Role of Penile Girth and Length in the Erect State in Reassuring Patients with Small Penis Anxiety

Objective: The present study examined the impact of measuring penile girth and length in the erect state on reassuring individuals with small penis anxiety (SPA) in the flaccid state.

Methods: This study included 200 potent men aged 25-40 years old. All candidates were assessed by the validated Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function (ArIIEF-5), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Beliefs about Penile Size, and Cosmetic Procedure Screening questionnaires. Participants were divided into 100 healthy participants and 100 participants with SPA. We measured penile length and girth in the flaccid state in participants with SPA. After 2 weeks, we measured penile length and girth in the erect state by injecting 0.25 cc diluted prostaglandin E1 (PGE-1) in the corporeal bodies. Also, participants with SPA were reassessed by the ArIIEF-5 and the HADS in the erect state.

Results: Penile length in the flaccid state was in the normal range 9.33 ± 0.81 cm that increased to 10.37 ± 0.89 cm in the erect state. The penile girth in the flaccid state was also in the normal range 8.08 ± 0.85 cm that increased to 9.33 ± 0.85 cm in the erect state. Significant decreases in the scores of HADS after PGE-1 injection were noted, denoting improvement in the patient’s quality of life. The ArIIEF-5 score insignificantly increased after re-counseling in the erect state. Despite a significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels after re-counseling in the erect state, yet, they did not show any correlation with the penile dimensions in the flaccid and the erect states.

Conclusion: Although the current study failed to demonstrate significant correlations between penile dimensions in the erect state and the ArIIEF-5 and the HADS scores. Yet, there was significant decrease in HADS score and insignificant increase in ArIIEF-5 score denoting that men with SPA should be counseled in the erect state.

Cite this article as: GamalEl Din SF, Nabil N, Khalil M A., et!al. Role of penile girth and length in the erect state in reassuring patients with small penis anxiety. Urol ResPract. 2024;50(5):316-321.