment Self Report, Hopkins Symptom Checklist) to assess psychosocial and psychiatric status.

Main Results:

• The majority of adult males with micropenis had an adult SPL within 2 standard deviations of the normal mean.
• A potential for greater-than-average SPL growth between diagnosis and adulthood was observed, though the cause is unclear.
• No significant relationship was found between SPL at diagnosis and adult SPL.
• Men with a history of micropenis reported social, psychosexual, and psychiatric adjustment comparable to control groups.

Conclusions:

• Most males diagnosed with micropenis achieve adult stretched penile length within the typical range.
• Psychosocial and psychiatric adjustment in adult males with a history of micropenis appears comparable to controls.
• Further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to interval penile growth in this population.