Recognize the Causes of Micropenis and How to Overcome It

Men with micropenis retain the normal shape and appearance of the penis. So, the difference is only in size. However, a micropenis is sometimes also associated with lower sperm counts, so fertility rates may be lower.

Micropenis Signs

To diagnose a micropenis, the penis is measured when it is not erect or tense. When measured, the penis should be pulled forward and the length calculated from the base of the shaft of the penis to the tip.

Here are the criteria for micropenis by age:

• Adult male: penis length less than 9.3 cm
• Children: penis length less than 3.8 cm
• Newborn: penis length less than 1.9 cm

Various Causes of Micropenis

Micropenis can occur alone or in conjunction with other disorders. Here are some of the causes of micropenis:

Hormonal disorders

Hormonal disorders are the main factors that cause micropenis. When in the womb, the baby's body with micropenis does not produce enough androgen hormones, especially testosterone. Alternatively, the baby may produce this hormone, but may not respond normally to it.

Hormonal disorders that occur in patients with micropenis are generally caused by secondary hypogonadism or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). In this condition, the hypothalamus gland in the brain cannot secrete enough hormones that function to produce androgen hormones.

Exposure to harmful substances

Studies reveal that exposure of the fetus to harmful substances, such as pesticides and other chemicals, can be a cause of micropenis and other congenital abnormalities.

In addition to those mentioned above, micropenis can also occur due to heredity. Not only that, micropenis generally can also occur together with other abnormalities due to chromosomal abnormalities, such as androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Down syndrome.

How to Overcome a Micropenis

Handling micropenis in children is different from adults. Here is a complete explanation of what you need to know in dealing with micropenis:

Hormone therapy

Basically, micropenis will be easier if treated early. Considering that the genitals of infants and toddlers are still developing, treatment with hormone therapy is considered to have a significant effect in supporting penis growth.

This therapy is done to stimulate normal penis growth. During hormone therapy, the baby or child will be given an injection of testosterone or a gel/ointment containing testosterone which is applied directly to the genitals.

This therapy is most effective when used in children under 3 years of age, but can still benefit boys under 8 years of age.

Phalloplasty

Phalloplasty is a surgical procedure that is more often performed on male teenagers or adults. Phalloplasty is performed to modify the micropenis to a normal size.

Even so, it should also be understood that sometimes phalloplasty has some risks of side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and disorders of the bladder tract.

Having a micropenis often makes adult men feel anxious and lose confidence, especially when having sex with a partner. In this case, it may take the help of a psychologist to provide counseling about how a person sees himself.

Meanwhile, to correct the problem of penis size, adult men are advised to consult a urologist. For parents who suspect that their child has a micropenis, it is best to check with a pediatrician so that the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment given.