Penile Size Dissatisfaction

BACKGROUND

Men concerned about their penis size often consult professionals working in urology, andrology, surgery, and sexual medicine.

AIM

To inform professionals in the sexual medicine field about small penis syndrome as a clinical syndrome and to provide recommendations for treatment.

METHODS

This was an overview of the existing literature combined with our extensive clinical experience.

RESULTS

Small penis syndrome is a syndrome with psychiatric comorbidities and social consequences that impair life. Men with these concerns tend to be susceptible for treatment that is not evidence based and potentially harmful.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Treatment of men with concerns about penis size should start with a thorough biopsychosocial assessment, followed by extensive psychoeducation, counselling, and psychological interventions, even if surgery is being considered.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

The strength of this study is the concise overview of the existing literature combined with clinical experience which leads to important recommendations. Limitation is that this is not a systematic review.

CONCLUSION

Complaints about penis size should be taken seriously, and a thorough biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary assessment is required.

Penile Length: Measurement Technique and Applications

INTRODUCTION

Penile size has long been an important fixation in men's lives. On the one hand, a smaller penis has been associated with anxiety and apprehension; on the other hand, a larger penis has generally been related to virility and strength. These perceptions predominate during an erection, when penile size is representative of a man's masculinity.

AIM

To assess adult penile length and summarize average penile length assessments from the literature; analyze how various urologic diseases and therapies affect penile length and volume; and review how surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease, penile prosthesis implantation, and radical prostatectomy can affect penile size to appropriately counsel patients seeking such therapies and set realistic goals for patients.

METHODS

To achieve the aim of this review, we analyzed the literature on penile size and volume and how these can be affected by various urologic diagnoses and therapies. We summarize common diagnoses and therapies that can affect penile size.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

We thoroughly discuss how the aforementioned diagnoses and therapies can negatively affect penile size. In doing so, we allow readers to understand the intricacies of penile size when faced with such diagnoses and therapies in their patients.

RESULTS

Surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease, penile prosthesis implantation for refractory erectile dysfunction, and radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer can lead to a decrease in penile size.

CONCLUSION

Urologists must recognize that the different therapies they offer can affect a man's penile size, often negatively. This in turn can lead to poorer satisfaction outcomes in patients. Davoudzadeh EP, Davoudzadeh NP, Margolin E, et al. Penile Length: Measurement Technique and Applications. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:261-271.