A 2021 study published in the Journal of Translational Urology and Andrology found a link between infertility and shorter "flaccid penis length." However, does a smaller penis really make it harder to get pregnant? The simplest answer is no. This study provides additional background information that allows us to delve deeper into the relationship between penis size and fertility and adds to the ongoing discussion in the medical community about factors affecting male fertility. While one study found a link between penis size and semen quality/quantity, the evidence is far from conclusive. Many experts believe that penis size itself is unlikely to be a decisive cause of difficulty conceiving. Semen analysis considers sperm concentration, motility, shape, and other indicators of motility—all of which depend on a complex interplay of genetics, anatomy, and lifestyle influences. When counseling couples experiencing infertility, physicians must take a holistic approach and investigate all potential medical, physical, and environmental factors in both parties. For men in particular, lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress levels and obesity may ultimately have a more important impact on reproductive health outcomes than any one physical characteristic. More research is still needed to account for confounding variables and replicate findings in large and diverse populations before firm conclusions can be drawn. At this stage, the proposed link is still an association rather than evidence of direct causation. For most men, a smaller penis by itself should not cause serious concerns about the ability to father children naturally. As with many aspects of human biology, there is normal variation, and medical science continues to expand our understanding of the many factors at play. Overall fertility is a complex issue that rarely can be reduced to any single explanation.
Research mixed on penis size and fertility
Basically, this study found that men with smaller penises are not necessarily less fertile. They also found that infertile men did not always have smaller penises. The correlation between testosterone levels and penis size in adults is weak, with the average penis of infertile men being only about 1.1 centimeters smaller.
But the study has some limitations. The number of men they looked at was small and not random. They don't take into account things like different races or ethnicities. Researchers also believe that lower fertility and smaller penis size may both be caused by lower testosterone levels.
What affects penis size?
Penis size is thought to be primarily a genetic factor , and male siblings can have different-sized penises because they inherit different combinations of chromosomes. While the genes from your father determine your biological sex and whether you will develop a penis, it's actually the genes from your mother - the X chromosome - that determine penis size.
What else can affect penis size or cause it to become smaller? If androgens decrease as the fetus grows, or if the fetus's hypothalamus or pituitary gland function abnormally, it may impede penis growth.
Some rare genetic disorders may affect penis size and fertility, including Kallmann syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome.
Delayed puberty may cause concern in some children because their penis appears smaller than that of their peers. However, most teenagers who experience a delayed growth spurt catch up with their peers by age 18.
Does the penis get smaller with age?
The penis doesn't actually shrink with age.
The penis is made up of spongy tissue, and the flow of blood into the tissue produces an erection. Therefore, blood flow to the penis is one of the factors that determines the size of an erection. As you age, you are more likely to have fat deposits in your arteries, reducing blood flow and penis size.
Another factor that affects erection size is testosterone. Testosterone also naturally declines with age, which may affect your effort levels.
Can erectile dysfunction predict infertility?
ED (erectile dysfunction) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This condition is extremely common, affecting approximately 30 million men in the United States. Research shows that ED is linked to poor semen quality, but a lot depends on what's causing the problem.
ED has a variety of physical and psychological causes, such as:
- cardiovascular problems
- obesity
- specific drugs
- low testosterone levels
- Nervous system disease
- sleep disorder
- pelvic surgery
- Stress, depression and anxiety
Some of these underlying causes, such as obesity, low testosterone levels, sleep disorders, and stress, have also been linked to infertility, explaining some of the relationship between infertility and erectile dysfunction.
When it comes to ED and fertility, the relationship is often more indirect. Erectile dysfunction affects the chances of conception by inhibiting a man's ability to maintain an erection, have sex, and orgasm - all of which are necessary for natural pregnancy.
There are a variety of treatment options for erectile dysfunction, depending on the underlying cause. If ED is interfering with your ability to have sex and have children with your partner, your doctor can guide you through the fertility options that are best for you.
In addition to the treatment of erectile dysfunction itself, there are also artificial reproductive technologies and sperm retrieval techniques to aid pregnancy, such as:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
- Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
- electroejaculation
Is there a connection between testicle size and male fertility?
The size of the testicles varies from person to person . The function of the testicles is to produce sperm and secrete testosterone .
There are few studies directly linking testicle size to infertility. The seminiferous tubules are the tubular structures that produce sperm cells and account for 80% of the testicular volume. Therefore, testicular size is related to testicular function.
Testicular atrophy can be a result of a hormonal imbalance, infection, or a side effect of steroid use. This may adversely affect fertility.
Kallman syndrome and Klinefelter's disease, the aforementioned genetic disorders that affect fertility and penis size, may also cause small testicles.
Testicles come in all shapes and sizes, and that's normal. It's also normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, or for them to hang at different heights. As long as your testicles aren't too small or too big, your testicle size won't have a major impact on your testosterone levels or fertility. The main consideration is changes in the testicles.
Check your testicles regularly. Make sure you observe them to visually see any changes. Use your fingers to slowly roll your scrotum and testicles, paying attention to any lumps, bumps, or changes in the size, shape, or consistency of the testicles. If you notice anything new or experience any pain or heaviness in your testicles, be sure to see your doctor.
Some problems with the testicles may affect fertility:
- Varicocele . About 40% of infertile men suffer from varicocele, which is an enlargement of the veins within the testicles.
- Testicular cancer. Treatment for testicular cancer may affect fertility.
- Testicular atrophy due to steroid use, hormonal imbalance, or infection.
The best way to know your fertility is with a semen analysis
The key takeaway here is that if you're trying to get someone pregnant, you shouldn't worry too much about the size of your penis or testicles. If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving or are concerned about your fertility, a proactive first step is to get a semen analysis.
A sperm analysis can tell you:
- Semen volume : How much semen you produce
- Sperm count and concentration . how many sperm do you have
- Vitality : Sperm movement status
- Morphology : How many sperm have the correct shape, size and structure
These are key parameters that determine the health of your sperm, affecting your chances of having a child with your partner. However, having an abnormal semen analysis result does not mean that you are infertile. If you make changes to your lifestyle and overall health, semen parameters may improve.
