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Does Size Matter for Women? Exploring the Truth Behind Penis Size and Sexual Satisfaction

Does penis size really affect women’s sexual satisfaction. How important is penis size in relationships. What factors contribute to sexual pleasure for women. Is bigger always better when it comes to penis size. How do women’s preferences for penis size vary.

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The Myth of Penis Size: Separating Fact from Fiction

For centuries, the question of penis size has been a topic of fascination, speculation, and anxiety for many. But does size truly matter when it comes to sexual satisfaction for women? Let’s delve into the facts and dispel some common myths surrounding this sensitive subject.

Contrary to popular belief, the human penis is not significantly larger than that of our primate relatives. In fact, research shows that the human penis is slightly shorter, though wider, than those of bonobos and chimpanzees. This revelation challenges the long-held assumption that humans evolved to have exceptionally large penises compared to other species.

The Average Penis Size: What Research Tells Us

A comprehensive survey of over 15,000 men conducted by David Veale and colleagues revealed that the average length of an erect penis is approximately 5.25 inches. This measurement is somewhat smaller than previously reported figures, suggesting that our perceptions of “normal” may be skewed by unrealistic expectations.

Understanding Female Anatomy: The Often Overlooked Vagina

While much attention has been given to penis size, the dimensions of the vagina have been largely ignored in discussions about sexual compatibility. This oversight is surprising, considering the importance of “goodness of fit” in sexual intercourse.

A study by Jillian Lloyd and colleagues examined vaginal dimensions in 50 women. The research found that the average vagina length was just under 4 inches, with a range between 2.5 and 5 inches. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in vaginal length between women who had given birth and those who had not, dispelling the myth that childbirth permanently alters vaginal dimensions.

The Mismatch Between Penis and Vagina Length

When comparing the average erect penis length (5.25 inches) to the average vagina length (4 inches), it becomes apparent that there is a notable discrepancy. The average penis is about one-third longer than the average vagina. This mismatch may explain why some women report discomfort or pain during intercourse with partners who have longer penises.

Women’s Perspectives on Penis Size: What Really Matters?

Despite the cultural emphasis on penis size, many women report that it is not a primary factor in their sexual satisfaction. In fact, research suggests that women are more concerned about excessive penis length than men are about their own size.

Why might women be less focused on penis size than popular culture suggests? Several factors contribute to this perspective:

  • Emotional connection and intimacy
  • Sexual technique and skill
  • Overall physical attraction
  • Communication and responsiveness
  • Confidence and body positivity

These elements often play a more significant role in women’s sexual satisfaction than penis size alone.

The Evolution of Genital Size: A Comparative Perspective

To gain a broader understanding of human genital dimensions, it’s helpful to examine them in the context of our primate relatives. Alan Dixson’s book “Primate Sexuality” provides valuable data on vagina lengths across 28 primate species, including humans.

When plotting vagina length against female body weight for these species, a clear trend emerges. Vagina length scales proportionally with body weight, and humans fall close to the expected range based on this trend. This finding suggests that human genital dimensions are not as exceptional as we might assume.

The Impact of Penis Size on Sexual Pleasure: A Complex Picture

While size may not be the primary factor in sexual satisfaction for most women, it can influence the sexual experience in various ways. Understanding these nuances can help couples navigate potential challenges and enhance their intimate relationships.

Advantages of Different Penis Sizes

Different penis sizes may offer unique advantages during sexual intercourse:

  • Longer penises: May provide deeper penetration and stimulation of the cervix or anterior fornix
  • Shorter penises: May allow for easier stimulation of the G-spot and clitoris during intercourse
  • Wider penises: Can provide a fuller sensation and increased friction
  • Thinner penises: May be more comfortable for women with smaller vaginal dimensions or those who experience pain during intercourse

It’s important to note that these potential advantages are generalizations and may not apply to all individuals or couples.

Beyond Size: Factors That Contribute to Sexual Satisfaction

While penis size can play a role in sexual pleasure, it is just one of many factors that contribute to overall satisfaction. Other important elements include:

  1. Foreplay and arousal
  2. Clitoral stimulation
  3. Emotional connection and trust
  4. Communication about desires and preferences
  5. Exploration of different sexual positions and techniques
  6. Use of lubricants and sex toys
  7. Overall physical and mental health

By focusing on these aspects of sexual intimacy, couples can enhance their experiences regardless of penis size.

