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Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, Life
Lucy Devine
You might have heard of something called a micropenis, but do you really know exactly what it is?
Having a micropenis is rare - in fact, it's estimated that in the US, approximately 1.5 in 10,000 newborns are born with micropenises -, and it's even rarer to hear someone opening up about what it's like to have one.
However, one man has recently spoken about having a micropenis and how it impacts his dating life.
Micropenis is a medical term for a normally structured, but small penis. It is often noted during childhood, and hormonal or genetic factors can contribute to the development of the condition.
Cleveland Clinic explain: "As long as no other health concerns are present, a micropenis can function normally. People with micropenis are still able to urinate (pee) and have erections."
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A micropenis is generally diagnosed if the length is 'less than 2.5 standard deviations below the average'. For example, the average stretched penis length is 5.25 inches, while a stretched penis length of 3.67 inches indicates a micropenis.
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Treatment for a micropenis is not required if the size does not impact sexual function, fertility, urination or mental health.
However, there are a number of treatment options that can be considered for those who wish to seek medical help.
According to verywellhealth, children with a micropenis can be given injections of testosterone which could increase penis size. This is said to be most effective in kids under the age of three.
Meanwhile, injections of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can be given in addition.
Finally, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can be applied to the penis in a topical gel and has been shows to increase stretched penis length in some.
Some may consider surgery, such as suspensory ligament release which involves cutting the ligament that supports the penis.
This reportedly allows the penis to appear larger.
For those with a micropenis who want to start a family, but are struggling to conceive, intra-uterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) could be an option.
There is support out there for people who are struggling with their mental health. For example, therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help and aid with any self-esteem challenges.
You can find more information at Mental Health America.
For all treatments and therapies, it's important to seek medical advice first.
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One man recently spoke about what it's like to live with a micropenis and how it has impacted his relationships.
The 26-year-old appeared on Joe Santagato and Greg Dybec's podcast, Other People's Lives, where he explained had to experience a heartbreaking two-word response from someone he was dating.
Sharing that he would ‘cut’ dating off because he ‘was nervous and scared’, there was a lot of worry for him that he wouldn’t be accepted by his partner.
For years, he was unable to get into deep relationships, but there was one time where he decided it was time, and revealed his micropenis to a woman he had ‘proper feelings for’.
“She knew it was terrible, which she tried her hardest not to tell me,” he said. “But she’s an honest person as well, and I could tell... I don’t blame a woman for thinking, ‘I don’t want this.’ I don’t blame that at all.”
One day, they were watching a film when a sexual scene made her say: “Oh, I’m scared now, I’m nervous.”
The comment came as a shock to the man, with him adding: “She’s never dealt with something like this before... so obviously, now it’s her head. She’s scared, and I [start] to feel bad for them.”