Is it Normal for My Penis to Shrink?

For men experiencing penis shrinkage, it can create real problems. It is often associated with erectile dysfunction, and it can also lead to issues like difficulty urinating. Understandably, these issues can also affect men’s self-esteem.

However, penis shrinkage is a common issue men experience, especially as they age. Read on for six reasons you may experience penis shrinkage.

What is considered “average” penis size?

Before discussing shrinkage, let’s start with a question we 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 from 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 5.3 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 4.6 inches

If you fall outside these ranges, rest assured that many men do, and it doesn’t necessarily indicate a health problem. However, persistent size changes over time might warrant attention, especially if combined with other symptoms.

6 reasons your penis may shrink

Age - Aging is one of the most common factors behind 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.

• A decline in regular erections is another contributor. Erections, even spontaneous or nocturnal ones, help maintain elasticity in the erectile tissue. Without them, the elastic fibers lose their stretchiness, which affects the penis’s ability to expand during an erection.

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 make urination difficult (such as spraying with urination or dribbling) and reduce function during intercourse.

Tip: 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 diminished blood flow also contribute to a lack of elasticity in the penile tissue.

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

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

• Hypertension 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.

Managing chronic conditions by following a doctor’s advice can minimize these risks and improve overall quality of life.

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 undergoing 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 percent of men notice a reduction in size after prostate surgery, ranging from ½ to ¾ inch.

Recovering erectile function quickly after surgery is key to mitigating this effect.

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 hypertension 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.