Does Penis Size Really Matter?
Copyright Source：
Yueke
Tue, May 14, 2024
PHOTO: Yueke
It's an age-old issue that men struggle with: Does the size of my penis really matter? The question covers layers of worry and fear, as men consider their possible inadequacy.
The answer is more complicated than you think. And fortunately, the problem is more often centered in your own perception than in your partner’s.
Penis Size: Facts and Misconceptions
First, the facts. According to a study reported in the journal Psychology of Men and Masculinity, the erect penis size of most men — 68 percent — is between 4.6 and 6 inches long. About 16 percent of men have an erect penis size longer than 6.1 inches, and of those only 2.5 percent are over 6.9 inches. About 16 percent of men have an erect penis size that’s shorter than 4.5 inches, with only 2.5 percent of those under 3.7 inches.
So now you know. But do you know who is worried about penis size? Look in the mirror.
In the same study of more than 52,000 participants — men and women — 45 percent of men reported that they were unsatisfied with their penis size and wanted to be larger. Compare that figure to the 16 percent who actually are shorter than average. And the perception didn’t change with age, either — about the same number of older men were unhappy with their penis size as were younger guys.
These concerns of inadequacy have consequences. Men who believed their penis size was too small were less likely to undress in front of their partner, more likely to hide their penis during sex, and more likely to judge themselves unattractive. On the other hand, men who thought they had a large penis were likely to be more self-confident and believe themselves to be attractive. Interestingly, 84 percent of the women surveyed reported that they were satisfied with their partner's penis size. So it's not her problem, guys — it's yours.
That's not the end of the story, though. Penis size does matter to women, but it turns out that when women talk about penis size, it’s usually about the width, not the length.
"A very long, skinny penis is not as pleasurable as a shorter, fatter one for most women," said Patti Britton, PhD, a sex coach and clinical sexologist in Los Angeles, Calif. "It's really the thickness of a male's penis that is the element allows her to feel what we in sexology called containment — the feeling of fullness that's produced with an object or a penis inside the vaginal wall."
Penis Size: What Really Matters
Penis size is not the final determining factor in a man’s ability to satisfy a woman or enjoy sex.
The two of the most sexually sensitive areas for a woman, the clitoris and the G-spot, are both easily reached and aroused. "The G-spot is only one-third up inside the vaginal barrel," Britton explains. "For women who tend to be G-spot oriented, a small or short penis can do the job, and the G-spot can produce ecstatic pleasure."
If you feel your penis is too skinny to satisfy your lover, there are ways around that as well. Sex toy companies have created latex or rubber rings or sleeves that fit around the penis and provide that feeling of fullness for her. "Many feature nubs or ribbing along the outside that allow him to provide additional stimulation while inside her," Britton says.
"There is an adage, it's not the size, it's how you use it," adds Britton. "If the male is a skilled lover manually and orally and sensually, he can produce high levels of pleasure and success in his lovemaking."
The answer is more complicated than you think. And fortunately, the problem is more often centered in your own perception than in your partner’s.
Penis Size: Facts and Misconceptions
First, the facts. According to a study reported in the journal Psychology of Men and Masculinity, the erect penis size of most men — 68 percent — is between 4.6 and 6 inches long. About 16 percent of men have an erect penis size longer than 6.1 inches, and of those only 2.5 percent are over 6.9 inches. About 16 percent of men have an erect penis size that’s shorter than 4.5 inches, with only 2.5 percent of those under 3.7 inches.
So now you know. But do you know who is worried about penis size? Look in the mirror.
In the same study of more than 52,000 participants — men and women — 45 percent of men reported that they were unsatisfied with their penis size and wanted to be larger. Compare that figure to the 16 percent who actually are shorter than average. And the perception didn’t change with age, either — about the same number of older men were unhappy with their penis size as were younger guys.
These concerns of inadequacy have consequences. Men who believed their penis size was too small were less likely to undress in front of their partner, more likely to hide their penis during sex, and more likely to judge themselves unattractive. On the other hand, men who thought they had a large penis were likely to be more self-confident and believe themselves to be attractive. Interestingly, 84 percent of the women surveyed reported that they were satisfied with their partner's penis size. So it's not her problem, guys — it's yours.
That's not the end of the story, though. Penis size does matter to women, but it turns out that when women talk about penis size, it’s usually about the width, not the length.
