Everything You've Wanted to Know About Shrinkage

It’s no secret that many men are concerned with the size of their penises. Typically, this is related to pleasing a partner. Others, however, worry about theirs getting smaller, especially as they age. While penis shrinkage is a product of imagination in some cases, other times, it’s a condition that really happens. 

A reduction in penis size is not significant enough to be noticeable in most men. However, the possibility is enough to be a source of insecurity. Add it to the psychological effects of erectile dysfunction, and you may be facing an unsatisfying sex life. Today, we will tell you everything there is to know about shrinkage and its causes. So stay with us if you are concerned that your penis has shrunk.

What is Penis Shrinkage?

Shrinkage, also known as penile atrophy, is a reduction in penis size. It’s an actual condition that is more common in older men. However, it can affect younger men as well. 

The scary thing about shrinkage is that it can be permanent. But sometimes, it’s the result of a treatable condition or a lifestyle habit that can be changed.

What is the Average Penis Size?

To understand shrinkage better and be more realistic with your expectations, first, you need to know the average penis size among men. According to studies, most men are close to the following measurements before penis shrinkage:

Average Flaccid Measurements

• Length: ~3.61 in
• Circumference: ~3.67 in

Average Erect Measurements

• Length: ~5.17 in
• Circumference: ~4.59 in

This information tells us that the average erection size is smaller than most men think. So it’s crucial to measure your size realistically and remember this is an average measurement. Plenty of men are bigger, but just as many can be smaller. A smaller measurement is not proof that your penis has shrunk. You would need a previous measurement of yourself for comparison.

The Causes of Penile Atrophy

Penile atrophy can occur due to various reasons. Here are the most common causes. 

Aging

Penis shrinkage can result from aging and be a symptom of male menopause. As you age, more fatty deposits build up in your arteries. These buildups can reduce blood flow to your penis. This lower blood flow will weaken the cells in the erectile tubes and gives you erections that appear smaller in size. 

Another way aging can lead to shrinkage is through the buildup of scar tissue. Seemingly normal activities like sex and sports can create scar tissues in the spongy tissues of your penis and reduce erection size. 

Weight Gain

Weight gain can lead to a perceived penis shrinkage. As you put on fat around your midsection, your penis will look smaller. In this situation, your penis likely has not actually shrunk, but the expansion of the belly causes it to appear smaller. The extra fat around the abdomen will also restrict blood flow to the penis, which can contribute to ED.

Fat also produces estrogen. This hormone can suppress androgens and negatively affects the smooth muscle cells in the penis. In most cases, following a healthy daily routine for men and exercising more can help reverse the shrinkage that comes with obesity.

Smoking

Smoking is not just terrible for your lung health. It can give your penis a smaller appearance, as well. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes cause penis shrinkage by increasing the rate of plaque buildup in your blood vessels and restricting blood flow to the penis. Reduced blood flow will give you smaller and weaker erections. 

Studies show that smoking can also contribute to ED and alter sperm quality. So if you’re a smoker, quitting should be the first thing on your list to improve your sexual health. 

Medications

Some drugs can cause side effects like impotence, ED, and shrinkage. These medications reduce blood flow to the penis or disrupt hormonal balance in men. Some medications that can lead to penis shrinkage include Adderall, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

Prescriptions for enlarged prostates can also cause a shrunk penis. For instance, one study in 2012 showed that men taking Finasteride experienced shrinkage and lower sensation. Another study showed that the drug, Dutasteride, can also lead to penile atrophy. 

Prostate Surgery

Men who underwent prostate removal surgery due to prostate cancer may also experience shrinkage. According to studies, 71% of men who had removed their prostate glands reported penile atrophy. Those who have undergone nerve-sparing prostate surgery also experienced a 20% reduction in their penis size.

The reason for this penis shrinkage is not yet known. Some suggest it can be related to the shortening of the urethral tube during prostatectomy. Cancer therapy radiation may also have something to do with it, as it can damage cells. 

Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease affects up to 23% of men over 40. However, men as young as 30 years old can also experience it. People with this disease have built up scar tissue in their penises. This scar tissue can cause severe curvatures during erections and give the penis a shrunk appearance.

Treatments for Penile Atrophy

Treatment for penis shrinkage varies based on its cause. Those experiencing shrinkage due to obesity and smoking can address this condition by shifting to healthier lifestyle habits. A healthy diet and physical activity go a long way in improving your sexual health. If medications are behind your penile atrophy, you can talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. 

Those seeing a reduction in their penis size after prostatectomy should give their bodies a few months to heal. They can try penile rehabilitation to increase blood flow to their penis and accelerate this healing period. Those experiencing penis shrinkage due to Peyronie’s disease can ask their doctors to remove the scar tissue from inside their penis. 

This can be done through surgery, medications, or ultrasound technology. If you are dealing with permanent shrinkage, remember you can still enjoy an active sex life. Talk to your partner about sex and try different ED solutions like penis sleeves to get back on track.

Maintain a Healthy Sex Life With RX Sleeve

A shrunk penis should not mean the end of your sex life. You should be able to enjoy intimacy with your partner no matter the size of your penis. RX Sleeve is here to help you get close to your partner even with experiencing penis shrinkage.

We offer comfortable and realistic-looking penis sleeves that let you enjoy more pleasurable sex and forget all your problems. You can custom-make your sleeve and get it with discrete shipping. 

Shop now to reclaim your sex life. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, and visit our blog to learn more about men’s sexual health topics.