Male sexual organs that have a length of less than 9. 5 cm when stretched or erect. The term "micropenis" refers to a penis that, at its greatest stretch, has a size 2. 5 standard deviations less than the average age norm. The presence of a small penis and micropenis has a negative effect on men's 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 disturbed and a normal sexual life becomes impossible. Micropenis is a pathology that arises as a result of endocrine disruption during embryogenesis; in other cases of small penis, they talk about underdevelopment of the organ.
For men in our country, the average size of an erect penis is 14 cm, and the lower limit of the norm is considered a penis with a length of 9. 5 cm. That is, a penis less than 9. 5 cm is called small. penisA true small penis should not be confused with the concept of "false micropenis" - the latter condition occurs in obese men, where the visual shortening of the penis is determined by curved folds of skin and fat.
Diagnosis of the cause of deviation from the norm
Diagnosis of possible causes of deviations from the norm is carried out by a urologist-andrologist and includes:
- hormone profile studies,
- Ultrasound of the penis and scrotal organ.
Increasing the size of a small penis is possible using phalloplasty methods (penis lengthening, ligamentotomy, penile prosthesis, etc. ).
Causes of small penis
If the size of the elongated penis is 2. 5 standard deviations less than the average size characteristic for a certain 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, as a result of which they cause the clinical picture of a small penis, and in some cases, infertility. The identified incidence is about one case for every five hundred male newborns, but the actual figure is much higher. In some boys, this syndrome remains undiagnosed because clinicians do not have the necessary qualifications, and therefore can only identify cases of small penis syndrome that have clear clinical manifestations. To identify all cases, it is necessary to examine the boy by a pediatrician and by an andrologist-endocrinologist, because if small penis syndrome is diagnosed before the age of 14, treatment is more effective than treatment started at puberty.
3-4 year old boys with Kallmann syndrome come to the attention of urologists because of cryptorchidism; with this disease, the testes do not descend into the scrotum, but are located in the abdominal cavity. Surgery to lower the testes into the scrotum, where treatment ends, is not enough, because in Kallmann syndrome, the formation of pituitary cells, which are responsible for the synthesis of hormones that stimulate testosterone production, is affected; in this afterlife. be the cause of small penis syndrome. And at the age of 18-25 years, this problem arises especially clearly, because young people see differences in the development of reproductive organs in themselves and their peers, and the treatment of small penis syndrome is associated with great difficulties. An inferiority complex gradually develops: young men become withdrawn, narrow their social circle, and refuse to attend gyms and swimming pools. Young people 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 are often the cause of organic mental breakdown, and then the help of a psychiatrist is needed.
With Klinefelter syndrome, gene mutations occur and the genetic set contains additional chromosomes 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 small penis. In this case, the insufficient length of the penis 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's syndrome do not consider small penis syndrome as a disease, because 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, because treatment starting at an early age is most effective, and the boy does not suffer any psychological trauma. Therefore, in addition to examination by a pediatrician, boys must also be examined by a urologist. Because in the treatment of small penis syndrome at an older age, it is necessary to carry out penis enlargement operations and long-term social rehabilitation.
When diagnosing and prescribing correction, you need to remember that penis size depends on both testosterone stimulation and genetic factors. Assessing the size of the penis in childhood is more difficult, because it is necessary to take into account the age category, testicle size and other anthropometric data. For early diagnosis of possible problems with the reproductive system, children must be regularly examined by an andrologist. Self-diagnosis using table data can lead to the fact that corrections need to be made at an older age.
Indications for surgical treatment
Surgical lengthening of the penis is indicated when its size in a relaxed state is less than 4 cm and in an erect state less than 7 cm. At the same time, men with larger sizes can also undergo penis enlargement surgery.
The main indications for penile enlargement surgery are Peyronie's disease, cavernous fibrosis, penile reduction after trauma and micropenis.
In addition, there are functional disorders such as hidden penis and rectum. Surgical intervention is indicated and if the patient wants to change the appearance of the penis, then plastic surgery of the penis and its aesthetic correction are performed.
The goal of any surgical intervention is to improve the patient's quality of life.
Penile dysmorphophobiawhen a patient with a normal penis size is not satisfied with its appearance or size, this is not a contraindication for surgical treatment. On the other hand, after minor plastic surgery the patient completely gets rid of the complex and discomfort.
Forcorrection of small penis syndromeusing methods that combine:
- extend the penis using extension tools,
- hormone therapy
- and plastic surgery.
The earlier the treatment is started, the higher the 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 sex life and reproductive function in a man. If the treatment is started in childhood, then the possibility of having children remains, because the testes still retain the ability of spermatogenesis. The best results are obtained with pulsed hormone therapy.
That is, the capabilities of modern andrology are able not only to completely correct small penis syndrome, while maintaining reproductive function, but also to change the appearance of the penis. Moreover, after the entire treatment complex, social rehabilitation is practically not required.