Penis Enlargement: What Is Realistic and Who Is A Candidate?

Penis enlargement is one of those subjects where the internet has made it surprisingly difficult to separate fact from fiction. Search online and you will find everything from tablets and creams promising dramatic results to devices claiming to add several inches in a matter of weeks.

The result is considerably less sensational. 

Some penis enlargement treatments can produce measurable changes in penile length or girth, but the results are usually modest, the evidence behind different techniques varies significantly, and some procedures carry genuine risks. 

For many men who worry that their penis is too small, the first step may not be enlargement at all, but actually rather finding out whether their size is actually within the normal range.

Concerns about penis size should be met with a proper assessment including penile measurements, physical anatomy, sexual function, personal expectations, and where appropriate, psychological factors before enlargement is considered. 

The European Association of Urology (EAU) recommends a comprehensive medical and sexual history alongside physical examination and appropriate penile measurements for men presenting with concerns about penile size. 

But, what is realistic when it comes to penis enlargement, and who might actually be a suitable candidate?

What is the average penis size?

Before you consider penis enlargement, it’s worth thinking about what “small” actually means. 

A large systematic review published in the BJU International analysed measurements from up to 15,521 men. It found an average erect penis length of 13.12 cm (around 5.2 inches), with an average erect circumference of 11.66 cm (around 4.6 inches). The average stretched penile length was 13.24 cm.

These figures are very useful to provide context, but they should not be treated as a rigid definition of what is “normal”. Penile measurements vary naturally between individuals, and the way the penis is measured can also affect the result. Research has highlighted considerable variation in measurement techniques, while the EAU notes there is still no universally agreed definition of “normal” penile size.

The important thing is not to judge yourself against others, and images.

Pornography is not a representative sample of the male population. Men who appear in adult material are, by definition, selected rather than randomly sampled, and the way images are produced can further distort perceptions of what is typical.

In other words, comparing yourself with the largest examples you can find online is unlikely to give you a particularly useful benchmark.

What is a micropenis?

A micropenis is a genuine medical condition, rather than simply another way of describing a penis that someone considers small. 

The EAU defines micropenis using stretched penis length measured against age and population norms, with a measurement more than 2.5 standard deviations below the mean being used as the clinical threshold.

This is important because several different situations can result in someone feeling that their penis is too short.

A man may have:

• A normal sized penis, but significant concerns about its appearance
• A genuinely short penis or micropenis
• A buried penis, where a normally sized is partly concealed by surrounding tissue
• Penile shortening caused by conditions such as Peyronies disease, previous treatment or trauma

These situations are not interchangeable, and neither are the treatment options.

For example, a buried penis may involve a normal-sized penis being obscured by surrounding skin or fatty tissue. The EAU specifically recommends genital examination in appropriate patients to identify adult acquired buried penis rather than assuming that the problem is simply inadequate penis length. 

This is one of many reasons why a proper assessment matters before considering penile enlargement. 

Does penis enlargement actually work? 

There is no single penis enlargement treatment that can reliably deliver the dramatic results promised by some online advertisements. However, there are treatments that can produce measurable changes.

At Eden Clinic, we use either dermal fillers or fat transfer, performed under local anaesthetic, with fat transfer results considered semi-permanent. There may be some natural resorption over time, and maintenance surgery may need to be considered for this.

Results will depend on your anatomy, and the technique used, however, girth can often be increased by one to two centimeters, or 0.4 to 0.8 inches in both a flaccid and erect state, with length increases more subtle, typically in a flaccid state.

This treatment does not provide dramatic increases in length or girth, rather increase the penile girth to give you more confidence and comfort. 

As with any cosmetic procedure, discussing this with a surgeon and getting a proper assessment is crucial to the decision making process.

Who is a good candidate for penis enlargement?

There is no single measurement that automatically makes someone a candidate for penis enlargement.

Instead, suitability should be determined through an individual assessment.

A potentially suitable candidate may be someone who:

• Has a clearly identified anatomical concern
• Has realistic expectations about what treatment can achieve
• Understands the potential benefits and risks
• Is in suitable general health for the proposed treatment
• Has realistic expectations about recovery and results
• Understands that enlargement may be modest rather than dramatic
• Has been assessed for conditions such as buried penis or true micropenis where relevant
• Has considered how the treatment relates to their sexual function and overall goals

Perhaps most importantly, the motivation for treatment should be explored.

Where might penis enlargement not be appropriate?

A responsible clinician shouldn’t be afraid to say no, and is something we will honestly say to you if we do not feel you are a good candidate.

Penis enlargement may be inappropriate where someone has expectations that cannot realistically be met, particularly if they expect a dramatic increase in size from a normal starting point.

It may also be unsuitable where there is significant body dysmorphic disorder or an unhealthy preoccupation with penile appearance.

Other warning signs might include feeling pressured by a peer or partner, believing that penis size is solely responsible for sexual difficulties, or expecting enlargement to automatically improve confidence, relationships or sexual performance.

A good assessment will ask “how much bigger would you like it?”, but should also ask “what are you hoping to change if it is bigger?”. 

Penis enlargement and sexual function

It is also worth separating penile size from sexual function.

A larger penis does not automatically mean better erections, greater sexual satisfaction or improved sexual performance.

Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, relationship difficulties and concerns about sexual confidence are separate issues that may require completely different approaches.

The research also suggests that men with normal penile dimensions may experience considerable anxiety about size despite being within the expected range. Structured counselling and accurate information can therefore be valuable before any procedure is considered.

For some men, discovering that their measurements are normal may be enough to change how they feel about their penis.

For others, a genuine anatomical issue may be identified and treatment may be appropriate.

The important thing is finding out which situation applies to you.

What is realistic from penis enlargement?

There is no magic number when it comes to penis enlargement, and advertisers promising dramatic increases in size must be treated with caution.

As referenced earlier, we typically see increases of one to two centimeters in girth, with modest increases in flaccid length. The actual result will depend on your anatomy, and the technique used.

Whilst “modest increases” isn’t the answer people are expecting or hoping for, it is the honest answer.

Is penis enlargement right for me?

For some men, penis enlargement can be a reasonable treatment option. For others, it may offer little benefit to them, with the difference coming down to proper assessment.

Before considering treatment, a specialist should establish your actual penile measurements, understand your medical and sexual history, identify any underlying anatomical conditions and discuss what you realistically want to achieve.

If your penis is within the normal range, that does not mean your concerns should simply be dismissed. It means the decision about treatment needs to consider the whole picture, including expectations, psychological wellbeing, sexual function and the potential risks of intervention.

Ultimately, penis enlargement is not about chasing a number.

It is about determining whether there is a genuine problem, understanding what can realistically be changed and deciding whether the potential benefits justify the risks.

If you are considering penis enlargement, a specialist consultation can provide an objective assessment of your anatomy, discuss the available options and help determine whether treatment is appropriate for you. 

Get in touch with Eden Clinic today to discuss your options for penis enlargement, and how we can help you.