Why might a man’s penis shrink?

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Penis size is important for many men, but there are times when the penis can appear smaller.

In some cases, the penis just seems smaller than it used to be. In others, there is actual penile shortening.

Sometimes, men can control factors that affect their penis size.

Weight Gain

When a man puts on weight, the extra belly fat can bury the penis, hiding the penile shaft. As a result, the penis looks shorter than it actually is. Losing the extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise often bring the penis back to its original appearance.

Smoking

Chemicals in cigarettes can narrow or damage arteries that allow blood flow into the penis. Healthy blood flow is essential to penile health. It allows for penile tumescence (hardening) and erection. Quitting smoking can improve blood flow along with a man’s overall health.

Medications

Some drugs, including Adderall, dutasteride, finasteride, and some antidepressants and antipsychotics have been linked to penis shrinkage. Men who are concerned about this side effect should talk to their doctor. Men should not discontinue current treatment before discussing the possibility of replacement with a health care provider.

In other cases, men cannot control penis shrinkage.

Aging

Because of decreased testosterone levels and poorer blood flow, a man’s penis may get smaller as he gets older. However, the change is gradual and not always noticeable. In cases of documented low testosterone levels, treatments are available.

Prostatectomy

Prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland and a common treatment for prostate cancer. Men who undergo this surgery might have penile shortening afterward, at least temporarily. Research published in 2017 suggests that some men might regain that length within a year of prostatectomy, but that cannot be guaranteed.

Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease occurs when plaques (areas of hardened scar tissue) form in the penis, just below the skin. Eventually, the penis might start to curve and, for some men, shorten. Surgical treatments might restore some length but shortening could be permanent.

No matter what the cause is, penile shortening or shrinking can be distressing. Many men associate their masculinity with their penis size and worry that they might be seen as “less of a man” or unable to please a sexual partner.

Men who find that their self-esteem suffers after shortening are encouraged to see a counselor or sex therapist. If they are concerned about sexual performance, they might talk to their partner, who can likely reassure them.

Resources

BJU International

Kadono, Yoshifumi

“Changes in penile length after radical prostatectomy: investigation of the underlying anatomical mechanism”

(Abstract. First published: February 8, 2017)

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bju.13777

Cleveland Clinic

“Peyronie’s Disease”

(Last reviewed: August 8, 2018)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10044-peyronies-disease

International Society for Sexual Medicine

“Penile Length Could Be Recovered Within Year of Prostatectomy”