At some point, many young men will wonder how the size of their penis compares to other guys. Asking this question is a normal part of development, especially if your body is going through some of the normal changes associated with male puberty or if you are considering becoming sexually active. This guide will help to answer  common questions young men may have about their penis size.

Is there a normal penis size?

Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes – that’s partly what makes each of us special and different from each other. It’s important to understand that penis size is determined by genetic traits that are inherited from biological parents – just like height, eye color, and skin tone. The studies that have been conducted list the average adult penis size between 5-6 inches  (12.7-15.24 cm) when fully erect, as measured from the base of the penis to the tip of the penis. It’s important to know that this is the average, which means its normal for some people to have penises that are shorter or longer.

It’s also important to remember that penis size is affected by where someone is in male puberty. People go through puberty at their own pace. This means two 15-year-olds can have different size penises and this can be totally normal. Most people are fully developed between the ages of 18 and 21.

When will my penis start to grow in size?

During male puberty (puberty for people with male reproductive organs), a number of changes occur in the body including increased hair growth on certain parts of the body (chest, pubic area, legs, underarms) and a deepening of the voice. Puberty will also be marked by an increase in the size of the testicles, followed by growth in the size of the penis. The penis typically reaches its final size 4 to 6 years after the testicles start to grow. On average, young men will experience the most rapid growth of their penis and testicles between the ages of 12-16 years.

Can I change the size of my penis?

Despite the claims of countless products, exercise techniques and herbal remedies on the market, they will NOT increase the size of your penis. Even natural or herbal substances can cause bad side effects (including kidney or liver problems), especially when taken in high doses. If you are considering taking a supplement be sure to talk to your health care provider first.

Medicines such as Viagra, which help people with erectile dysfunction maintain an erection, do not increase penis size.

It’s also important to know that while testosterone is a key hormone in male puberty. If you’ve gone through all the steps of male puberty normally, your testosterone level is most likely normal. If you are considering taking testosterone talk to your health care provider first. It’s important to know you should only take testosterone if you need it, and only if it’s prescribed by a health care provider. Buying testosterone online can cause dangerous health effects.

What should I do if I think my penis is too small?

The vast majority of men are born with a properly functioning penis that will allow them to urinate (or pee) and engage in sexual activities without a problem. If you’re having serious worries about the size of your penis or you’re late going through puberty, speak with your health care provider who can provide you with guidance. They can ask you questions, perform a physical exam, and get any needed blood tests (including hormone tests).