Is it Normal for My Penis to Shrink?

Penis shrinkage can be distressing for many men and create real problems. It is often associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and can lead to issues like difficulty urinating. Understandably, these issues can also affect men’s self-esteem.

However, penis shrinkage is a relatively common issue men experience, especially with aging and certain medical or lifestyle factors. Read on for six reasons you may experience penis shrinkage and how to prevent or minimize it.

Why does penis shrinkage happen?

Penis shrinkage can occur due to aging, reduced blood flow, obesity, smoking, chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, Peyronie’s disease, or prostate surgery. While some causes are unavoidable, lifestyle changes and early medical treatment can help preserve penile size and function.

What is considered “average” penis size?

Before discussing shrinkage, let’s start with a question urologists often hear: “Do I have an average-sized penis?” Of course, everyone is different, and it is normal to fall outside of these ranges, but research published in BJU International, one of the world's leading urology journals, found average penis size falls within the following ranges:

• The average length of a flaccid penis: about 3.6 inches
• The average length of a flaccid, stretched penis: about 5.2 inches
• The average length of an erect penis: about 5.2 inches
• The average circumference of a flaccid penis: about 3.7 inches
• The average circumference of an erect penis: about 4.5 inches

Many men naturally fall outside these ranges without it indicating a health problem. However, noticeable or progressive changes in size over time, especially when combined with erectile or urinary symptoms, should be evaluated.

What causes penis shrinkage?

Age: Aging is one of the most common causes of penis shrinking. Here’s why it happens:

• Blood flow to the penis decreases with age, often due to fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis).
• Reduced blood flow weakens the muscle cells of the erectile tissues.
• Fewer spontaneous or nocturnal erections lead to reduced tissue elasticity. Without regular stretching from erections, erectile tissue can gradually lose its ability to expand.

Obesity: While obesity doesn’t physically shrink the penis, it can cause it to appear smaller. Excess fat around the lower abdomen can obscure part of the penile shaft, making it look shorter in proportion to the body.

Another condition tied to excess weight gain is buried penis, where the penis becomes partially or entirely surrounded by excess skin or fat. This can lead to:

• Difficulty urinating (spraying or dribbling)
• Hygiene challenges
• Reduced sexual function

Maintaining a healthy weight not only benefits your overall health but also improves blood flow and the perception of penile size.

Smoking: Smoking’s negative effects on the circulatory system directly impact penile health. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis, which is crucial for maintaining erections and avoiding shrinkage.

Fewer nocturnal erections caused by reduced blood flow also contribute to a lack of elasticity in the penile tissue.

Quitting smoking can restore some vascular functions over time, improving not only health but also sexual performance.

Uncontrolled medical conditions: Poorly managed medical conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are significant contributors to erectile dysfunction and shrinkage.

• High blood pressure damages blood vessels, limiting the blood supply to the penis.
• Type 2 diabetes affects both blood vessels and nerves, leading to noticeable changes in size and function if left unchecked.

Long-term damage can lead to noticeable changes in penile size and function. Managing these conditions with your healthcare provider significantly reduces risk.

Peyronie’s disease: This condition causes scar tissue to develop along the shaft of the penis, leading to an abnormal bend (curvature). While some curvature may be mild and manageable, severe cases can shorten the penis and make intercourse challenging or impossible.

Surgery to treat Peyronie’s disease may involve removing scar tissue, which can further contribute to shrinkage.

If you suspect you have Peyronie’s disease, consulting a urologist early can prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.

Prostate surgery: Men who undergo a prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) for prostate cancer often report some degree of penile shortening. This happens due to post-surgical erectile dysfunction, which can be temporary but still impacts penile tissue elasticity.

Up to 70% of men notice a reduction in size after prostate surgery, ranging from ½ to ¾ inch.

Recovering erectile function quickly after surgery is important to minimizing long-term effects.

How can I prevent or minimize penis shrinkage?

While it’s impossible to eliminate every factor contributing to shrinkage, there are several proactive steps you can take to preserve both size and function.

1. Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, but quitting can reverse some of that damage. Many men report improved blood flow, better erections and increased confidence after stopping smoking. Ochsner Health offers a free, comprehensive smoking cessation program that provides a risk-free way to help you quit smoking, vaping or using tobacco products.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: A balanced diet and regular exercise help you manage weight, preventing the visual effects of buried penis syndrome. Physical activity also improves circulation, ensuring oxygen-rich blood reaches the penile tissue.
3. Control chronic conditions: Effectively managing medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure will prevent long-term damage to blood vessels and nerves.
4. Stay physically and sexually active: The phrase, “use it or lose it” applies here. Regular erections, even nocturnal ones, help maintain the elasticity of the erectile tissue, keeping the penis healthy and functional. If you’re experiencing issues with erectile function, consult your healthcare physician to explore treatment options. Medications, devices or natural remedies may help.
5. Eat healthy and stay hydrated: Foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and vitamins (like citrus for vitamin C and nuts for vitamin E) support circulatory health. Avoid excessive alcohol, which can interfere with erectile function.
6. Seek professional support: If you’ve noticed penis shrinkage or other changes impacting your overall well-being, don’t hesitate to meet with a urologist or sexual health specialist. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

Can penis shrinkage be reversed?

In some cases, treating underlying causes such as smoking, obesity or erectile dysfunction may improve blood flow and function reversing the penile shrinkage.

Is penis shrinkage always linked to erectile dysfunction?

Not always, but the two are commonly associated due to shared vascular causes.

Does aging always cause penis shrinkage?

No. While aging increases risk, healthy lifestyle choices and medical care can help preserve size.

When should I see a urologist?

Schedule an appointment if you notice:

• Progressive loss of penile length
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary symptoms
• Penile curvature or pain

A urologist can determine the underlying cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.

If you have concerns over erectile dysfunction or changes in penile size, schedule an appointment with your urologist.