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Are condoms the right size? A method for self-measurement of the erect penis

Authors:
Juliet Richters at UNSW Sydney
Juliet Richters
John Paul Gerofi at Enersol Pty Ltd
John Paul Gerofi
  • Enersol Pty Ltd
Basil Donovan at UNSW Sydney
Basil Donovan
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Abstract

As part of a study investigating the adequacy of the Australian Standard for latex condoms, we arranged for self-measurement of the erect penis by a volunteer sample of 156 men, predominantly Caucasian. The kits contained illustrated instructions and paper tapes which the respondents mailed back to us marked with creases to indicate their dimensions. Mean penis length was 16.0 cm (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.2-19.8 cm) and circumferences were: base 13.5 cm (95% CI 10.7-16.2 cm); shaft just below coronal ridge 12.4 cm (95% CI 10.0-14.8 cm); glans 11.9 cm (95% CI 9.6-14.2 cm). Repeat measures of 15 men showed intraclass correlations (r) of 0.90 for length, 0.68 base circumference, 0.87 behind ridge and 0.87 glans. Non-users of condoms were more likely to have narrower penises. In a subsample of 66 men who reported on perceived condom comfort, men with wider penises (base circumference) were more likely to find condoms too tight. Men with longer penises were more likely to complain that condoms were too short. Circumcised men had shorter erect penises than uncircumcised men (p < 0.05). The paper recommends that the measurement technique described in this study should be applied to other populations, and that condoms should be manufactured and marketed in a wider range of lengths and widths.
Penis measurement Venereology 19
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Richters et al Condom size penis measurement Venereology 19
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... This finding was consistent across samples with varying demographic compositions including young Black MSW (Crosby et al., 2004), predominantly White heterosexual college students (Crosby et al., 2005;, both younger and older MSM (Grov et al., 2013;Reece et al., 2007), and men living with HIV (MLWH) . The percentage of men reporting condoms to be too tight ranged from 18.5% among a racially diverse sample of British men (Tovey & Bonell, 1993) to over 30% among samples including predominantly White MSW (Crosby et al., 2005;Dodge et al., 2010;Reece et al., 2009;Richters et al., 1995) and among the Black British men in the study conducted by Tovey and Bonell (1993), 32.9% of whom reported condoms to be too tight, compared to 13.3% of the White men in the sample. On the other hand, the percentage of men reporting condoms to be too loose was generally around 10 to 15% (Potter & de Villemeur, 2003;Reece et al., 2007;Reece et al., 2009;Reece et al., 2010;Richters et al., 1995). ...
... The percentage of men reporting condoms to be too tight ranged from 18.5% among a racially diverse sample of British men (Tovey & Bonell, 1993) to over 30% among samples including predominantly White MSW (Crosby et al., 2005;Dodge et al., 2010;Reece et al., 2009;Richters et al., 1995) and among the Black British men in the study conducted by Tovey and Bonell (1993), 32.9% of whom reported condoms to be too tight, compared to 13.3% of the White men in the sample. On the other hand, the percentage of men reporting condoms to be too loose was generally around 10 to 15% (Potter & de Villemeur, 2003;Reece et al., 2007;Reece et al., 2009;Reece et al., 2010;Richters et al., 1995). Some of the men who complained of tightness also complained that condoms broke too easily (Crosby et al., 2004;Higgins & Estcourt, 1993;Tovey & Bonell, 1993). ...
... However, three of the four studies included in this analysis that directly assessed penile dimensions reported even wider ranges of penile lengths and two reported wider ranges for penile circumference. Richters et al., 1995), the other studies all reported a maximum length of 260 mm, with minimum lengths of 40 mm (Reece et al., 2006), 50 mm (Reece et al., 2009), and 90 mm (Smith et al., 1998), respectively. These studies reported mean lengths of 157 mm (Smith et al., 1998) and ...
Condom Size Matters: The Importance of Condom Fit in Safe and Pleasurable Penetrative Sex
Thesis
Full-text available
  • May 2020
The external condom has a high degree of utility in sexual health promotion, yet problems with nonuse and incorrect use of condoms among populations vulnerable to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) persist. This paper uses critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) as a methodology to review the evidence that condom fit is predictive of sexual pleasure, product acceptability, and correct and consistent condom use behavior. The available literature assessing the relationships among condom use, sexual pleasure, and condom fit indicates the perception of poor condom fit is associated with reduced acceptability and pleasure ratings, lowered rates of correct and consistent condom use, and increased risk of condom failure. Existing theoretical work is built upon to propose a more comprehensive theoretical framework conceptualizing the mechanisms underlying these relationships, including penile and condom dimensions and contextual factors. Web search results and condom brand websites are subsequently analyzed regarding the amount and quality of size information provided suggesting that accessing reliable information about condom sizing can be difficult. Findings are integrated to provide recommendations for the condom industry and those working in the field of sexual health promotion, intended to aid these sectors in improving condom users' knowledge about and access to appropriately sized condoms, for example, by conducting more collaborative cross-sector work regarding condom fit, in order to increase adherence to correct and consistent condom use as a preventive health behavior. CONDOM SIZE MATTERS 3
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... Owing to the methodological difference in determining stretched length, it cannot be compared with the present study. Longest erected length reported is 15.99 cm (Richters et al, 1995) followed by 15.5 cm (Kinsey et al, 1948). Details of these studies were not available for a statistical comparison. ...
