For most men out there, penis shrinkage or a reduction in shaft size is a common fear. Yes, your penis can become smaller by an inch or so due to various reasons. In most cases, the size reduction will be less than an inch, however, say half an inch or less.
If you’re suffering from this condition, here’s what you need to know: it will not affect your performance in bed. That said, you may still want your penis to go back to the way it was. In some cases, the condition is permanent; in others, it is treatable through factors like lifestyle changes.
Are you curious to know more about what causes this problem? If so, read on! This article will also provide you with some helpful tips on how to treat the condition.
What Is The Average Penis Size?
Penis size among men tends to vary, sometimes quite a bit. However, contrary to popular belief, race and ethnicity do not factor into penis size whatsoever. The average size is still up for debate, so numerous studies are conducted on this topic. BJU International’s research reports the following findings:
- A flaccid penis will have an average length of 9.16 cm or 3.6 in.
- While flaccid, a penis will have an average circumference of 9.31 cm or 3.7 in.
- The typical length of a flaccid penis when stretched is 13.24 cm or 5.3 in.
- An erect penis can increase up to 13.12 cm or 5.2 in, on average.
- The standard circumference of a penis when erect will be around 11.66 cm or 4.6 inches.
What Causes Penis Shrinkage?
There is more than one cause for penis shrinkage. These reasons include the natural process of growing old, medical conditions, or some poor lifestyle habits. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common causes for this condition:
Aging
As you grow older, the fat deposits in your arteries increase. In turn, this decreases the flow of blood to your male member and testosterone levels, which impacts the erectile tubes. It causes the muscle cells in them to become weaker. These tubes are responsible for your erections. Naturally, then when they lack blood, you have to deal with smaller erections that may not last as long.
Besides that, scar tissue tends to build-up on the penis from minor injuries accumulated over time. Factors like sports and sexual activity often contribute to such wounds. The tissue then affects the permeable erectile tissues. The result? Penis shrinkage and limited erection sizes.
Smoking
Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can negatively affect the blood vessels in your penis. These injuries can then prevent blood from flowing into the penis and stretching. Bear in mind that no matter the stimuli or brain’s effect, damaged blood vessels will never support an erection.
Studies as far back as 1998 even prove smokers have shorter erect penises than non-smokers. Besides penis shrinkage, smoking is also known to cause erectile dysfunction (ED). ED, too can hamper your ability to hold an erection.
Medications
A few medications can also affect the penis size. Sexual medicines like Adderall, some antidepressants and antipsychotics, and drugs for treating enlarged prostates fall in this category. To name some drugs, in particular, finasteride and dutasteride for treating enlarged prostates, seem to impact penis size negatively. Studies in 2012 and 2014 prove these results through testing.
Obesity
As men age, it is natural for them to put on a bit of weight, especially around the stomach(belly fat). Weight gain may also cause your penis to look smaller, but that doesn’t mean it has shrunk. It seems smaller simply because your abdominal wall holds your male member.
That means when the stomach expands; the penis gets pulled inwards. If you were to lose the additional weight, your penis would go back to normal in this case.
Prostate Surgery
According to research, men who have been surgery patients for removing the prostate gland are left with a smaller penis. Often, the reason behind this surgery is the presence of prostate cancer cells. Researchers say that even a radical prostatectomy (RP) can cause penis shrinkage in some men. However, exactly why this happens remains a mystery.
Some believe it has something to do with shortening the urethral tube connected to the bladder during surgery.
Peyronie’s Disease
This condition causes the development of fibrosis, which is thick scar tissue within your shaft. For this reason, your penis may appear more curved than usual during an erection. In most cases, there is no reason to worry over this. However, some men find the curve quite significant or even painful.
Besides, Peyronie’s can even reduce the size and girth of your shaft. The condition may at times go away by itself. However, surgery may be necessary if you find the curve hurts or hampers intercourse.
Treatments For Penis Shrinking
Fortunately, in a majority of cases, you can reverse penis shrinkage with simple lifestyle changes. You may need to put in a bit more effort to work out or give up smoking, but that’s about it. Here are a few steps you can take to treat penis shrinkage:
Do Exercises
Research proves that men who follow a regular fitness routine have better erectile health and sexual function. The more you exercise, the better! If you’ve put on weight causing your penis to look smaller, exercise is the easiest way to slim down.
That said, you must make sure to exercise healthily to prevent a smaller penis. Avoid partaking in any steroids or performance boosters as these throw the hormones off balance, leaving you with smaller balls.
Quit Smoking
It’s no surprise to hear that smoking is bad for you, from causing cancer to heart disease. However, it can also take an inch of your shaft. To prevent that, you may want to consider passing on the nicotine.
There are plenty of methods you can try to help you stop. Consider trying NRTs, non-nicotine medication, or even meditation. Even hypnosis and yoga can be helpful when it comes to quitting smoking.
When you choose to stop smoking, consider having some behavioral support around you as well. Individual therapy is perhaps the most effective practice in this category.
Use Penis Stretching Devices
Are you suffering from penis shrinkage syndrome due to Peyronie’s disease or bent dick? If so, this tip will be especially beneficial for you!
If you haven’t heard of penis extenders before, they are non-invasive devices that use traction to stretch your penis. Research reports stories of the flaccid penis size increasing by over 1.5 cm after using penis extenders for three months. Not to mention, they work wonders if you want to reverse the effects of Peyronie’s disease.
Of course, as with any activity, you must take certain precautions while using these extenders. Stretching too much can cause bruising, damage, or blood clots in the veins of your shaft.
If you’re unsure where to start with penis extenders, check out SizeGenetics. This penis extender is one of the best available in the market, and it comes with FDA approval! Want to know more? Check out our in-depth SizeGenetics review for all the information you need.
Eat Healthy Foods For Penis Health
When you have a healthy and balanced diet, you will naturally be fitter. However, eating healthy can significantly impact particular body parts, which you may not consider. That includes your penis!
Chow down on some spinach, apple peels, avocados, chili peppers, carrots, oats, or tomatoes! Olive oil and salmon can also help prevent or reverse penis shrinkage syndrome. Anything rich in omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats is suitable for your member.
Now let’s talk about some foods you may want to avoid because there are some. Typically, you want to pass on anything that has saturated or trans fats. Say anything deep-friend, several cold cuts, and bacon, among others.
Limit Alcohol Usage
Did you know that alcohol is a depressant? For this reason, it decreases the blood flow to the penis. So naturally, years of drinking or drinking too much can affect your sexual function.
That does not mean you need to give up on alcohol entirely. Instead, you want to enjoy the two together in a responsible manner. In moderate amounts, alcohol can be helpful to your flaccid shaft since it is a muscle relaxer.
While alcohol limits are mostly personal, here are some figures to help you out. Some doctors say that two drinks a night counts as moderate drinking. Also, drinking more than five drinks in two hours classifies as binge drinking.
Wrap Up
If you are experiencing penis shrinkage after prostate surgery, you need not worry, as it may reverse over time. Even if that’s not the case, the condition is reversible most of the time through a few simple lifestyle changes. If you’re a smoker, quit; if you drink too much alcohol, cut down; if you’re lazy, start working out.
Penis shrinkage typically will not hamper your sexual experiences. However, you may want to visit a doctor if you experience some pain or if the cause is Peyronie’s disease. A doctor or urologist will better be able to answer all your questions and offer reassurance. Not only that, but they will also know whether further testing or treatment is needed.
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