"A very long, skinny penis is not as pleasurable as a shorter, fatter one for most women," said Patti Britton, PhD, a sex coach and clinical sexologist in Los Angeles, Calif. "It's really the thickness of a male's penis that is the element allows her to feel what we in sexology called containment — the feeling of fullness that's produced with an object or a penis inside the vaginal wall."
Penis Size: What Really Matters
Penis size is not the final determining factor in a man’s ability to satisfy a woman or enjoy sex.
The two of the most sexually sensitive areas for a woman, the clitoris and the G-spot, are both easily reached and aroused. "The G-spot is only one-third up inside the vaginal barrel," Britton explains. "For women who tend to be G-spot oriented, a small or short penis can do the job, and the G-spot can produce ecstatic pleasure."
If you feel your penis is too skinny to satisfy your lover, there are ways around that as well. Sex toy companies have created latex or rubber rings or sleeves that fit around the penis and provide that feeling of fullness for her. "Many feature nubs or ribbing along the outside that allow him to provide additional stimulation while inside her," Britton says.
"There is an adage, it's not the size, it's how you use it," adds Britton. "If the male is a skilled lover manually and orally and sensually, he can produce high levels of pleasure and success in his lovemaking."
You wouldn't think there'd be a lot to learn about underwear — wear it, change it, wash it, repeat — but there's actually more than most men think. And whether guys choose boxers, briefs, or live to go commando, chances are, underwear rarely gets a second thought.
As a results, many men lack “underwear etiquette,” says Gregory D. Albert, MD, a physician in Delray Beach, Fla. “Underwear most importantly needs to be changed frequently and always remain clean, and I need to tell you, be discarded when they are thread-bare or stained,” he stresses. “If you work out or sweat excessively, it may be a good idea to change midday to remain fresh.” Here are more experts dos and don’ts.
With that sentiment in mind, there are a number of simple rules you can follow when it comes to men’s health and underwear. For starters, April Masini, a relationship advice expert and columnist, seconds the commandment that underwear dos include throwing out the old. “Your old underwear is not sentimental,” she says. “It's disgusting. Throw it out. Once a month throw out any underwear that is unpresentable. Gray, ripped, unsightly. Get rid of it. Uncertain? Toss it.”
Masini says this purge should be accompanied by buying new underwear regularly. “In fact, every time you get a haircut, buy some new underwear. Link buying new underwear to something you already do on a schedule, so you get into the habit.”
Don’t get locked into just one type of underwear. “My advice is to switch it up — and unless you’re religiously committed to boxers or briefs, have fun with your underwear and have some of both,” says Masini. “If you have fun with your underwear, she will, too — and everybody wins! Colors, fabrics, cuts, styles — have at least one pair of each. One of the best things you can do for your relationship is to keep things fresh in the bedroom, and while your underwear isn’t a cure-all for bad bedroom skills, it sure can’t hurt.”
Variety might be the spice of life (and underwear), but it also brings to mind the age-old men’s health debate: boxers or briefs? Here, Dr. Albert says, it’s really a matter of your own personal tastes more than anything else. “Generally, boxers will give you more breathing room, and briefs will give you support,” he says. “It is a matter of preference, yet tighter briefs will lower fertility, so if you are trying to get your wife pregnant, stick with loose-fitting boxers.”
The next issue to consider is what material to choose. Masini says that men, just like women, should choose cotton or synthetic blends for everyday wear and save the more luxurious silks and other fun fabrics for special occasions.
For the gym, Maurice Voce, the co-founder and chief marketing officer of skin care line Skin Authority, says that the newest synthetic blends are the way to go to prevent chaffing. “You definitely need to wear underwear that provides the proper level of support and utilizes a moisture-wicking fabric,” he says. “Never wear boxers, cotton, or go commando when working out. The good news is there are so many athletic underwear choices at all price points. Also, never wear workout underwear more than once without washing them.”
Another underwear option is to wear no underwear at all. This can be fun and feel great in the right circumstances, but our experts advise proceeding with caution. “Going commando can be very sexy, but like everything else, there's a time and a place,” Masini says. “Commando is great if you’re going for a sexy evening with a predictable outcome. However, dancing the night away first is going to have a sweaty outcome, which is not ideal. Also, linen trousers or shorts are going to reveal a little too much of your commando profile. If you go commando, wear something that makes your underwear status your little secret revealed by choice, not visual impact.”
TELL US: Guys, which style do you choose and why? (Note: Mobile users won’t be able to comment.)
