Transgender individuals, whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, may seek gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) to alleviate gender dysphoria. These surgeries aim to create genitalia that match their gender identity. For example, transgender men may desire phalloplasty, a surgery to create a penis.
However, individuals may find that communicating desired penis size accurately during preoperative discussions is a challenge. Therefore, a new study explored how accurately people can visually estimate penis size. Many misconceptions about penile size exist, impacting transgender patients’ expectations and surgical outcomes. Understanding these perceptions can improve preoperative counseling and surgical planning for transgender individuals seeking phalloplasty.
Researchers collected data from 25 transgender men (TM), 47 transgender women (TW), 30 cisgender men (CM), and 40 cisgender women (CW) between January and August 2020. Participants viewed six penis models, called packers, commonly used by TM. Each model varied in length, width, and girth.
The models were randomly presented, and participants could not touch them. Instead, they were asked to estimate the dimensions visually. A bright green suture marked the measurements’ focus points so that each of the participants would be visually assessing the same areas.
Once the data was collected, the researchers compared the participants’ estimations to actual measurements, analyzing bias among gender groups with statistical tests. The findings aimed to understand how accurately individuals perceive penis size to aid transgender patients in surgery discussions.
All 142 participants involved in the study estimated the dimensions of six penis models. Ultimately, the results showed variations in estimation accuracy among groups. CM mostly overestimated the length of the penile models, while CW and TM did so less. When it came to penile width, all groups overestimated. CW and TW underestimated girth, while TM did not. Variations existed in individual estimates across all models and groups, suggesting diverse perceptions of penis size.
The results of this study highlight the significant variability and inaccuracy in visually estimating penis size among different groups. All of the participants tended to overestimate penile length and width while underestimating penile girth.
CM were generally the least accurate, overestimating average-size models and often seeking penis enlargement treatments. TW’s overestimation of a partner’s penis length may lead to unnecessary surgical risks for vaginoplasty, while TM’s overestimation could result in a larger-than-desired phalloplasty.
Realistic penis models could help align individuals’ expectations with actual sizes for better preoperative counseling and surgical decisions. These findings are very important for improving patient satisfaction and safety in gender-affirming surgeries.
For more information on this topic, please read these publications from the ISSM Journals: The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine Reviews, and Sexual Medicine Open Access:
Beliefs about Penis Size: Validation of a Scale for Men Ashamed about Their Penis Size
References:
Castaneda, P. R., Zaliznyak, M., Sandhu, S. S., Cook-Wiens, G., Smith, S. M., Mallavarapu, S., & Garcia, M. M. (2024). Is size in the eye of the beholder? Visual estimation of penis size among transgender and cisgender people and implications for genital gender-affirming surgery and sexual medicine. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 21(2), 175–180. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad147
You may also be interested in...
SMSNA Patients
Sex and Multiple Sclerosis: Barriers Between Patients and Providers
May 18, 2021Did You Know?
What Is the Average Penis Size?
June 1, 2021SMSNA Patients
New Survey Finds Most Adolescents Who Have Labia Minora Surgery Are Satisfied
May 4, 2021Blog
Advice for Choosing a Qualified Gender-Affirming Provider
May 11, 2021Did You Know?
Outercourse
March 23, 2021Blog
Medicaid Coverage of Transgender Transition-Related Health Care by State
March 30, 2021Did You Know?
Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction
February 2, 2021SMSNA Patients
Benefits of Sexual Activity During COVID-19 Lockdown
February 9, 2021Did You Know?
Q&A on “Blue Ball” Syndrome
January 20, 2021Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
