Is it possible to have small penis depression?
By
OptimistMinds
As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.
Author bio
The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
In this article, we will be answering the question “Is it possible to have a small penis depression?”. We will also be discussing small penis syndrome, its symptoms, micropenis and other mental disorders related to small penis. Moreso, treatments and frequently asked questions will also be discussed in the content.
Is it possible to have depression from having a small penis?
Yes, it is. To know more about depression from having a small penis, we will be discussing small penis and we’ll explore the condition Small Penis Syndrome.
Small Penis Syndrome
Small Penis Syndrome is a condition where a man has anxiety about having a small penis and does not necessarily have a physically small penis. However, there are others among them who persistently worry and are anxious about their penis size even if theirs is not below the average. This disturbance causes impairment to other areas of functioning such as relationship with their partners.
Some may deem their penis size as small because they have a bulky or large body built, or due to comparison on what is shown in the media such as in pornography or social media and other medical factors.
Symptoms of Small Penis Syndrome
It is common for men to occasionally perceive their penis as not being large enough. In most cases, however, this is not the case. Most men diagnosed with this syndrome does not have physically small penis, but they deem and worry theirs is which causes anxiety.
Some symptoms of the small penis syndrome or penile dysmorphic disorder or PDD are:
- constant comparison between their penis size with others, including what is seen in the media.
- believing the penis is unusually small regardless being laid down with evidence.
- distorted perceptions of penis size
- making an unusually big deal on penis size
- embarrassed or ashamed about penis size
- troubles having intercourse with partner due to worries and anxiety about penis size
- diminished sexual functioning such as getting erection and/or release.
Individuals with small penis syndrome may also have some symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder or BDD. These might include:
- obsessive preoccupation with appearance
- compulsions and repetitive behaviors in relation to appearance or penis size.
- continuous distress about its appearance
- depression or anxiety about its size
It was found in a study published in British journal of Urogy International that 85% of women are content with their partner’s penis size. On the other hand, convinced that they have a small penis is 45% of men.
Men who deemed this experience and feel shame, anxiety and embarrassment. It was cautioned by the doctors who researched this to take these men’s concerns seriously and are recommended to be sent to seek a mental health professional if need be.
However, there are others who take advantage of this and use this to market alternative ways by selling penis extenders and/or advertising surgery to address the concern. Note that it is best to seek first a medical professional help before confirming to these kinds of recommendations.
Not many men have actually small penis as these are rare cases. If you think you have a small penis, it is best to seek help from your doctor as this might not actually be the case. Also note that small penis syndrome is likely associated with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. A problem relating to the psychological (not anatomical) being of a person.
Average penis size statistics
Most people believe the average size of a penis is 6 inches long. However, in a case of a 2014 analysis, this is not the case. This has been misleading has caused anxiety for some men regarding the size of their penis. The data from the study was gathered from 15, 521 men and discovered the following below about sizes penis:
- Average of flaccid penis: 9.16 centimeters (cm) or 3.61 inches (in) long
- Average erect penis: 13.12 cm or 5.17 in long
- 90th percentile penis size: longer than or within 6 in (erected),
A study from 2014 also defined a micropenis being less than 7 centimeters or about 2.75 inches in length when not erected and stretched.
Furthermore, the same study from 2014 cited 85% of women were satisfied with the penis size of their partners, however, only 55% of men were satisfied with theirs among more than 52,000 heterosexual men and woman who were surveyed through the internet.
Micropenis
With basis on correct measurement of length, an individual may be medically diagnosed with micropenis. Micropenis is defined by having a flaccid or stretched penile length having -2.5 standard deviation of the average penis size. This is caused by a variety of factors such as congenital syndromes, hormonal or structural defects of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Aside from the above-mentioned, micropenis may be an independent abnormality or is associated or a portion of other syndromes. It can also be idiopathic or because of testicular inefficiency.
Micropenis according to age is defined by measurement are as follows:
| age | length |
| 6 to 12 months | less than 2.3 cm (0.9 inches) |
| 1 to 2 years old | less than 2.3 cm (0.9 inches) |
| 2 to 3 years old | less than 2.9 cm (1.14 inches) |
| 3 to 4 years old | less than 3.3 cm (1.3 inches) |
| 4 to 5 years old | less than 3.5 cm (1.38 inches) |
| 5 to 6 years old | less than 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) |
| 6 to 7 years old | less than 3.9 cm (1.54 inches) |
| 7 to 8 years old | less than 3.7 cm (1.46 inches) |
| 8 to 9 years old | less than 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) |
| 9 to 10 years old | less than 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) |
| 10 to 11 years | less than 3.7 cm (1.46 inches) |
| Adult | less than 9.3 cm (3.66 inches) |
The table above is a guideline from the Harriet Lane Handbook from John Hapkins.
