The term micropenis is something that a few people have opened up about, particularly in terms of how it has impacted them in their day-to-day lives.
One man recently opened up about how a woman he had 'proper feelings for' reacted when he told her that he had a micropenis, and it wasn't a positive response.
Meanwhile, another man spoke about how the condition had really impacted his self-esteem, as when he was growing up, it was a 'considerable embarrassment' to him, though he has since grown to accept it.
He told ITV's This Morning: "I was teased at school and it made me so self-conscious I didn’t have sex until I was 21. I would get embarrassed if the condom slipped off as my penis was too small to keep it on."
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Having a micropenis is an extremely rare condition, however, and it can impact people in several ways.
What is a micropenis?
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."
It 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.
Having a micropenis is very rare, with the condition affecting approximately 0.6 per cent of people worldwide. Meanwhile, in the US, approximately 1.5 in 10,000 newborns are born with micropenises.
Despite affecting the size, a person with a micropenis can still urinate, masturbate, and have a sex life.
What can cause a micropenis?
According to Healthline, several hormonal factors could cause a micropenis, particularly androgen hormones like testosterone.
As the male fetus develops in the womb, the penis responds to these hormones, however, if it doesn't respond to the production of androgen hormones, then this cause result in a micropenis.
Though it isn't always clear why some are born with a hormone disorder which has resulted in a micropenis, a few conditions are often associated with it, including:
- hypogonadism
- growth hormone deficiency
- Down syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
What are the treatments?
A few treatments for a micropenis involved hormone therapy at a young age, which is often administered through an injection, gel or ointment directly on a person's genitalia.
While surgery is also an option, there are non-surgical options, like a penis pump, stretches and exercises, or filler injections.
Though it is recommended to consult a doctor before undergoing any treatments.
Although others with the condition have revealed how it has negatively impacted them, especially in terms of dating, some have revealed that there can be advantages to it.
One woman whose partner has a micropenis has also opened up about their sex life, describing it as being 'more fulfilling than ever'.
Topics: Health, Life, Sex and Relationships
Lucy Devine