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Urology (Expert Forum)
Flaccid vs Erect penis size
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Flaccid vs Erect penis size
by jdub3, Feb 17, 2007 12:00AM
I'm looking for the anatomical and/or physiological explanation for the fact the men with the same erect penis size have widely varying average flaccid penis sizes. This is not a question about a single individual's flaccid size variation from time to time due to temperature, mental state or degree of excitation. We know that larger flaccid penises have smaller percentage size increase with erection, since there's less variation in erect sizes. But the question is why? Why is there such a varation in flaccid size? That is, why are some men are "grow-ers" and some men are "show-ers".
I have been looking for the answer to this for awhile, and have found three common explanations: (1) blood flow, i.e., since the penis gets larger with erection, men with larger flaccid size must have more of a constant partial erection than others; (2) temperature, i.e., since the penis shrinks in cold, some men must have a higher average internal temperature; and (3) much of the penis is internal, so men with smaller flaccid penises ("grow-ers") must have smaller percentage of their penis external to the body; when they get erections, the part inside pushes out and makes the external erect penis larger. Are any of these on the mark, and supported by any scientific evidence?
Has anyone done a study or published on this? If so, can you give a reference?
Thanks.
I have been looking for the answer to this for awhile, and have found three common explanations: (1) blood flow, i.e., since the penis gets larger with erection, men with larger flaccid size must have more of a constant partial erection than others; (2) temperature, i.e., since the penis shrinks in cold, some men must have a higher average internal temperature; and (3) much of the penis is internal, so men with smaller flaccid penises ("grow-ers") must have smaller percentage of their penis external to the body; when they get erections, the part inside pushes out and makes the external erect penis larger. Are any of these on the mark, and supported by any scientific evidence?
Has anyone done a study or published on this? If so, can you give a reference?
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 18, 2007 12:00AM
, Feb 18, 2007 12:00AM
Interesting theories. I discussed this with some of my urologist friends. None can come up with a definitive study or reference supporting the hypotheses. Genetic variation, as well as individual patient variation is the best they could come up with.
They did not seem to agree with the fact that larger penises receive more blood flow, that much of the penis is 'internal', or a variation in body temperature being factors in penis size.
You can discuss these questions with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
They did not seem to agree with the fact that larger penises receive more blood flow, that much of the penis is 'internal', or a variation in body temperature being factors in penis size.
You can discuss these questions with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments
by jdub3, Feb 20, 2007 12:00AM
To: Urology - General
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by Colorado45, Apr 21, 2007 12:00AM
To: Urology - General
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