Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Penis Size?

Penis Measured The inability to achieve or sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse, otherwise known as Erectile Dysfunction (ED), is a condition that is estimated to affect over 18 million men in the U.S. alone. While much research has been done in recent years to determine the underlying causes of erection problems, there has been little evidence to support a direct link between this condition and the size of a penis – that is, until now. A new study suggests that there may in fact be a direct correlation between penis size and erectile dysfunction.

Case Study

A study^† recently published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine was conducted to determine the average stretched penis size in normal men compared with that of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction. The test group consisted of over one thousand subjects from a hospital outpatient clinic and contained both potent males and those suffering with ED. Using a tape measure and ruler, both penile length and girth in the fully stretched states were measured to determine average size.

Results

In the group of normal men with no symptoms of ED, it was determined that the average fully stretched length was 12.9 cm (+/- 1.9 cm) and the fully stretched girth was 8.9 cm (+/- 0.9 cm). In the group with ED patients, the average fully stretched penis length was 11.2 cm (+/- 1.5 cm) and fully stretched girth was 8.8 cm (+/- 0.8 cm).

Using the data compiled it can be seen that while girth measurements between the two groups were fairly consistent (only a 0.1 cm difference), the length differential was quite pronounced. Those men not suffering from erectile dysfunction were approximately 1.7 cm larger – or nearly .67 inches longer in size. These statistics suggest that men with ED tend to have significantly shorter penises than those without erection problems.

^†Source: Comparing Penile Measurements in Normal and ED Subjects

Why Do Men with ED have Shorter Penises?

While the researchers themselves offer no suggestions as to why this discrepancy in size exists, I suspect it is tied to both physical and psychological reasons.

Physiologically speaking, the penis tends to shrink in size when it is not functioning properly. Without adequate and regular blood flow to the muscles, veins and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa, the surrounding tissues of the penis breakdown and atrophy.

From a psychological perspective, this condition is further compounded as men who suffer from erectile dysfunction tend to avoid sexual intercourse and the necessary stimulation it provides. In essence they lack the motivation to have sex (understandably due to their condition) and therefore the penis is not stimulated on a regular basis. In other words, use it or lose it.

The findings from this study only helps to reinforce the importance of maintaining proper penis heath. Through proper exercise and the use of certified devices to treat ED, not only can men avoid problems like erectile dysfunction, they can also ensure that the size of their penis remains uncompromised.

PRS Posted by PRS on Thursday, May 28th, 2009