A micropenis is an unusually small penis that is first identified in early childhood or infancy. Usually, a prenatal testosterone deficit causes it. Early hormone therapy may encourage the penis to grow toward a more typical length in certain individuals.
Having a micropenis as an adult can make people feel self-conscious, particularly when having sex. You can still have sex and maintain long-term relationships, nevertheless, if you or your partner have a micropenis.
What Causes a Micropenis?
Sometimes, healthcare providers can’t pinpoint exactly what causes a micropenis. However, a micropenis is likely caused by hormonal abnormalities while a baby grows in the womb. “At this stage, low testosterone production can prevent a fetus’ penis from developing normally.
Additional reasons for micropenisinclude:
Micropenis can result from a chromosomal condition called disorder of sex development (DSD). Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: This disorder can stop normal penile growth by affecting testosterone levels.One Factors associated to pregnancy: Studies have also connected early use of estrogen-based reproductive medications and pesticide exposure during pregnancy to micropenis.56 Rare genetic disorders: KaKallman’s syndrome is one example of a genetic illness that can delay or prevent puberty, which frequently results in a micropenis.
The diagnosis and symptoms
The primary sign of a micropenis is its diminutive size, which varies according to age. The stretched—erect—penis length (SPL) of an adult with a micropenis is 3.67 inches (9.32 cm) or less.2. Typically, the internal genitalia, including the testicles, remain of typical size. Nevertheless, small or underdeveloped testicles can coexist with a micropenis.One Medical professionals typically measure a stretched penis from the pubic bone to the tip of the penis head in order to detect micropenis in newborns. A baby’s SPL of less than 1.9 cm (0.75 inches) is called a micropenis. If a child’s SPL is 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) or less, they may also be diagnosed with micropenis before reaching puberty.
What defines a Non-Micropenis?
Micropenis is reported to be present in 1.5 in 10,000 born male children. There are many different sizes and forms of penises. Size isn’t the most important factor in sex, and having a smaller-than-average penis doesn’t always indicate a medical concern. Nonetheless, a person’s penis may appear small and can be mistaken for a micropenis due to certain conditions:
Buried penis: A penis that is concealed by fat folds may appear smaller.
Penis webbed: People who have additional skin between their penis and scrotum may also appear to have a smaller penis.
Trap penis: A complication of circumcision known as “trapped penis” occurs when the penis becomes hidden by thick scar tissue.
Possible Treatments and Therapy
Treatments for micropenises begin with medical treatment like testosterone therapy and progress to surgical options if necessary or desired.
A micropenis can often be treated with testosterone therapy if diagnosed in infancy.
Testosterone Therapy
Sometimes you can give (an infant with a micropenis) a ton of testosterone in the first three months of life and get the penis to grow. Testosterone treatment can still be effective even after infancy, but only if it’s done before puberty.
Testosterone therapy often involves a series of testosterone shots, but infants can also have testosterone cream applied to the skin. Research shows both treatments effectively accelerate penis growth in babies and young children.
Surgical Procedures
Surgery to elongate the penis, known as phalloplasty, is another option for adults. However, surgical options can cause complications and don’t offer significant results.
One type of phalloplasty, known as a suspensory ligament release, detaches the ligament that supports the penis during erection. This can give the illusion of a larger penis, but the surgery can cause risks like nerve damage, erectile dysfunction , or loss of sensation. You may also develop scar tissue that can make the penis retract and appear smaller.
Other phalloplasty procedures construct a new penis (and urethra) using tissues from other bodily locations, such as the muscle flaps in the forearm. It is also a dangerous surgery.
Intercourse With a Micropenis
People with penises can still get erections, masturbate, have orgasms, and urinate even if they have a micropenis. A person with a micropenis cannot engage in penetrative sex. You and your lover can have a very fulfilling sexual life even if you have a micropenis. Simply concentrate on your sex activities.
Fingers, tongues, and toys can provide a great deal of enjoyment and fulfillment. Your body is enhanced by penis extenders and strap-ons. The most sensitive area of the genitals, such as the clitoris, G-spot, prostate, or frenulum, is stimulated by vibrators. Additionally, experimenting with different positions, such as missionary variations in which the penetrative partner kneels and the receptive partner props their hips on a stack of pillows before placing their legs straight up to rest on the partner’s shoulders and chest.
Micropenis and Fertility
Researchers found a link between male infertility and shorter SPL, although there is no information on the direct relationships between micropenises and infertility.Nine However, you are not inherently infertile if you have a micropenis.
On the contrary, a micropenis may complicate conception. According to certain studies, reduced conception rates are associated with penis lengths under two inches.Ten If penetrative sex is not an option, you and your spouse may choose to use assisted reproductive technology (ART) to conceive. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are two types of ART.