So, does size really matter during sex? Facts and myths

Here, we discuss the issue of penile size from a medical standpoint and clear some misconceptions about it.

An overwhelmingly large number of men are concerned about the size of their penises, even though what they have is more than enough for them to be great in bed.

When it comes to size of the penis, the bigger the better is the popular belief. At times, this obsession with size can come in the way of sexual performance. So here are some facts and some myths about penile size.

Does penile size matter?

Research shows that the extent to which penis size matters varies greatly from woman to woman. It is certainly not the only thing that matters to any woman.

Length of the penis is also of little importance to most women. An unusually long penis can actually be uncomfortable for some. Girth matters to some women, but not to all.

No matter how much doctors and counsellors explain, men continue to be extremely sensitive about the size of their organ. Even though it is difficult for women to understand why this is such a big issue for their man, they should be careful not to say anything derogatory about a man's penis size, or hint that they think that it is smaller than they would like it to be.

• A non-erect penis usually measures between 8.5 cm and 10.5 cm (three to four inches) from tip to base.
• The average size is about 9.5 cm (3.75 inches), but this number is of little value.
• People tend to think that taller men have longer penises, but this is not true. Some short men are known to have more than an average penis size and in the same way, some tall and well-built men have a smaller than average penis.
• You should also know that penis size has nothing to do with racial background.

The chief reason why the penis size is of little importance is that the vagina is a flexible organ which will expand or contract according to the size of the penis.

This means that any man's penis will fill any woman's vagina completely, except in very rare cases where the erect penile length is less than four inches.

This also means that a somewhat larger penis can be accomodated in a woman's vagina, because it will expand accordingly.

• Pills or patches to increase penis size are of no benefit.
• Penile enlargement exercises are of no benefit.
• Penile suction devices are of little benefit.
• Penile enlargement surgery: Possible, but involves certain risks. The surgery is expensive and there is a risk of complications like bleeding, infection or deformity.
• Penile stretchers: Penile 'stretchers' are small rectangular frames that need to be worn on the penis on a regular basis. They work by pulling your organ to its maximum length, and gradually make it stay that way forever. No one can make out that you are wearing a stretcher, but the extent to which it helps is limited. Some men have had an increase in length of upto 2 cm.