Virtual Medical Centre

Penis Enlargement

• Normal anatomy of the penis
• Sexual self-conciousness and dysfunction

Normal anatomy of the penis

The penis forms part of the male external genitalia and is the common outlet for urine and semen. It consists of an internal root, and the externally visible body and glans.

The root of the penis is composed of three erectile tissues: the bulb, and the right and left crura. These are partially surrounded by muscular tissue. As the erectile tissues continue into the body of the penis, the crura become the corpora cavernosa and the bulb becomes the corpus spongiosum. The corpus spongiosum then expands, forming the glans. The body of the penis is surrounded by loose skin, which is reflected upon itself to form the foreskin covering the glans. The urethra enters the penis via the erectile tissue of the bulb and continues in the corpus spongiosum until it ends at the external urethral orifice.

Each of the erectile tissues contain tiny spaces that can fill with blood. When the penis is flaccid, these spaces are collapsed. When a man is sexually stimulated, a reflex triggers the relaxation of the blood vessels supplying these tissues. This allows greater blood flow and as a result the erectile tissues fill with blood, causing penis enlargement and erection.

The external portion of the penis (the body and glans) typically measures 7.6–13 cm in length and approximately 8.5–10.5 cm in circumference when flaccid. When erect, this increases to 12.7–17.7 cm in length and 11.3–13.0 cm in circumference.

For more information, see the Male Urogenital System.

Sexual self-consciousness and dysfunction

Sexual self-consciousness has the potential to negatively impact our sexual experiences. It is believed that sexual self-consciousness:

• Increases appearance-related anxieties;
• Interferes with attention, focus and concentration;
• Impairs physical performance; and
• Reduces awareness of our own arousals, leading to sexual dysfunction.

While studies are limited, it has been shown that male sexual dysfunction can negatively impact the sexual function of female partners. One study showed that women who had partners with erectile dysfunction had significantly lower sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain and total sexual function scores than those who had partners without erectile dysfunction. Later in that study, a large proportion of the men with erectile dysfunction underwent treatment. Following treatment, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction were all significantly increased. It was concluded that female sexual function is impacted by male erection status, which may improve following treatment of male sexual dysfunction.

For more information on erectile dysfunction, its types, causes and treatments, and tips for dealing with it, see Erectile Dysfunction.