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Small penis and the male sexual role
1Institute of Urology, St. Peter's Hospitals, London, England.
Insights
This study examined 20 patients diagnosed with micropenis in infancy. Despite childhood treatments, most patients remained below the 10th percentile for penile length, yet achieved normal sexual function and relationships.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Sexual Medicine
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Micropenis is a condition characterized by a penis size significantly smaller than average.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for potential growth and development.
- Long-term outcomes regarding sexual function in treated micropenis patients require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of individuals diagnosed with micropenis in infancy.
- To assess penile length and sexual function in prepubertal and postpubertal patients.
- To understand the impact of childhood hormonal treatments on adult sexual health.
Main Methods:
- Interview and clinical examination of 20 patients with a primary diagnosis of micropenis in infancy.
- Division of patients into prepubertal (10-13 years) and postpubertal (17-43 years) groups.
- Review of childhood treatment history, including human chorionic gonadotropin, testosterone, or cortisone administration.
Main Results:
- Only 1 prepubertal patient had penile length above the 10th percentile; all postpubertal patients were below the 10th percentile.
- Most patients received hormonal treatments during childhood.
- Despite small penile size, all patients were heterosexual, experienced erections and orgasms, with many reporting sexual activity, ejaculation, and successful relationships, including fathering a child.
Conclusions:
- Individuals diagnosed with micropenis in infancy may achieve normal sexual function and reproductive capacity despite limited penile growth.
- Childhood hormonal therapies may not significantly increase penile length beyond the 10th percentile but do not preclude normal sexual function.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between penile size, hormonal treatments, and sexual health outcomes in micropenis patients.
Abstract:
We interviewed and examined 20 patients with the primary diagnosis of micropenis in infancy. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 8 prepubertal (10 to 13 years old) and 12 postpubertal (17 to 43 years old). All but 1 had been given human chorionic gonadotropin, testosterone or cortisone during childhood. Only 1 child in the prepubertal group had a stretched penile length above the 10th percentile. All postpubertal patients were below the 10th percentile. Puberty was delayed in only 2 patients in the older group. All patients were heterosexual and they had erections and orgasms. Eleven patients had ejaculations, 9 were sexually active and reported vaginal penetration, 7 were married or cohabiting and 1 had fathered a child.