Overcoming Size-Related Challenges in Sexual Relationships

For couples who experience difficulties related to size discrepancies, there are several strategies that can help improve sexual satisfaction:

1. Open Communication

Honest, non-judgmental discussions about preferences, discomfort, and desires can help partners understand each other’s needs and work together to find solutions.

2. Experimentation with Positions

Different sexual positions can alter the depth and angle of penetration, allowing couples to find comfortable and pleasurable options that work for their unique anatomies.

3. Incorporation of Sex Toys

For partners with significant size differences, sex toys can help bridge the gap and provide additional stimulation where needed.

4. Focus on Non-Penetrative Activities

Expanding the sexual repertoire to include more oral sex, manual stimulation, and other non-penetrative activities can reduce the emphasis on penis-in-vagina intercourse and increase overall satisfaction.

5. Seeking Professional Help

If size-related issues persist, consulting with a sex therapist or counselor can provide valuable guidance and techniques for overcoming challenges.

The Psychological Impact of Penis Size Concerns

While many women report that penis size is not a primary concern, the cultural emphasis on size can have significant psychological effects on men. These effects may include:

  • Low self-esteem and body image issues
  • Performance anxiety
  • Reluctance to engage in sexual relationships
  • Depression and social withdrawal

It’s crucial to address these psychological impacts and promote body positivity and self-acceptance, regardless of penis size.

Debunking Common Myths About Penis Size and Sexual Satisfaction

To further clarify the relationship between penis size and sexual satisfaction, let’s address some prevalent myths:

Myth 1: Bigger is Always Better

Reality: While some women may prefer larger penises, many find average or smaller sizes more comfortable and enjoyable. Sexual satisfaction depends on a variety of factors beyond size alone.

Myth 2: Penis Size Determines a Man’s Masculinity or Worth

Reality: A man’s value and masculinity are not determined by the size of his penis. Character, personality, and actions are far more important in defining a person’s worth.

Myth 3: Women Can Always Tell Penis Size Before Intercourse

Reality: Flaccid penis size is not a reliable indicator of erect size. Additionally, many women report being unable to accurately estimate penis size visually or through touch.

Myth 4: Penis Enlargement Methods Are Effective and Safe

Reality: Most penis enlargement techniques, including pills, pumps, and exercises, have not been scientifically proven to be effective or safe. Some methods may even cause harm or permanent damage.

Cultural Perspectives on Penis Size: A Global View

The importance placed on penis size varies significantly across cultures and historical periods. Understanding these diverse perspectives can help contextualize our own attitudes and beliefs about size:

Ancient Greece and Rome

In classical antiquity, smaller penises were often considered more aesthetically pleasing and a sign of intellectual refinement. Larger penises were associated with foolishness and lack of control.

Traditional Japanese Culture

Historical Japanese art and literature often depicted smaller penises as ideal, associating them with youthfulness and beauty.

Modern Western Culture

Contemporary Western media and pornography have contributed to an emphasis on larger penis sizes, potentially skewing perceptions of what is “normal” or desirable.

African Cultures

Some African cultures have traditionally valued larger penises, incorporating size into cultural practices and beliefs about masculinity and fertility.

These diverse perspectives highlight the culturally constructed nature of penis size preferences and remind us that there is no universal standard for what is considered ideal.

The Role of Media and Pornography in Shaping Size Perceptions

The prevalence of unrealistic body standards in media and pornography has significantly impacted perceptions of penis size. This influence can have several effects:

  • Distorted expectations of “normal” penis size
  • Increased anxiety and insecurity among men
  • Unrealistic expectations for sexual performance
  • Pressure on women to prefer larger penises

Recognizing the impact of these media influences is crucial for developing a healthier, more realistic understanding of human sexuality and body diversity.

Embracing Body Positivity and Sexual Confidence

Given the complex relationship between penis size, sexual satisfaction, and psychological well-being, it’s essential to promote body positivity and sexual confidence for individuals of all sizes. Here are some strategies for cultivating a healthier attitude towards penis size and sexuality:

1. Education and Awareness

Learning about the wide range of normal genital sizes and the many factors that contribute to sexual satisfaction can help dispel myths and reduce anxiety.

2. Focusing on Overall Health

Prioritizing physical and mental health through exercise, nutrition, and stress management can improve sexual function and confidence regardless of penis size.

3. Practicing Self-Acceptance

Developing a positive relationship with one’s body, including genitals, can lead to greater sexual confidence and satisfaction.