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... ;Richters et al., 1995;Smith et al., 1998;Bogaert and Hershberger, 1999;King et al., 2019). ...
Smaller prize, bigger size? Exploring the impact of money on men’s self-reported markers of masculinity
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2023
Bodily markers, often self-reported, are frequently used in research to predict a variety of outcomes. The present study examined whether men, at the aggregate level, would overestimate certain bodily markers linked to masculinity, and if so, to what extent. Furthermore, the study explored whether the amount of monetary rewards distributed to male participants would influence the obtained data quality. Men from two participant pools were asked to self-report a series of bodily measures. All self-report measures except weight were consistently found to be above the population mean (height and penis size) or the scale midpoint (athleticism). Additionally, the participant pool that received the lower (vs. higher) monetary reward showed a particularly powerful deviation from the population mean in penis size and were significantly more likely to report their erect and flaccid penis size to be larger than the claimed but not verified world record of 34 cm. These findings indicate that studies relying on men’s self-reported measures of certain body parts should be interpreted with great caution, but that higher monetary rewards seem to improve data quality slightly for such measures.
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... Three studies published in the 1990s that also relied on self-reported measurements seemed to confirm the Kinsey Institute data. Richters, Gerofi, and Donovan (1995) found a mean length of 6.299 inches (16.0 cm; n ¼ 156), Smith, Jolley, Hocking, Benton, and Gerofi (1998) found a mean length of 6.185 inches (15.71 cm; n ¼ 194), and Bogaert and Hershberger (1999) reported a mean length of 6.14 inches (15.6 cm) for heterosexual men (n ¼ 3,417). In two studies for which homosexual men self-reported their erect penis lengths the mean lengths were even greater: 6.46 inches (16.41 cm), n ¼ 813 (Bogaert & Hershberger, 1999) and 6.52 inches (16.56 cm), n ¼ 118 (Coxon, 1996). ...
Average-Size Erect Penis: Fiction, Fact, and the Need for Counseling
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2020
Most men believe that the average length of an erect penis is greater than 6 inches (15.24 cm). This belief is due, in part, to several often-cited studies that relied on self-reported measurements, with means of about 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) for heterosexual men and even greater for gay men. These studies suffered from both volunteer bias and social desirability bias. In this review, the combined mean for 10 studies in which researchers took measurements of erect penises was 5.36 inches (13.61 cm; n = 1,629). For 21 studies in which researchers measured stretched penises, the mean was approximately 5.11 inches (12.98 cm; n = 13,719). Based on these studies, the average length of an erect penis is between 5.1 and 5.5 inches (12.95–13.97 cm), but after taking volunteer bias into account, it is probably toward the lower end of this range. Studies show that a majority of men wish they were larger, with some choosing penile lengthening surgery. These surgeries are considered by the American Urological Association to be risky. Most men seeking surgery have normal sized penises. Counseling with factual information about penis size might be effective in alleviating concerns for the majority of men who worry about having a small penis.
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... H&C's claim that MC in infancy reduces penis size was based on a small 1995 study that found a 5% difference in erect penile length between circumcised and uncircumcised Australian men aged 18 -55 years [122]. But, the sharp decline in MC from the mid-1970s in Australia meant the circumcised men were older on average, therefore introducing the possibility of confounding. ...
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... Previous studies of penis size that relied on self-reports concluded that the mean length of an erect penis was 6.0 to 6.3 inches (Bogaert & Hershberger, 1999;Gebhard & Johnson, 1979;Harding & Golombok, 2002;Jamison & Gebhard, 1988;Richters et al., 1995;Smith et al., 1998;Templer, 2002). The overall mean of 6.4 inches reported in the present study (sexually experienced and inexperienced men combined) is close to these results. ...
Social Desirability and Young Men’s Self-Reports of Penis Size
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2019
Previous studies demonstrate that many men have insecurities about the size of their penises, often resulting in low sexual self-esteem and sexual problems. In the present study, mean self-reported erect penis length by 130 sexually experienced college men (6.62 inches) was greater than found in previous studies in which researchers took measurements. This suggests that many of the men embellished their responses. Only 26.9% of the sexually experienced men self-reported penis lengths of less than 6 inches, while 30.8% self-reported lengths of 7 inches or more (with 10% self-reporting 8 inches or more). The correlation with Marlowe–Crowne social desirability scores was +.257 (p < .01), indicating that men with a high level of social desirability were more likely than others to self-report having a large penis.
