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JAM | Sep 12, 2024

Did you know your penis can shrink? Unpacking why you may be losing length

ABIGAIL BARRETT

ABIGAIL BARRETT / Our Today

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Reading Time: 4 minutes
Image of Banana. (Photo: Pixabay.com)

Are you feeling a bit concerned about your size? You’re not alone. While penis shrinkage can be a sensitive topic, it’s often more common — and less mysterious — than you might think.

Let us get into the various reasons why a penis might shrink and what you can do to keep everything in tip-top shape with some interesting interview answers sprinkled in for added perspective.

An Aged Penis

As the years roll by, your body naturally changes, and yes, that includes your penis. With age, elasticity and muscle tone can decline, leading to a slight reduction in size. But fear not! This is a natural part of ageing; while you can’t turn back time, you can manage the effects.

“It’s done its duty…I am a father now…” said Mr Hannah, aged 52. “If it happens I’d have to accept it as a part of life.”

Prostate Cancer treatments/surgery

Hormone treatment for prostate cancer can also cause your testicles and penis to get smaller.

The change in penis length may be about 2 centimetres…and no, it does not grow back.

Research from 2014 found that penis shrinkage occurred in 15-68 per cent of patients after cancerous prostate gland removal surgery (radical prostatectomy).

According to Healthline, more recent reviews note that penile shrinkage rates tend to lessen the further on from surgery recovery a person gets. Researchers found that around 60 per cent of patients regained full penis length at 12 months of recovery.

Image of Banana. (Photo: Pixabay.com)

Weight Gain: Bang Belly Effect

Got a bit of a belly bulge? That extra weight around the abdomen can make your penis seem smaller by covering it up. Get into a healthier lifestyle with balanced eating and regular exercise to keep those extra pounds — and the illusion of shrinkage — at bay.

Hormonal Hiccups

Testosterone plays a huge role in sexual health, so if your levels dip, you might notice some changes in penis size and function. Keeping an eye on your hormones with regular check-ups can help you stay on top of things.

“If it does happen it would be something that I would have to adjust to,” said Stephen, age 31. “All my life I’ve been small, then to wake up one day and it is smaller…Jah know…I’d have to learn to work with it…learn my angles and all of that.”

Medical Mischief

Certain medical conditions can affect penile size. Peyronie’s Disease, for instance, creates scar tissue that can cause curvature and shrinkage. Conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular issues might also play a role. Regular doctor visits and proper management can help keep these conditions in check.

Eggplant. (Photo: Pexels.com)

Your Medication may be the culprit

Some medications, especially those for high blood pressure or depression, can have side effects that impact size. If you suspect your meds are causing issues, chat with your doctor about potential alternatives.

Smoking

Nicotine doesn’t just impact your lungs; it also affects blood flow to your penis and other vital organs. Emerging research reveals that both smoking and vaping can lead to a decrease in penile girth and size, as well as reduced ejaculate volume. Men who smoke or vape are also more prone to fertility problems, even if their testosterone levels are high. So, if you’re aiming to keep things in top shape, consider kicking the habit!

Stress and Anxiety

Feeling stressed or anxious? It’s not just your mind that’s affected; your body takes a hit too. High stress levels can mess with hormones and blood flow, potentially leading to a perceived reduction in size. Try some stress-busting activities like yoga or mindfulness to keep your mental and physical health in balance.

“It would be of no use… that would not be a nice feeling to lose any amount of inches,” said Leon, age 50.

Injury or Trauma

Any physical trauma to the genital area, whether from an accident or an intense activity, can impact size and function. Protect yourself from unnecessary injuries to keep everything running smoothly.

Eggplant. (Photo: Pexels.com)

Genetic Jigsaw

Sometimes, it’s all in your genes. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, understanding it can help you manage your expectations and focus on what you can control.

“It would be disappointing, but I’d adjust and learn how to use the shortened tool,” said Jaike, age 38. “Or you can perfect your oral sex game if that helps.”

Nutritional Know-How

A poor diet can affect your overall health, including your sexual health. Ensure you’re getting a good mix of essential vitamins and minerals to support all aspects of your well-being.

Hydration

Don’t underestimate the power of water! Drinking plenty of water helps maintain bodily functions, such as blood flow including sexual health. Keep those fluids up for optimal performance.

Penis shrinkage isn’t just a topic for the anxious; it’s a real issue with several manageable causes. By staying informed and adopting a proactive mindset toward your health, you can tackle the causes and keep things running smoothly. So, take control of your health, enjoy life, and remember — size isn’t everything!

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