Ques 1 What is a micropenis?
Ans. Micropenis is a medical term for a small but normally structured penis. Hormonal or genetic factors can cause this condition. This condition is normally noted during the newborn to early childhood period.
As long as no other health concerns are present, a micropenis can function normally. People with micropenis are still able to urinate (pee) and have erections.
Ques 2 What does the data say on many people have a micropenis?
Ans Micropenis is very rare, affecting about 0.6% of people worldwide. In the United States, approximately 1.5 in 10,000 newborns are born with micropenises.
Ques 3 What size is a micropenis?
Ans Micropenis size is determined by the stretched penile length (SPL). Doctors diagnose micropenis if the length is less than 2.5 standard deviations below the average. For example:
The average stretched penile length (SPL) for adult males is 5.25 inches. An SPL of 3.67 inches or less indicates an adult micropenis.
The average SPL for a newborn is 1.4 inches. An SPL of 0.75 inches or less indicates an infant micropenis.
Ques 4 What are the symptoms of a micropenis?
The most common micropenis symptom in babies is a penis that measures less than 0.75 inches when gently stretched. In adults, a penis that measures 3.67 inches or less when gently stretched is a micropenis.
Ques 5 What causes a micropenis?
Ans Micropenis is usually caused by fetal testosterone deficiency, which can be the result of a variety of conditions, including Prader-Willi syndrome, Kallman syndrome or, most commonly, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism occurs when your hypothalamus (the part of your brain that controls your autonomous nervous system and pituitary gland) doesn’t secrete the hormones that stimulate your testicles to produce testosterone. This process is necessary for normal maturation and reproductive function.
Ques 6 How is a micropenis diagnosed?
Ans The healthcare provider can diagnose micropenis with a physical examination. They’ll gently stretch your penis and measure it. The number is then compared to the size range of your particular age group.
Ques 7 How is a micropenis treated?
Ans The most common micropenis treatments include testosterone therapy and surgery.
People of all ages can benefit from micropenis treatment. But the chances of success are greater if the healthcare provider diagnoses and treats the condition in infancy.
If your baby has a micropenis, your healthcare provider may refer you to a pediatric urologist or endocrinologist.
Testosterone therapy for micropenis
The first line of treatment is usually a short course of testosterone. This therapy tests the ability of the penis to respond to the growth hormone.
Your healthcare provider may recommend testosterone injections or testosterone skin gel. Studies show that penile growth is good with testosterone treatment in many infants, but whether the growth continues during puberty and adulthood isn’t known.