Is My Penis Normal?

Published: July 19, 2018
Dear TeenHealthFX,

Hi. I'm 14, male, about 5'10". My penis is still small. It's about 4 inches erect and a little over an inch flaccid. I'm worried that my penis will never grow, I know some guys around my school who are really big (with proof). I believe it's because of my weight but I feel like eventually my penis will grow. What's your advice?

Signed: Is My Penis Normal?

Dear Is My Penis Normal?,

TeenHealthFX would like to begin by stating that it is normal for teenage boys to question the size, shape, color and overall appearance of their penis. Throughout puberty and teenage years, the penis is still developing; and no two boys will undergo the exact same developmental process. According to TeensHealth,

  • There's a fairly wide range of normal penis sizes — just as there is for every other body part. And just like other parts of the body, how a penis appears at different stages of a guy's life varies quite a bit.
  • Guys normally develop at different times. Some may start developing as early as 9. Others may not start developing until 15 or even later. The age at which a guy starts to grow varies from person to person. It all depends on when he enters puberty and his hormones start doing their thing.
  • Penises come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. These traits are hereditary, like eye color or foot size, and there's nothing you can do to change them. Despite what you may hear or read, no special exercises, supplements, or diets will speed up the development process or change a guy's size.
  • Also, like his feet, a guy's penis may appear smaller to him just because the perspective is different when he's looking down. And there's a lot less difference in penis size between guys when they get an erection than when their penises are relaxed.
  • If you're wondering about your development, don't try to compare yourself with your older brother or your best friend — they're probably at a different stage of development than you are anyway.

 

If you find that you are still concerned, TeenHealthFX recommends scheduling an appointment with your adolescent medicine specialist for a testicular exam. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.  

TeeHealthFX recommends the following resources for additional information:

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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