Penis girth is a term that is often confused with size or length. Girth differs between that of a flaccid penis and an erect or firm one, which can cause further uncertainties when it comes to consistency of measurements. In this article, we explain exactly what it is, how to properly measure it, average sizes around the world, and how it can potentially be increased.
Penis girth refers to the circumference of the penile organ and is sometimes used to describe the ‘width’ or ‘thickness’. It is the measurement all the way around it and not straight across, which would be the diameter. It is not the same as penis length which refers to the distance from the pubic bone to the tip.
Penis girth is measured around the thickest part of the penis, which varies by person and can be the tip, base, or shaft. A basic tape measure can be used to quantify the girth of a penis. You can also wrap a strip of paper around it and mark where it overlaps, then measure this using a traditional ruler. Many men will take measurements around the mid-portion of the penis, both when the penis is flaccid or soft and when it is erect or firm.
As we saw above, penis size can be measured in terms of length and girth. According to a scientific study published in the British Journal of Urology International, the average penis girth worldwide is 4.69 inches (11.91 cm) when erect and 3.67 inches (9.32 cm) when flaccid. The same study found that the average erect penis length is 5.16 inches (13.11 cm) and the flaccid length is 3.61 inches (9.17 cm).
Average penis size can vary significantly by country. For example, men in Congo and Sudan have an average length of 7.1 inches (18.034) whereas South Korean men have an average penis size of 3.7 inches (9.4 cm). In the USA, the average penis length is 5.1 inches (13 cm).
The answer to this question is… it depends whom you ask. Several research studies have attempted to address the topic, but the results have been mixed.
Let’s start with the overarching theme: penis size does not seem to be a priority from a women’s perspective. According to research published in the British Journal of Urology International, women care more about a man’s looks and personality than his penis size. Another research study conducted at UCLA found that 85% of women are satisfied with their partner’s penis size.
However, a Mister Poll survey found that 81% of female respondents would choose an average-looking male with a bigger package over a very attractive man with a small penis. The same poll also found that 75% of the respondents said that penis girth and length matter a lot. This seemingly contradicts the findings published by the British Journal of Urology International and UCLA. Although the polls have a large sample size (over a thousand respondents), it’s unclear how rigorous their statistical approach to data collection and analysis was. So, although the poll figures may seem interesting, they are likely to be less accurate than the scientifically researched and peer-reviewed data.
Other studies indicate that of the female respondents, almost 90% of women prefer a penis with a larger girth than a longer one. This suggests that larger penis girth may be more appealing aesthetically or provide more sexual satisfaction. Research indicates that women find that penises measuring between 5 and 7.5 inches in circumference are the most satisfying.
It is possible to increase the size of the penis via medication or surgery. Many men wish they had a longer penis, but it is also important to consider the girth when making changes too. Extending the penis without increasing the circumference can lead to less aesthetically pleasing results. In this section, we look at some of the options available to increase penis girth as well as length.
Penis enlargement surgery is suitable for a variety of patient types and conditions. If you suffer from small penis syndrome, buried penis, curved penis, or have sustained a penile injury or trauma, then the procedure can help to increase penis size. Some people opt for penis enlargement for personal or aesthetic reasons rather than medical, so it is also available as a cosmetic surgery.
This type of surgery can increase penis girth as well as length. The result tends to be more proportional and therefore looks more pleasing than alternative methods. Our patients typically see a girth increase of 1 to 2 inches in girth. Flaccid length increases are also reported; however, results can vary depending on the individual.
The success rate is very high with minimal risks of unwanted side effects.
There are numerous penis pumps and stretching devices available that claim to increase penile length, however, this approach is unlikely to affect penis girth. When it comes to penis pumps, there is very little research to suggest that they are effective. They are thought to cause swelling which may temporarily increase penis girth, but the effect is diminished after blood flow returns to normal.
Stretching devices are also advertised as an effective means to elongate a small penis. Different instrument designs either push the penis from its head in order to increase the length or pull it from the shaft or tip to ‘stretch’ it out. It’s unclear whether they are truly effective since they require consistent use over a period of years, which most people don’t stick with. Even if they could increase length, they do not affect penis girth.
Medications can be used to address erectile dysfunction (ED) in older men which can also contribute to penis girth. Drugs like Viagra and Cialis are the most well-known, but other brands are also available depending on where you live and what your physician prefers to prescribe.
If you’re concerned about your penis girth then medication may provide a short-term solution. These drugs are intended to encourage a firm erection for a prolonged time period with a particular benefit for some older men. Penile function can decrease as we get older so taking Viagra or Cialis can help to reverse the effects. They can also temporarily increase the mass of the penis by encouraging blood flow to the organ. People over 50 years old tend to see the biggest benefit but if you’re under this age then they may not provide strong results.
It’s important to tread carefully whenever taking medications of any kind. Be especially wary of anything you find advertised online that purports to achieve miraculous results. If it seems too good to be true it almost always is. Prescribed medications undergo a thorough vetting by regulatory authorities whereas pills that are sold online are not regulated in any way. In serious cases, online medications have been known to cause severe reactions and have a negative impact on people’s health.
These medications increase blood flow to cause an erection but won’t lead to any size increase beyond that.
Our specialist team of medical professionals has extensive experience in this area. They can answer any questions you may have about increasing penis girth via surgery or arrange an initial consultation. Get in touch here to request an appointment or get advice from a consultant.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
Please note that individual results may vary. The potential complications, risks, benefits, and alternatives, including no surgery, will be discussed with you at length before proceeding with any procedure.
Are you contemplating the Himplant procedure but uncertain about your eligibility? If you're over 21 and seeking penile enhancement, the Himplant procedure might be a viable option. For individuals dealing with retractile penises, buried penises, or experiencing mild or moderate penile curvature, Himplant could offer a suitable solution.
We are committed to ensuring that you possess all the necessary information to determine whether Himplant's penile enhancement procedure aligns with your unique circumstances. Schedule a consultation today and explore how Himplant, the successor to the Penuma implant, can empower you to lead a life filled with confidence.
