A male sexual organ that has a length of less than 9. 5 cm in the stretched or erect state. The term "micropenis" refers to a penis that, at full extension, has a size that is 2. 5 standard deviations smaller than the average age norm. . The presence of a small penis and a micropenis negatively affects male self-esteem and, in some cases, reproductive function, and prevents a full sexual life.
Small penis syndrome is a collective concept of conditions in which, due to the size of the penis, the reproductive function of a man is impaired and normal sexual life becomes impossible. Micropenis is a pathology that arose as a consequence of endocrine disorders during embryogenesis. In other cases of a small penis, we speak of underdevelopment of the organ.
For men in our country, the average size of the erect penis is 14 cm, and the lower limit of the norm is considered a penis 9. 5 cm long, that is, a penis less than 9. 5 cm is called small. penis. A truly small penis should not be confused with the concept of "false micropenis": the latter condition occurs in obese men, in whom the visual shortening of the penis is determined by a protruding fold of skin and fat.
Diagnosis of the causes of deviations from the norm.
Diagnosis of possible causes of deviation from the norm is carried out by a urologist-andrologist and includes:
- hormonal profile study,
- Ultrasound of the penis and scrotal organs.
It is possible to increase the size of the small penis using phalloplasty methods (penis lengthening, ligamentotomy, penile prosthesis, etc. ).
Causes of a small penis
If the size of the extended penis is 2. 5 standard deviations less than the average size characteristic of a particular age, this condition is included in the concept of micropenis or micropenia. Today, more than 20 congenital pathologies are known, which are characterized by a violation of the production of sex hormones, therefore causing the clinical picture of a small penis and, in some cases, infertility. The identified incidence is approximately one case for every five hundred newborn children, but the real figures are somewhat higher. In some children, this syndrome is not diagnosed because clinical doctors do not have the necessary qualifications and can therefore only identify those cases of small penis syndrome that have obvious clinical manifestations. To identify all cases, it is necessary to examine the child by both a pediatrician and an andrologist-endocrinologist, since if small penis syndrome is diagnosed before the age of 14, the treatment is more effective than that started during puberty.
Children aged 3 to 4 years suffering from Kallmann syndrome present to a urologist due to cryptorchidism; With this disease, the testicles do not descend into the scrotum, but are located in the abdominal cavity. An operation to lower the testicles to the scrotum, where the treatment ends, is not enough, since in Kallmann syndrome the formation of pituitary cells is altered, which are responsible for the synthesis of hormones that stimulate the production of testosterone; In adulthood this becomes the cause of small penis syndrome. And at the age of 18-25, this problem arises especially clearly, since the young man notices a difference in the development of the reproductive organs in himself and his peers, and the treatment of small penis syndrome is associated with great difficulties. Little by little, an inferiority complex develops: young people become withdrawn, narrow their social circles and refuse to attend gyms and swimming pools. Young men with small penis syndrome avoid dating and any communication with girls and try to choose a profession that does not require frequent verbal contact with people. Isolation and deep and frequent depression often become the cause of organic mental damage, and then the help of psychiatrists is required.
With Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic mutation occurs and the genetic cluster contains an additional chromosome that is responsible for the formation of female sexual characteristics. Men with Klinefelter syndrome usually have an asthenic physique, narrow shoulders and small penis syndrome, which is manifested by underdevelopment of the scrotum and a small penis. In this case, insufficient penis length is the result of a violation of hormonal regulation in adolescence and childhood. Reproductive function may not be affected, although some patients have problems conceiving children. Most patients with Klinefelter syndrome do not consider small penis syndrome as a disease, as they believe that a small penis is an individual characteristic, so there is no reason to contact an andrologist.
Diagnosis and treatment of small penis syndrome.
It is important to diagnose this syndrome in time, since treatment started at an early age is more effective and the child does not experience any psychological trauma. Therefore, in addition to examination by a pediatrician, children should also be examined by a urologist. Since in the treatment of small penis syndrome at an older age, it is necessary to perform penis enlargement operations and long-term social rehabilitation.
When diagnosing and prescribing a correction, it is necessary to remember that penis size depends on both testosterone stimulation and genetic factors. It is much more difficult to assess the size of the penis in childhood, since it is necessary to take into account the age category, the size of the testicles and other anthropometric data. For early diagnosis of possible problems with the reproductive system, the child should be periodically examined by an andrologist. Self-diagnosis using tabular data can lead to the fact that the correction will have to be carried out at an older age.
Indications for surgical treatment.
Surgical penile lengthening is indicated when its size in a calm state is less than 4 cm and in an erect state less than 7 cm, while men with larger sizes can also undergo surgical penile lengthening.
The main indications for penis enlargement surgery are Peyronie's disease, cavernosal fibrosis, post-traumatic penile reduction and micropenis.
In addition, there are functional disorders such as hidden and rectal penis. Surgical intervention is indicated and if the patient wishes to change the appearance of the penis, penile plastic surgery and its aesthetic correction are performed.
The goal of any surgical intervention is to improve the patient's quality of life.
Penis dysmorphophobiaWhen a patient with a normal penis size is dissatisfied with its appearance or size, this is not a contraindication for surgical treatment. On the contrary, after a small plastic surgery the patient is completely freed from complexes and discomfort.
Forsmall penis syndrome correctionresort to methods that combine:
- penis enlargement using an extension device,
- hormone therapy
- and plastic surgery.
The sooner treatment is started, the greater its effectiveness; After the correction of small penis syndrome, psychological problems disappear without the intervention of psychologists and psychiatrists.
But when treating a small penis, it is important to restore both the ability to lead a normal sexual life and the reproductive function of the man. If treatment began in childhood, the possibility of having children persists, since the testicles still retain the capacity for spermatogenesis. The best results are obtained with pulsed hormone therapy.
That is, the capabilities that modern andrology has are capable of not only completely correcting small penis syndrome, maintaining reproductive function, but also changing the appearance of the penis. In addition, after the entire treatment complex, social rehabilitation is practically not required.