4. Communicating with Partners

Open, honest communication about sexual preferences, concerns, and desires can strengthen intimacy and lead to more satisfying sexual experiences.

5. Seeking Professional Support

For those struggling with severe anxiety or body image issues related to penis size, consulting with a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support and coping strategies.

By embracing body positivity and focusing on the many aspects of sexuality beyond size, individuals and couples can cultivate more fulfilling and satisfying intimate relationships.

The Future of Penis Size Research: What More Can We Learn?

While existing research has provided valuable insights into the relationship between penis size and sexual satisfaction, there is still much to explore. Future studies could focus on:

  • Long-term effects of penis size on relationship satisfaction
  • Cultural variations in size preferences and their origins
  • The impact of body positivity movements on perceptions of penis size
  • Psychological interventions for size-related anxiety and body dysmorphia
  • The role of penis size in non-heterosexual relationships

Continued research in these areas can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of human sexuality and help individuals and couples navigate size-related concerns more effectively.

When Women Say Size Doesn’t Matter, They Actually Mean It | by Aliya S. King

When Women Say Size Doesn’t Matter, They Actually Mean It | by Aliya S. King | LEVEL

Once and for all: it’s really (totally) fine!

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Jun 13, 2020

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Update 6/7/22: Level has a new home. You can read this article and other new articles by visiting LEVELMAN.com.

Before I even begin, let me get one thing out of the way: No column that I write is one-size-fits-all. There…

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Does Size Matter for Women?

Source: Original cartoon by Alex Martin

The evolutionary significance of penis size has been a topic for abundant speculation, often packaged with the myth that the human phallus is far bigger than in other primates. However, the human penis is actually a little shorter, though much wider, than in bonobos and common chimpanzees. (See my January 3, 2015 post Penis Size Matters and the sequel Expanding on Penis Size of February 4.) Curiously—despite the unquestionable need to consider “goodness of fit” (with apologies to statisticians)—length and width of the vagina have barely been mentioned.

Size of the human vagina

In a rare discussion of female dimensions, in 2005 Jillian Lloyd and colleagues reported an average vagina length of just under four inches for 50 women, with extremes of two-and-a-half and five inches. Importantly, vagina length did not differ between women with previous births and those without. So the particularly challenging human birth process seemingly causes no lasting distension of the vagina. Yet David Veale and colleagues reported in a very recent survey covering some 15,000 men that the average length of a man’s erect penis is about five-and-a-quarter inches. This is somewhat less than previously reported, but even at that size, the average erect penis is a third longer than the average vagina. So it is hardly surprising that women reportedly care more about excessive penis length than men’s preoccupation with bragging rights.

Comparison with non-human primates

Vagina length plotted against body weight for humans and 27 other primate species. Linked points are for inflated and flat sexual swellings.

Source: Plot by Robert D. Martin of Data from Dixson (2012)

As usual, comparisons with non-human primates place human data in perspective. Alan Dixson’s book Primate Sexuality is once again a prime source, listing vagina lengths for humans and 27 other primate species. The four-and-a-half inches cited for human vagina length (from Bancroft, 1989) is about 10% greater than reported by Jillian Lloyd and colleagues, but still notably less than the length of the average erect penis. Plotting against female body weight, using Dixson’s data, reveals that vagina length scales to body weight with simple proportionality. Despite some scatter, a clear trend is evident and average vagina length for women actually lies close to the best-fit line. So women do not have a particularly long vagina compared to other primates. Strikingly, however, at a little over five inches, the vagina of female chimpanzees is distinctly longer than in women. Moreover, across the middle of the menstrual cycle, the sex skin in the genital region of female chimpanzees is conspicuously swollen, extending the vagina’s effective length by almost two inches.

Unfortunately, data on vagina width for primates are generally lacking, so it is unknown whether a woman’s vagina is relatively wider than in other primates.

The human clitoris

Anatomically, a woman’s direct counterpart (homologue) of a man’s penis is her clitoris. However, it differs distinctly because the penis has a dual role for urination and insemination. By contrast, a woman’s clitoris is connected solely with copulation and is not even involved in fertilization. The clitoris is a woman’s most sensitive erogenous zone and the main anatomical source of sexual pleasure. And it is isolated from the urinary tract, whose opening (urethra) is more than an inch away.

