10 Interesting Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Penises

Penises are incredibly interesting. Although men spend far too much time thinking about their penis length, there are many fascinating things to know about the shape, evolution, and more. Here are ten such facts.

1. Shoe Size Doesn’t Match Penis Size

Using a man’s shoe size to guess his penis size is…inaccurate, at best. One of the more definitive studies on the subject determined that there is no link, despite past surveys loosely supporting this urban legend because they relied on cough self-reporting.

2. But Penis Size Is Linked To Nose Size

Researchers found that men with noses smaller than 1.8 inches had a stretched flaccid penis length of 4.1 inches or less. Men who had a nose 2.2 inches or longer had penises that, on average, measured 5.3 inches long. Anyway, did you hear about the guy with the big nose? Big tissues.

3. Women’s Ideal Penis Length Is 6.3 Inches

Research has found that when it came to one-time hookups, women prefer big penises with the greatest length and circumference. However, for long-term partners, women prefer penises that aren’t humongous — about 6.3 inches long and a circumference of 4.8 inches.

4. Average Penis Size Is Just Above 5 Inches

Average penis size is 5.1 to 5.5 inches erect. But for years, research showed that it was 6.2 inches. It turns out that in much of the research, men had been exaggerating their lengths. Who would have guessed?

5. Don’t Worry: Your Penis Is Enough

In a survey of more than 52,000 men and women, 85% of partners reported being satisfied with their man’s penis size while only 55% of men thought their penis was large enough. Most men should be a little more proud of what they’re packing.

6. Your Penis Can Grow Into Your 20’s

Most penis growth occurs between the ages of 12 and 16. However, some boys experience puberty and additional penis growth into adulthood. For most, it stops at age 18. But some men report experiencing growth in their penis size into their early 20s.

7. Micropenises Are Extremely Rare

Fully grown men have a micropenis if their member is 3.67 inches or less when fully stretched. Micropenises affect only 0.6% of men globally, and in the U.S., prevalence may be lower.

8. Exercise Can Make Your Penis (Temporarily) Smaller

Men may temporarily have a smaller package when exercising. “When working out, the body sends blood to the muscles and joints, thus reducing the amount to the penis,” Richard Honaker, M.D., told Fatherly.

9. Your Penis Can Develop A Bend

Over time, everyday activities like sex and running cause the development of scar tissue inside the penis. As it usually builds up asymmetrically, this can cause a noticeable bend in the reproductive organ.

10. Evolution Made The Penis Mushroom-Shaped

Not all experts are convinced of this. But one prevelant theory suggests penises are mushroom shaped because the most mushroom-shaped ones are best at scooping out semen already inside a vagina, making them more likely to release sperm that leads to pregnancy.