Many men have anxieties about the size of their penises. Indeed, the issue of penis size has occupied artisans of ancient cultures as evidenced by the size of the penis in the art of Greeks and Romans. Our local artisans in the Fern Gully are famous for their statuettes with massive penises. Over the years, I have been asked by patients for help to increase the size of their penises. Some men develop an inferiority complex because they believe they cannot satisfy a woman as a result of the size of their penises.

Penis size is variable

Penis size has no relation to the height, weight or build of the man. However, a Nigerian study of the Igbo people found a direct relation between penile length and gluteal (buttocks) size. Penises that appear small when relaxed demonstrate a proportionately greater increase in size upon erection than penises that appear large in the unaroused state. Penis size varies with ethnicity, with Asian men having smaller penises.

Penis size and virility

Why do some men seek to enlarge their penises? Unfortunately, some men believe that their ability to please a woman sexually is related to penis size. This may be due to ignorance since studies show that women are more concerned about the quality of the entire sexual experience and not the length of the penis.

Increasing penis size

Some men go in search of substances to increase their penis size. Some will have fat from various parts of the body injected into the penis at exorbitant costs. The safety of this procedure has not been established and extra fat cannot increase the erection. An Italian study showed that applying venous grafts to openings made along the length of either side of the penis increases the volume of the penis during erection.

'Spanish fly' and other aphrodisiacs

Aphrodisiacs are substances that enhance sexual desire or performance. These substances can be taken to cause temporary erections but do not cause growth in the size of the penis. One such popular product is 'Spanish fly' or cantharides which is made from powdered beetles. When swallowed, it causes irritation and inflammation of the urinary and genital tracts. This substance is really a poison and can cause ulcers in the digestive and urinary systems as well as diarrhoea, severe pain and even death.

Examining the size issue

In the unaroused state, a woman's vagina measures three to five inches. In the sexually aroused state, her vagina expands to about six inches, thus accommodating the erect penis. So, having a longer penis would be considered a disadvantage. Also, the vaginal opening narrows when a woman is sexually aroused and this reduces the importance of penis size.

What really matters

Today's society emphasises a person's physical appearance to the point that men are misled into believing that they need big penises to achieve sexual satisfaction. Advertisers and vendors use the electronic and print media to misinform and play upon male insecurities. Instead, men should educate themselves about male and female sexuality.

Men are advised to work on communication and developing intimacy with their partners. Each man should find a partner who appreciates him just as he is. Importantly, a man can improve his appearance and self-esteem by eating and exercising appropriately to achieve a healthy physique.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.