Micropenis is a penis that’s unusually smaller than the average measurements. How will having a micropenis affect a boy or man? Is it possible to cure it? The answers and more when you read this article.
What is Micropenis?
The normal measurement of the newborn penis when stretched is 1.1 to 1.6 inches. Its usual circumference (measurement around) is 0.35 to 0.5 inches.
A baby has amicropenis when his penis measures less than 0.75 inches from the tip to the base. An adult male has a micropenis when his genital organ measures less than 3 and ⅔ inches since the average length is a little more than 5 inches.
What Causes Micropenis?
Experts say having a micropenis is a rare condition. So, what causes it?
Reports say it can happen on its own, which means it’s not accompanied by another health problem. However, it is more common with other disorders, particularly one that is hormonal in nature.
Case in point: It may occur due to fetal testosterone deficiency, which means the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. This condition may result in various conditions, including hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism happens when a part of the brain (pituitary gland) does not produce the hormones that “instruct” the testicle to release testosterone.
Why is Correct Diagnosis Crucial?
Micropenis can be treatable, usually with hormone therapy in some children. Since the treatment may involve hormones, correct diagnosis is crucial.
For instance, a child who has excess weight may have a buried penis. The penis may appear short, but in truth, the majority is just covered in fatty skin. For young children, it may not be necessary to treat a buried penis right away.
Is a Micropenis Treatable?
The treatment for a micropenis depends on the symptoms, general health, and age of the patient. Generally, there are two options:
Hormone Therapy
During infancy or early childhood, the child may receive hormone therapy (topical or injectable). Reports say a short course of testosterone shows promising results, but whether or not penile growth will continue during adolescence and adulthood is still not known.
Regardless, many patients have an increased penile length after the therapy. It’s still shorter than average, but they are able to function well as adults.
If testosterone doesn’t work, the doctor may decide on other hormones.
Note:
Hormonal therapy may not be suitable if the underlying cause is another disorder, such as androgen insensitivity, which means they are resistant to androgen. The result is they have the physical traits of a woman.
Surgery
If other treatment strategies don’t work, the doctor may recommend reconstructive surgery to adult patients. Before proceeding with any surgical procedure, please discuss with your doctor their benefits, risks, and potential complications.
The Impact of Having a Micropenis on a Patient
A micropenis that cannot be treated can result in low sperm count. That means the patient may develop fertility problems in adulthood.
If the penis remains smaller than average, then the patient may have difficulty coping, particularly well into his adulthood. To help, the patient and his family may need support from psychological counselors or social services.
Key Takeaways
A newborn has a micropenis if their penis only measures less than 0.75 inches from the tip to the base when stretched. An adult has it when their penis measures less than 3 and ⅔ inches.
For infants and some children, a short course of testosterone therapy works to increase the penile size. While we’re not sure whether or not the increase in size continues into adolescence and adulthood, reports say that many patients are able to function well after.
For adults with a micropenis, the doctor may recommend reconstructive surgery.
If the penis remains small, the patient may experience fertility problems and have a difficult time coping.
Learn more about Sexual Wellness here.
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