Does penis size matter?

The answer to this question rather depends upon your perspective. If you believe that you have a small penis, it may matter very much to you, however unimportant the issue might seem to others, and may resort to penis enhancement plan.

Some men become quite obsessed by the size of their penis and will consider almost anything, including surgery, to enlarge it.

Most of these men will have a penis that falls within the suggested normal size range, but that does not always make them feel normal or better about themselves.

Both they, and their doctors, should recognise that this is primarily a psychological problem, connected to physical and sexual self-image, rather than a physical handicap.

Researchers have repeatedly shown that penis size does not affect partner satisfaction during sexual intercourse.

Some men born with a severely shortened and malformed penis, even less than 2 inches (5.1cms) long when erect, enjoy very satisfactory sex with their partners.

Women are much more likely to be bemused by men's anxieties surrounding penis size, than amused by its actual dimensions.

Penis enlargement treatments

It should be said right away that 'do-it-yourself' treatments, which you buy via the internet or from a men's magazine, are most unlikely to do anything at all for you.

Treatments aimed at increasing penile length or girth can be divided into two groups:

• non-surgical treatments
• surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatment

From ancient times, men have tried a wide variety of treatments to enlarge the penis. Because of the sensitive nature of the problem, and because of the surrounding shame and embarrassment, concerned men are very vulnerable to exploitation by the unscrupulous.

While most doctors and other healthcare professionals act in a highly ethical manner, a few individuals will sell remedies and even perform surgery that they know has no evidence of long-term benefit.

Some of them have been barred from practice as a consequence of their unethical behaviour.

Others are still in practice, waiting to exploit the unsuspecting by relying on the fact the patients are likely to be too embarrassed to complain to the authorities about an unsatisfactory outcome.

A glance though the small ads in men's magazines will reveal the following 'treatments' on offer:

• vacuum 'developers'
• weights that attach to the penis to stretch it
• magnetic or electrical devices to stimulate penis growth
• 'hormone' therapy, sometimes containing testosterone or related sex hormones (steroids)
• remedies that contain assorted herbs from around the world.