When Does The Penis Stop Growing? - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhen does the penis start and stop growing?

Medically reviewed by Kelsey Nank, PA-C — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on May 30, 2025

Timeline
Average size
Growth factors
Is further growth possible?
Common penis size myths
What is a micropenis?
Speaking with a doctor
FAQs
Summary

During puberty, the penis will grow in both length and girth. Once puberty ends, there is unlikely to be any further penile growth.

You’ll notice the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of “male” and “female” or “men” and “women.” While we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.

Many people have concerns about the size of their penis at some point. However, research shows that most have a penis size within typical ranges.

Studies also indicate that most people are happy with the length of their partner’s penis.

In this article, learn about penile growth during puberty, the average penis size, and the truth behind some of the most common penis size myths.

Penis growth timeline

Teenage boys playing near a beach. — Kristina Strasunske/Getty Images

Male puberty occurs on average between the ages of 9 and 14 and usually lasts for 2 to 5 years.

During this time, the penis will get longer and thicker. The rate at which growth occurs varies from one person to another.

Other changes that affect the penis and genitals during puberty include:

testicle growth
thinning of the scrotum
pubic hair growth around the penis
nocturnal emissions of semen, or “wet dreams“
more frequent erections and ejaculation

Average penis size

Research from 2014 on 15,521 people worldwide reported that the average penis length is 3.61 inches (in) or 9.16 centimeters (cm) when flaccid and 5.16 in (13.12 cm) when erect.

Additionally, the average girth, or circumference, is 3.67 in (9.31 cm) when flaccid and 4.59 in (11.66 cm) when erect.

Studies show that most people who believe they have a short penis overestimate the average penis length. Many people commonly estimate the length of their penis to be at least 6 in. However, in a review of 21 studies in which researchers had measured the penis when erect, researchers found the average length to be 5.1 to 5.5 in.

Factors that affect growth

A few different factors may play a role in determining the size of a person’s penis. Genetics may predispose someone to a particular penis size. The level of testosterone in the body can also influence it.

Similarly, not getting adequate nutrition can influence penile development.

In adulthood, having excess weight can make the penis look smaller, as can having a lot of public hair.

»Learn more:What factors affect the size of a penis?

Increasing size

There are many products — including devices, pills, and creams — that claim to increase penis length and girth. The internet also holds many claims that stretching exercises may have similar effects. However, according to the Urology Care Foundation, almost none are effective.

Instead of using unproven devices and techniques, some people may benefit from seeking counseling to improve their self-esteem. There are also a few tricks that individuals can try to make the penis appear bigger. These include maintaining a moderate weight and trimming back pubic hair.

Common penis size myths

There are a number of myths about penis size and shape, and these can cause unnecessary stress and feelings of inadequacy in people of all ages. The following are among the most common myths:

1. Shoe size correlates to penis size

There is a common belief that a person’s foot or hand size indicates the size of their penis. This is untrue. There is no link between the size of the penis and that of another body part.

2. The size of a flaccid penis indicates its size when erect

There is no link between the size of a penis when flaccid and erect. The length of a flaccid penis varies greatly from person to person, and many factors can influence it, including room temperature.

3. Most people want their partner’s penis to be bigger

Many people seem to believe that their partner would like it if their penis were larger. However, research seems to indicate that this is not the case.

One older study from 2006, for example, reports that only 55% of men were happy with their penis size, while 85% of women expressed satisfaction with the size of their partner’s penis. No newer data appears to be available. More research is necessary to understand the current preferences of partners.

4. A longer penis increases sexual satisfaction

Another concern for some people is that a longer penis increases sexual pleasure for one or both partners. However, one study from 2015 suggests that at least some females rate girth as more important than length for satisfaction.

It is also important to note that several other factors play a role in sexual satisfaction, including individual-, partner-, and relationship-related factors.

For example, research indicates that the level of arousal and previous ejaculation can also play a role. Certain factors, such as the degree of communication with one’s partner and personal life circumstances, can also play a role in sexual satisfaction. This means that sexual satisfaction is multifaceted and cannot be entirely dependent on penile size.

What is a micropenis?

A micropenis is a very small but typically structured penis. It results from either hormonal or genetic abnormalities.

Doctors usually diagnose this rare condition when the penis measures 2.5 standard deviations below the average stretched length.

Although there is no cure, hormone therapy may stimulate growth in children with a micropenis. Surgery is another option, and early diagnosis and treatment tend to provide the best outlook.

It is important to remember that micropenis is very rare, occurring in 1.5 per 10,000 newborns in North America.

When to speak with a doctor

People who have concerns about the appearance of their penis or how it works can speak with a doctor.

A doctor can provide support and reassurance about penis size and shape. They can also investigate any health issues that may be affecting the size or appearance of the penis, provide a diagnosis, and put together a treatment plan.

For example, a person can have a disorder that causes the penis to bend or curve, such as Peyronie disease.

Parents and caregivers who suspect their child has a micropenis should consult a doctor. Early treatment often provides the best outcome.

Frequently asked questions

How many inches can a penis grow

In rare cases, a person’s penis can grow much larger. According to a 2014 article, at least one person reportedly has a 13.5-in penis. However, this is not a typical size. The average penis length is 5.1 to 5.5 in.

How long does the penis keep growing?

Once puberty ends, the penis will stop growing.

Does circumcision affect penis size?

Circumcision should not affect penis size if the practitioner performs the procedure correctly. There are only a few studies indicating a possible relationship between circumcision and lower penis length.However, the researchers may have looked at a population where circumcision is not common and did not clearly account for all controls. Alternatively, they may have used a small sample size.

However, the researchers may have looked at a population where circumcision is not common and did not clearly account for all controls. Alternatively, they may have used a small sample size.

Summary

Many people worry about the appearance of their penis at some point in their lives. Common myths often fuel these concerns. Knowing the facts about average penis size can help individuals become more confident about their bodies.

As research seems to suggest, most people overestimate the average penis size. Studies also indicate that most female partners are happy with the size of their partner’s penis.

Those with persistent concerns about their penis size may benefit from seeing a doctor or mental health professional for support and guidance.

Men's Health

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Alsaleem M, et al. (2021). Micropenis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562275/
Breehl L, et al. (2023). Physiology, puberty. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534827/
Di Mauro M, et al. (2021). Penile length and circumference dimensions: A large study in young Italian men. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8243978/
Ho TS, et al. (2018). Evaluation and management of adult acquired buried penis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6127540/
King BM, et al. (2020). Average-size erect penis: Fiction, fact, and the need for counseling. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32666897/
Lever J, et al. (2006). Does size matter? Men's and women's views on penis size across the lifespan. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2006-09081-001
Nguyen Hoai B, et al. (2021). Data from 14,597 penile measurements of Vietnamese men. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33484108/
Park JK, et al. (2016). A prospective investigation of penile length with newborn male circumcision and second to fourth digit ratio. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5028213/
Penile augmentation. (n.d.). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-augmentation
Prause N, et al. (2015). Women's preferences for penis size: A new research method using selection among 3D models. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0133079
Puberty: Normal growth and development in boys. (n.d.). https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/puberty-normal-growth-and-development-boys
Sandean DP, et al. (2021). Peyronie disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560628/
Stodd RT. (2014). The weathervane.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4142583/
Veale D, et al. (2014). Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15 521 men. https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bju.13010
Velten J, et al. (2017). Satisfaction guaranteed? How individual, partner, and relationship factors impact sexual satisfaction within partnerships.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0172855

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Medically reviewed by Kelsey Nank, PA-C — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on May 30, 2025

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