REFERENCE RANGE FOR PENILE LENGTH MEASUREMENTS IN CHINESE MEN, AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH SOMATOMETRIC PARAMETERS: A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A NOMOGRAM

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: To establish a reference range and construct a nomogram for adult male penile size in the Chinese population, and to investigate relationships between penile length and various somatometric parameters.

METHODS: Men who required surgery under general or spinal anaesthesia were recruited (May 2018 to October 2019). Patients with history of penile deformities were excluded. Standardised, validated penile measurements including flaccid length, pubic arch penile length, stretched flaccid length and flaccid circumference were recorded to construct nomograms. Correlations between penile length and somatometric parameters including age, weight, height, body mass index, shoe size, hand width and finger length were assessed (Pearson’s analysis).

RESULTS: 508 men were eligible. Mean age 66.3 years. Mean flaccid pendulous length, pubic arch penile length, stretched flaccid length and flaccid circumference were 9.38cm, 11.1cm, 12.7cm and 7.89cm respectively. True micropenis was 7.78cm (2.5SD<mean). Flaccid circumference was positively correlated with BMI (r=0.321), height (r=0.173) and shoe size (r=0.247). Obese men (BMI>=25) had significantly shorter flaccid pendulous length but greater flaccid circumference than non-obese men, (8.93cm vs 9.57m, p=0.001; 8.29cm vs 7.67cm, p < 0.001), although their stretched flaccid lengths were similar (12.5cm vs 12.8cm, p=0.145).

CONCLUSIONS: We established the first penile length nomogram specifically for the Chinese population. This will help counsel patients with penile length concerns or require penile reconstructive surgery. Weight loss should be advised to increase flaccid penile length in patients who are concerned.