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... 6 Most male condoms are produced in a remarkably limited range of sizes. 7,8 The male condoms used for free distribution by the South African government are 52 mm wide. Customfitted male condoms, which come in a variety of sizes to fit a man's penile length and width, have been implemented throughout Europe. ...
Exploring Custom-Fitted Male Condoms as a Sexual Health Intervention in Cape Town, South Africa
Technical Report
Full-text available
  • Apr 2014
Between June and August of 2013, graduate students from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia conducted a mixed methods study in Cape Town, South Africa that explored the demand for, and feasibility of, incorporating custom-fitted male condoms into current sexual health interventions. In collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and other community-based and government agencies in Cape Town, the project surveyed 133 heterosexual men to explore experiences and attitudes regarding standard male condoms, and interest in non-standard sized male condoms. Team members also conducted 6 in-depth interviews with condom distribution and education staff at clinics and sexual health organizations to determine the feasibility of incorporating custom-fitted male condoms into existing interventions and practices, and 20 in-depth interviews with sex workers to examine interest in custom-fitted male condoms. Of the heterosexual men surveyed, nearly one-third (32%) had not used a condom during last sex. Two-thirds (67%) experienced condom fit problems including breakage or slippage, and72% reported they would be more likely to use male condoms if they were custom-fitted. Findings from the qualitative interviews with condom distribution and education staff showed interest in greater condom size variety, with a preference for having a small number of different sizes, a well-organized supply chain, affordable pricing, and long-term supply availability. Most sex workers interviewed indicated that they had experienced condom failure during intercourse with clients, and the majority believed that the availability of more condom sizes would improve clients’ willingness to use condoms. Sex workers felt that having several sizes (small, medium and large) would be most beneficial and feasible. Further, respondents indicated that size alone would not encourage increased condom use; clients prefer condoms that are colored, flavored, and textured. They also emphasized an aversion to using government-branded condoms. All of the different populations studied showed substantial interest in an expanded array of condom sizes. Further, the data highlight important considerations regarding the feasibility and logistics of introducing custom-fitted condoms as a sexual health intervention in Cape Town, South Africa.
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Advancing Precision in Penile Length Measurement: Evidence-based Synthesis of Stretched Penile Length INdicator Technique (SPLINT)
Article
  • Sep 2024
  • J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg
A BSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this study was to synthesize evidence and propose a technique for estimation of stretched penile length (SPL) applicable to children. Materials and Methods This review has been conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were queried on penile length (PL) measurement techniques in humans published from 1990 onward. The devices and the techniques used for PL measurement, state of the penis, the habitus of the participants, proximal and distal landmarks for measurement, handling the foreskin and pubic pad of fat, optimal stretching of the penis, and other factors (including the environment) which should be accounted for in the technique were identified from the study cohort (90895 participants across 145 included studies). Results PL has been represented through flaccid (33.79%), stretched (81.3%), and erect (12.41%) PLs as well as the greatest corporeal length (1.4%). Following devices have been used to measure the PL in the study cohort: rulers [54.68%], calipers [9.7%], measuring tapes [14.5%], coloured measuring strips [2.06%], spatulas/tongue depressors [11.03%], FitKit, syringe [1.4%], cotton swab (and ruler), titan cylinders, slide gauge and ultrasonography [1.37%]. The factors relevant to SPL measurement have been incorporated into the proposed SPL INdicator Technique (SPLINT) which is essentially a holistic extension of the “ Conventional PL Measurement” technique. Conclusions There is a wide range of heterogeneity in the technique for estimation of PL across the study cohort; the underlying factors have been identified along with the respective variables, and the SPLINT for SPL has been described.
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Penis Enhancement and Reshaping with Autologous Fat
Chapter
  • Nov 2023
Men’s satisfaction and sexual function is influenced by discomfort over genital size, which leads to seek surgical and non-surgical solutions for penis alteration. In this article, we report the results of a retrospective study of 355 cases of enlargement phalloplasty. We found a significant improvement in circumference at rest at 2, 6 and 12 months post-surgical procedure (all p < 0.0001). This study is clinically relevant due to the large cohort of patients included.
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Cosmetic penile enhancement surgery: a 3-year single-centre retrospective clinical evaluation of 355 cases
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2019
Men’s satisfaction and sexual function is influenced by discomfort over genital size which leads to seek surgical and non-surgical solutions for penis alteration. In this article we report the results of a retrospective study of 355 cases of cosmetic elongation, enlargement and combined elongation and enlargement phalloplasty. We found a significant improvement in length at rest, stretched length and circumference at rest at 2, 6 and 12 months post-surgical procedure (all p < 0.0001). 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was also increased at 12 months post-surgery compared to baseline (p < 0.0001). This was consistent with an IIEF-5 improvement of 6.74% compared to baseline. This study is clinically relevant due to the large cohort of patients included and because it is the first study to use an inverse periosteal-fascial suture not described previously as part of the surgical methodology.
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