Scientists on the Size of the Average Penis (+ Why Do Men Have Phallus-Image Disorder?)

published 14 April 2010

Since this is turning into a male-themed week, I'm going to write something about THE MENS again today. It will be a very short post... about length.

A few days ago, I told men everywhere that while size certainly matters, it's been my experience--both first-hand and anecdotal--that the vast majority of men are just fine in the endowment department. (Ladies? Anyone care to weigh in on this?)

In response, one of my readers pointed me to a Slate article about the scientific data on male penis size.

The piece goes on and on and on ... before finally, er, coming to the conclusion we've all been waiting for.

WHEN FLACCID AND MEASURED BY A RESEARCHER ...

the average penis is in the 3.5- to 4-inch range.

WHEN FLACCID AND SELF-MEASURED ...
the average penis is about 5.1 inches.

WHEN ERECT AND SCIENTIFICALLY MEASURED ...

the average penis is 5.5 to 6 inches.

WHEN MAURA KELLY IS IN THE HOUSE ...

the average penis size leaps to 7 erect inches!

(Kidding about that last one. Really, it's 6.8.)

In other words, when men take out their own rulers--of the, er, wooden variety?--to check their size, they can be a bit over-eager.

Is that because they are so anxious to feel like they measure up?

Men out there, I'm sure you want to tell us where you, um, stand on this issue. So go ahead. Brag. We are equal opportunity over here atThe Year of Living Flirtatiously. If, on the other appendage, you'd also like to talk about your penile anxiety, we're here to listen.

But guys AND girls, I also wonder this: As much as pornography helps to skew the perceptions of many males--who come to expect certain things even of non-porn females--which in turn helps to make women ashamed of their bodies (by making us think we should all be hairlessdown there, have enormous breasts, a perfect tan, a fountain-like orgasm, etc.) ... as much as porn does that to women, is porn also responsible for male penis anxiety? Or does that come more from the locker room? Or have the men out there had negative experiences with women who mock or tease them, saying they have wee wee-wees?

xxx