Stretched Penile Length in Boys - A Cross-sectional Single Centre Study

Abstract

Introduction: Stretched penile length is the most relevant measurement to define the size of the penis, which varies in various ages, geographical regions and ethnicities. Thus, a population specific normative data on stretched penile length helps in early diagnosis of penile abnormalities and endocrine disorders in children. Methods: A cross sectional study was done in 501 healthy boys from neonatal period till 12 years of age. Boys with abnormalities of external genitalia, suspected endocrine disorders, suspected syndromes, chronic diseases were excluded from the study. Stretched penile length was measured with a transparent ruler from the pubic ramus till the tip of the glans penis excluding the foreskin. Height and weight of the boys were also recorded. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was used to find the correlation of stretched penile length vs height and weight of the boys. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The median, 5th, 95th percentiles of stretched penile length were calculated. The median stretched penile length of the boys ranged from 3.01 (2.32, 3.06) cm in infancy to 6.33 (6.04, 6.62) cm by 12 years. The correlation of stretched penile length vs height and weight showed a statistically significant positive correlation. (rs = 0.979, p < 0.001; rs = 0.971, P < 0.001 respectively). Conclusions: Our study provides normative data on stretched penile length from neonatal period till 12 years of age. There was a significant positive correlation between stretched penile length and height and weight of the boys.