Penile shrinkage is a concern that many men face, often leading to anxiety and reduced confidence. Many men wonder, what makes your penis smaller? or can a pennis get smaller?
The truth is, various factors, including aging, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and hormonal imbalances, can contribute to penile shrinkage. Understanding these causes is essential for prevention and management.
Here are ten common causes of penile shrinkage and what can be done to mitigate them.
1. Bad, Problematic, and Imperfect Neonatal Circumcisions
The most frequent cause of chronic penile shrinkage is a problematic or imperfect circumcision performed at birth.
Circumcision complications can range from minor to severe and may contribute to reduced penile flaccid size due to scarring, skin adhesion issues, and improper removal of tissue.
How does this affect penile size?
- Scarring can cause tightening, limiting expansion.
- Adhesions can lead to restricted growth.
- Skin bridges can cause discomfort and further restriction.
Studies suggest that circumcision imperfections could be a medically defined source of reduced penis size in up to 70% of men in the U.S.
Addressing these issues typically requires reconstructive urology interventions to correct complications and restore penile function and appearance.
2. Genetically Engorged Suprapubic Fat Pad (GEFP)
A genetically engorged suprapubic fat pad (GEFP) is one of the most common answers to what makes your penis small?
GEFP causes an enlarged fat pad above the penis, making the shaft appear shorter. This condition is primarily hereditary but worsens with weight gain.
How does GEFP impact penile appearance?
- The penis appears buried under excess fat.
- Fat accumulation may lead to a falsely shorter penis.
Treatment options:
- Weight loss can help but isn’t always a complete solution.
- Surgical interventions like monsplasty (fat pad removal) and urologic reconstruction provide more permanent results.
3. Overactive Sympathetic Nervous System
Men who suffer from chronic stress, anxiety disorders, or an overactive sympathetic nervous system often experience shrinkage in flaccid penile size.
Can penis get smaller due to stress?
Yes, stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, activating the dartos and cremaster muscles, leading to excessive retraction of the penis.
Solutions:
- Stress management techniques
- Therapy or counseling
- Dermal filler treatments for extreme cases
4. Detached Dartos Fascia
The dartos fascia is a thin muscle layer that connects the penile shaft to the scrotum.
Over time, or due to genetic predisposition, this fascia can separate, causing excessive penile retraction.
Men with this condition often experience significant shrinkage in their flaccid penis size, with most of their penile length retracting into the body.
Symptoms:
- Extreme penile retraction
- Penis appears much smaller when flaccid
Treatment:
- Surgical reconstruction of the dartos fascia combined with monsplasty and penile lengthening procedures
5. Inadequate Arterial Flow
If you’re wondering can a pennis get smaller due to blood flow issues? the answer is yes. Poor circulation can significantly impact penile health.
Common Causes:
- Aging (especially in men over 50)
- Type 2 diabetes with high A1C levels
- Post-prostate surgery complications
Symptoms of arterial insufficiency:
- Slower erection response
- Incomplete penile engorgement
- Noticeable reduction in flaccid penis size
DIY Treatments:
Supplements: L-Arginine and L-Citrulline to improve arterial flow.
Quit Smoking: Reducing tobacco use helps prevent arterial stiffness.
Exercise: Walking daily improves circulation.
Penis Pumps: Vacuum erection devices rehabilitate blood flow.
PDE5 Inhibitors: Low-dose tadalafil (5 mg daily) improves blood circulation to the penis.
6. Prostate Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
Prostate removal surgery can result in penile shrinkage due to nerve and tissue damage. Many men experience a reduction in penile length following surgery.
Post-surgery Solutions:
- Vacuum erection devices (VEDs)
- Penile stretching exercises
7. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications contribute to penile shrinkage by altering hormone levels or reducing blood flow.
What makes your penis small from medication? The most common culprits include:
- Prostate enlargement medications
- Antidepressants (SSRIs)
- ADHD medications (amphetamines)
- High blood pressure medications
Solution:
- Speak with a healthcare provider about alternative options.
8. Smoking and Alcohol Use
Smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing penile blood flow, leading to shrinkage over time.
Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to erectile dysfunction and hormonal imbalances, further exacerbating penile shrinkage.
How to Reverse the Effects:
Quit Smoking: Improves blood circulation.
Limit Alcohol: Prevents hormonal imbalances.
Increase Water Intake: Helps blood flow and tissue health.
9. Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Can penis get smaller due to chronic stress? Absolutely.
Stress raises cortisol levels, which suppress testosterone and impair circulation. Anxiety also triggers penile muscle contractions, causing further shrinkage.
Ways to Improve Stress-Related Penile Issues:
- Meditation and deep breathing exercises
- Regular physical activity
- Professional therapy
- Hormonal evaluation (testosterone levels)
10. Lack of Use (Disuse Atrophy)
The penis, like any muscle or tissue, requires regular stimulation to maintain its integrity.
What makes your penis smaller when not in use?
Long periods without erections can lead to disuse atrophy, where tissue loses elasticity and shrinks.
How to Prevent Disuse Atrophy:
- Regular sexual activity or masturbation
- Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) for stimulation
- PDE5 inhibitors if recommended by a doctor
Conclusion
If you’ve ever asked, what makes your penis small? or can a pennis get smaller? the answer lies in multiple factors.
From lifestyle choices and medical conditions to stress and surgical side effects, many things can impact penile size.
However, many causes can be managed or reversed through lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and reconstructive procedures.
Understanding what contributes to penile shrinkage allows men to take proactive steps to maintain their natural size and function.
Consulting a qualified urologist can help determine the best course of treatment to address concerns and restore confidence.
Dr. Steven L. Morganstern, M.D.
Dr. Morganstern is an internationally acclaimed, board-certified urologist, surgeon, and best-selling author specializing in men’s sexual health. A pioneer in erectile dysfunction therapeutics, Dr. Morganstern was the only private clinician selected for the original Viagra trials and has spent over four decades advancing treatments in ED, cosmetic urology, hormone replacement, and prostate health.