Variations of penis size from age 7 are due to the differences in boys’ development during puberty.
Questions to ask a doctor
Significant impairment experienced by a person due to their feelings and anxiety about their penis size should be consulted with a doctor for support and help.
A person may ask these questions to a doctor regarding their anxiety towards the size of their penis:
- Do I have an average size penis?
- Is concern on penis size a common thing to be anxious about?
- What are ways to reduce my anxiety from this concern?
- Can you refer me to a therapist?
- Is it possible my worries and symptoms qualify me to have a body dysmorphic disorder?
- What are effective ways to manage my anxiety in relation to sexual dysfunction?
Treatment for Small Penis Syndrome
Treatment goals for men who have small penis syndrome is to provide a body image that will reduce or eradicate their anxiety and perceptions towards it. Moreso, to reverse feelings of embarrassment and shame when seen by others, to improve relationship with their partners, quality of life and to better their mental health condition.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): An intervention that helps a person understand how feelings and behavior are affected by their beliefs and thoughts.
- Understanding and addressing triggers: Some triggers – pornography, bullying, or challenges in relationships — can cause penis size anxiety. There are ways to manage on how to deal with the anxiety brought by triggers.
- Sex therapy or couples counseling: Problems causing anxiety with penis size in relationships will be addresses and can be managed with sex therapy or couples counseling. Both the client and their partners with the therapist or counselor’s facilitation will help them both manage concerns related to the anxiety.
There are others that suggest to undergo surgery or take medications to lengthen their penis size, however, this should not be the case and should not always be recommended. This may possibly lead to more anxiety for the person by giving in to the compulsion of the obsessive thoughts towards having a small penis.
Acceptance of how one’s body is designed and finding ways to cope well with the frustrations, obsessions and insecurities with having small penis does not only help the individual but facilitate in moving forward to life with ease and confidence, not just to the self but others affected by it as well, particularly their partners.
FAQs: Is it possible to have a small penis depression?
Is it possible to have depression from having a small penis?
Yes, it is. It is possible to have depression from having a small penis due to the psychological disturbance through anxiety a man experiences because of a perceived small size of his genital.
How can I do better with a small penis?
Usual concerns about having small penis are related to having intercourse and penetrating. In that case, the following sex positions may be done when under the sheets:
1. Missionary position – place under a woman’s bottom a large pillow.
2. Doggy style – with woman’s legs together.
3. With legs together, the woman should be lying face down and the man from being penetrating in her with his knees outside her legs.
Or test with anal sex since the anus is smaller or tighter than the female private area. However, this is not usually recommended as it posts risks and may be a painful experience for the woman.
Is 5 inches small?
No, it is not. The average size of an erect penis is 5.17 inches.
How small is too small for a woman?
In a study, only 15% of the women who answered a survey said that although penis size is important (21%), girth size is more important (33%). However, it is unidentified if these women became partners with men who deemed their penis size small.
Why is my flaccid small?
One’s flaccid size may vary according to temperature and one’s penis size should not be compared with other when it is flaccid. Some may seem to have a small flacid but may lengthen significantly when erect.
How will I know if I have a micropenis?
If one suspects they have a micropenis, they should see a doctor to take accurate measurements and diagnosis. Moreso, doctors usually can determine and diagnose if one has micropenis at birth. Other tests will also be performed for further evaluation. As few are as follows:
Physical exams: Others signs will also be looked such as checking unusual growths or fat pads.
Blood tests: These can be also be used to check the individual’s level of hormones. Genetic tests may also be executed to determine the infant’s biological sex. In rare cases, those who have micropenis may have sex chromosomal abnormality.
Imaging scans: Imaging tests may be used to take a check further the baby or individual’s condition such as pelvic ultrasound or an MRI scan.
When should I seek help?
A person should seek help when the anxiety towards their penis size significantly impairs one’s functioning, such as relationship with a partner, obsessive thought and compulsions related to the anxiety it brings and constant comparison of their penis size with others including those seen in the media.
Summary
Worries and anxiety relating to perceptions on penis size can be frustrating not only to the man or the individual himself but for their partners as well, as this may disrupt sexual functioning and impairment on other areas of functioning.
Misconceptions and subjective view on penis size may be the cause of it and most likely to occur to men who have body dysmorphic disorder.
Support and affirmations from the person’s lover, appropriate interventions and sex education may facilitate someone to better manage their anxiety towards their body dysmosprhic disorder or small penis syndrome.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Is it possible to have a small penis?”. We also discussed small penis syndrome, its symptoms, micropenis, other mental disorders related to small penis and treatments. We also answered frequently asked questions about the subject.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324569#symptoms
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3890219/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mysteries-love/201504/what-do-about-small-penis
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-micro-penis-2328422
Was this helpful?
Overcome Depression and Find Joy in Life Again with BetterHelp
