Many parts of our bodies are constantly in development during the teenage years and early 20s. This includes our brains, which continue to grow and change shape into early adulthood. Our bones also reach their full size by the time we're in our late teens or early 20s. But what about our genitals?
The penis is a unique part of the body because, at some points in life, we always feel so concerned about its size. No other part of the body are we so worried about growing "too big" or "not big enough." So, this begs the question for many men… is my penis done growing? And if not, when will it stop?
Puberty: When It Begins
During puberty, boys are chock-full of bodily changes like the following:
- Testosterone levels increase, which causes the penis and testicles to grow
- The scrotum begins to pull away from the body and becomes less fleshy
- Pubic hair starts to grow around the genitals
- The voice deepens
- Muscles develop and increase in size
All of these changes are caused by the hormones surging through our bodies during puberty. One of those hormones is testosterone, which is responsible for the growth of the penis and testicles. So, as you can see, puberty is when most of the changes in our genitals take place.
Most boys experience the final stages of puberty between the ages of 16 and 18. However, everyone is different and will experience these changes at their own pace, so there is no exact time frame, but your doctor can give you a better idea based on your physical development.
When Does The Penis Stop Growing?
There is no single definitive answer to this question. The penis will continue to grow and change shape until early adulthood. This means that the penis can still grow in length and width up until around the age of 21. However, it's important to note that not everyone experiences changes during this time, and there is a lot of individual variation.
So if you're still concerned that your penis isn't quite "big enough," don't worry! There's still time for it to grow. But, if you're past the age of 21 and have not experienced any growth, then it's likely that your penis has stopped growing, and any further changes will be minimal.
Penis growth is a common concern for many young men, and it's important to remember that everyone develops at different rates. If you're still concerned about your penis size or have any other questions related to development, be sure to talk with your doctor.
How Common Is a Large Penis
Most men, on average, fall between 5 and 6 inches (15.24 cm). To calculate how many men have an above-average size, we would need to know what qualifies as "large" and "above average."
A study posted in the journal Psychology of Men and Masculinity found that only 16% of men have a penis size larger than 6.1 inches (15.49 cm). This means that 84% of men have a penis size that is average, or below average. So, while a large penis is not the norm, it is still relatively common.
Accepting your size is a battle for some men, but it's not the end-all-be-all for sexual satisfaction with your partner. In fact, it's very well known that it's not the size that matters, so much as what you do with it.
Foreplay, oral sex, and manual stimulation are all great ways to get your partner aroused and satisfied - size notwithstanding. And if you're still worried about your size, don't forget that there is a wide variety of sexual positions that can be enjoyable for both partners, regardless of penis size.
Can You Increase Penis Size?
No, not really. You can use various methods and products to try and increase penis size, but there is no scientific evidence that they actually work. The only way to make your penis grow is through natural growth, which will stop happening once you reach adulthood.
No amount of magic pills or stretching exercises will change the size of your penis. Do not attempt to do anything that could potentially be harmful to your penis, as this could lead to long-term damage. If you are still concerned about the size of your penis, then therapy can help, as well as meditation, mindfulness, and positive body image practices.
Does Size Matter?
This is a difficult question to answer because it's largely subjective. But on average, most women say that penis size does not matter, as long as the man knows how to use it.
Sex isn't just about physical pleasure, it's also about intimacy, psychological connection, and mutual satisfaction. So if you're confident in your abilities and feel good about yourself, then it's likely that your partner will too, and that isn't just a trope.
The Takeaway
The penis will continue to grow and change shape until early adulthood. This means that the penis can still grow in length and width up until around the age of 21. However, it's important to note that not everyone experiences changes during this time, and there is a lot of individual variation.
If you're still concerned that your penis isn't quite "big enough," don't worry! There's still time for it to grow. But, if you're past the age of 21 and have not experienced any growth, then it's likely that your penis has stopped growing.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.