Many men are curious, worried, even insecure about the size of their penis. It’s a topic tied up in myths, society and experience. If you know how often the penis is growing, when it stops growing and whether there’s a way to grow it bigger, you can take some of the worry out of the penis.
The Penis Growth Timeline
Early Growth: From the Conception to the First Trimester.
It is in the womb that the penis is formed. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the male embryo goes through an array of complex biological transitions that pave the way for the emergence of the male genitals. By the end of the first trimester, around 12 weeks gestation, the rudimentary anatomy of the penis and scrotum is in place.
During these embryonic days, the presence of the Y chromosome drives the growth of the testes that manufacture testosterone, the dominant male sex hormone. Testosterone not only shapes the penis and scrotum but also shapes other masculine features. But, once these initial anatomical arrangements are in place, the penis grows enormously and matures at a later age, during puberty.
Puberty: The Growth Spurt
For men, puberty is a key stage, typically starting around age 9, sometimes 12, but in some cases younger. The hormones, and in particular testosterone production, are vital to this change. These hormonal changes cause physical and emotional shifts, including the growth of the reproductive tract.
Key Milestones During Puberty
1. Testicular Enlargement
Normally around the age of 11, enlargement of the testicles is one of the first noticeable signs of puberty. Such testicular development leads to the production of sperm and testosterone, both of which are crucial for male sexual growth. When the testicles expand, boys often experience some of these physiological changes: growing body hair, deeper voice, and altered body composition.
2. Penile Growth
Once the testis is larger, the penis grows stronger. Boys in the vast majority see measurable growth in the length and width of the penis between the ages of 12 and 16. Yet this growth varies widely from person to person. Variations in genes, diet and health can determine whether and how much a boy’s penis will expand over this period.
The average penis can expand by 1 inch or so in length and width around early puberty, and will continue to grow until the mid-teens. Some boys grow up fast, others at a slower pace.
3. Growth Completion
Most males reach their adult size by the late teens, at about 18 to 21 years of age. By now, an erect penis should be about 5 to 6 inches long and 4.5 to 5 inches wide. It’s worth noting, though, that there is a vast range of what’s considered normal sizes and that variation is fairly common.
Growth generally stops in the late teens, but some research has indicated that small adjustments can extend into the early 20s. Yet at the time, the vast majority of people are in their last adult size, and the emotional and psychological transitions that mark it all come with maturity.
Factors Influencing Penis Size
Although genes are probably the most important contributor to the size of the penis, there are other influences on its growth:
Hormonal Levels: The primary hormone that contributes to the growth of the penis is testosterone. Unexpected levels during puberty, either too high or too low, can influence growth.
Health Conditions: Certain diseases like hormonal problems or genetic disorders can alter growth pattern and maturity. Deformities such as Klinefelter syndrome, for instance, can lead to a shorter than average penis.
Nutrition: Good nutrition during childhood and adolescence is crucial for health and development. Lack of vitamins and minerals in your diet might actually inhibit growth.
Environment: Environment (and even exposure to endocrine disruptors) also influences hormone levels during the crucial stages of development.
Do You Want Your Penis To Grow Larger?
Everybody wants a larger penis, and that is why they search for all kinds of techniques. However, you should approach this topic with caution and in the true sense of the word.
Popular Methods for Penis Enlargement
While the market for penis enlargement has grown exponentially, so too have the products and procedures promising to work wonders. Here are the most popular ones, and how well they work:
1. Pills and Supplements
Many pills and supplements purport to expand the penis, typically by increasing the blood flow or hormonal changes. But the vast majority of these products are not science-based. Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA and, for the most part, they’re untested for effectiveness and safety. Many of these pills produce side-effects instead of the promised improvements.
2. Exercises and Manual Techniques
Methods such as jelqing (penis stretching and pulling) and other manual exercises are often touted as natural remedies for bulking. Such procedures might have short-term effects on the blood supply, but they won’t yield any significant or lasting effect. Also, improper techniques can harm the skin or puncture the penis.
3. Pumps
Vacuum pumps leave a vacuum around the penis, forcing blood up the tube to cause an erection. Although they can enlarge the penis for a short time, particularly when taken prior to sex, the effect isn’t permanent. Overuse also damages tissues and vascular problems.
4. Surgical Procedures
Surgical solutions — including lengthening the penile and enhancing the girth — are out there, but at great risk. Lengthening surgeries typically involve severing the suspensory ligament, a procedure that can cause problems such as scarring and loss of sensation. Girth lifts typically require a filler of fat or silicone, which is prone to infection and scarring. Although some men say they are pleased with the outcome of surgery, many have tremendous postoperative pain and complications.
5. Traction Devices
Penile traction devices stretch the penis slowly, gradually. Other studies have reported modest increases in duration over months of use. But it doesn’t always work out that way, and it takes time and hard work. It’s important to operate these tools correctly so as not to damage them.
6. Stem Cell Therapy and Other Advanced Techniques
For enlargement of the penis, new technologies, including stem cell therapy, are being tested. Although these techniques appear promising in clinical practice, they are not yet mainstream or validated. The study continues, and it might be years before these methods become popular.
The Reality Check
Although many of us want a larger penis, we need to keep in mind that this isn’t realistic. Many enhancement approaches are dubious in their effectiveness and often the harms outweigh the advantages. But above all, the size of the penis isn’t what couples choose to determine when it comes to sexual enjoyment or contentment.
Likewise, the psychological costs of trying to reach the perfect size should be taken into account. Talking to a therapist can address these senses of unworthiness and develop healthy attitudes towards the body.
What to Do Instead
If you’re still afraid of their size, there are other options to look at:
Concentrate on Technique: Improving sexual technique and communication will greatly enhance sex between you and your partner.
Stimulate Confidence: Practicing activities that promote confidence, such as exercising or taking up a hobby, will also help turn the emphasis away from physical qualities and towards growth.
Talk About It: Talking about your insecurities openly with your partners helps you overcome anxiety and build relationships.
Get Professional Counsel: If the symptoms persist, see a doctor or urologist who can advise you on appropriate precautions.
Conclusion: When Do Penises Start And Stop Growing, And Can You Increase The Size?
Knowledge of the penis’s natural progression timeline and the limitations of different approaches to enlargement can debunk myths and reduce anxiety. The penis starts developing during puberty and matures towards the end of your late teens or early twenties. Some methods purport to maximise size, but many are not scientifically valid and potentially dangerous. Finally, a healthy self-image, confidence and an emphasis on good health and wellness are more valuable than a single concern about size. We have to start looking first at what it takes for a sexual connection to be productive — one involving communication, affection and mutual fulfillment.
