The “general cosmetic appearance” of a man’s penis is important to women, according to new research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
The study findings could reassure men with surgically corrected hypospadias, a congenital condition in which the urethra (the tube that allows urine and semen to leave the body) opens on the underside of the penis instead of the tip. Usually, the condition is corrected before a boy’s first birthday.
Still, men with corrected hypospadias often worry about how their penis looks to sexual partners.
==================================================
What is a good looking penis? Women chime in. (Click to tweet)
==================================================
A group of Swiss researchers asked 105 women between the ages of 16 and 45 to rate 20 photosets of male genitalia. Ten of the photosets showed circumcised penises. The others showed penises with surgically corrected hypospadias. Photos included several different angles.
The women rated the circumcised penises as the most “normal-looking.” But many of the corrected penises were considered just as normal-looking. (Circumcised penises were chosen for the study because they more closely resemble those with corrected hypospadias.)
The women also ranked the importance of eight penile features, including length, girth, shape, and the position of the urethral opening.
While general cosmetic appearance was most important, the location of the urethral opening was at the bottom of the list.
The results can be useful for healthcare providers who counsel men with corrected hypospadias, the researchers noted. Understanding that partners are unlikely to be bothered by corrected genitals – and might not even notice – may improve a man’s genital self-image and sexual self-confidence.
Resources
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Ruppen-Greeff, Norma Katharina, MSc, et al.
“What is a Good Looking Penis? How Women Rate the Penile Appearance of Men with Surgically Corrected Hypospadias”
(Full-text. First published online: July 20, 2015)
You may also be interested in...
Other 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.
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 Effect of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Erectile Function
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. As men get older, their erectile functioning may naturally decline due to changes in testosterone levels, cardiovascular functioning, and the potential development of other chronic medical conditions that become more common with age.
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.