Despite its exclusive link to copulation, the clitoris has been shamefully neglected by investigators. In their 2005 paper, Jillian Lloyd and colleagues baldly commented: “ … even some recent text books of anatomy do not include the clitoris on diagrams of the female pelvis.” These authors gave an average of three-quarters of an inch for externally measurable clitoris length. But there is extensive variation over an eight-fold range from one-fifth of an inch to one-and-a-half inches. Despite its small size, the so-called “love button” contains some 8,000 sensory nerve fibers, double the number in the dome of the penis and surpassing the density anywhere else in the body.

Externally visible glans and the large internal parts of the clitoral complex in women.

Source: Relabelled illustration drawn by Amphis, from Jesielt / Wikimedia Commons

Two recent papers published in 1998 and 2005 by Helen O’Connell and colleagues greatly enhanced our understanding of clitoris anatomy. The first, based on dissection of 10 cadavers, revealed that the externally visible clitoris (the glans) is just one small part of a “clitoral complex” that is far more extensive than previously realized. Indeed, a 2012 blog post by Robbie Gonzalez aptly likened the overall complex to a mostly invisible iceberg. The second paper by O’Connell and colleagues used magnetic resonance imaging to study the fine structure of the clitoral system. On each side, the hidden part of the complex consists of a bulb and sponge-like body (corpus cavernosum) extending into a tapering arm (crus). The body and arm together are about four inches long, considerably longer than the external glans. The hidden clitoral complex is erectile, whereas this may not be technically true of the glans, although it does become engorged during sexual arousal. The bulbs and bodies together flank the vaginal opening and bulge when erect, compressing it.

In 2010, Odile Buisson used ultrasound scans to investigate the role of the clitoris while two volunteer doctors engaged in intercourse. The images revealed that inflation of the vagina by the penis stretched the root of the clitoris, such that it had a very close relationship with the front wall of the vagina, known as the G-spot. The authors concluded from their study: “The clitoris and vagina must be seen as an anatomical and functional unit being activated by vaginal penetration during intercourse.”

A functionless vestige?

In the words of Stephen Jay Gould (1993), “As women have known since the dawn of our time, the primary site for stimulation to orgasm centers upon the clitoris.” And the female orgasm has generally been the main context for discussions of the significance of the clitoris. (See my June 5, 2014 post Female Orgasms: Getting Off or Getting On?). Many proposed explanations boil down to the basic question of whether the clitoris and associated orgasms are adapted for some particular function or merely vestigial byproducts. Along with Gould, Elisabeth Lloyd forcefully advocated the notion that a woman’s clitoris, like a man’s nipples, is simply a functionless carry-over from shared early developmental pathways. The main argument underpinning this interpretation is that both occurrence of female orgasms and external clitoris size are so variable that they are seemingly not filtered by natural selection.

In a 2008 paper, Kim Wallen and Elisabeth Lloyd reported that variability in clitoris length is more than threefold greater than for vagina or penis length. However, in subsequent commentaries, David Hosken and Vincent Lynch noted two flaws in their argument. First, Hosken emphasized that variation in clitoris size may not tell us anything about female orgasm. Second, size variability does not, in fact, differ significantly between the clitoris and the penis. In principle, the variability measure used by Wallen and Lloyd—the coefficient of variation—cancels out differences in average size. However, clitoris length is less than one-sixth of penis length, so measurement error has a greater impact. To counteract this problem, Lynch compared variability in clitoris and penis volumes and found no significant difference. In any case, we should hardly expect to achieve meaningful results if we examine the tip of an iceberg instead of the entire thing!

References

Bancroft, J. (1989). Human Sexuality and its Problems (Second Edition). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Buisson, O., Foldes, P., Jannini, E. & Mimoun, S. (2010) Coitus as revealed by ultrasound in one volunteer couple. Journal of Sexual Medicine 7:2750-2754.

Di Marino, V. & Lepedi, H. (2014) Anatomic Study of the Clitoris and the Bulbo-Clitoral Organ. Heidelberg: Springer.

Dixson, A.F. (2012) Primate Sexuality: Comparative Studies of the Prosimians, Monkeys, Apes and Human Beings (Second Edition). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Gonzalez, R. (2012) Blog post for io9, filed to Sexology: http://io9.com/5876335/until-2009-the-human-clitoris-was-an-absolute-my…

Hosken, D.J. (2008) Clitoral variation says nothing about female orgasm. Evolution & Development 10:393-395.

Lloyd, E.A. (2005) The Case of the Female Orgasm: Bias in the Science of Evolution. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Lloyd, J., Crouch, N.S., Minto, C.L., Liao, L.-M. & Creighton, S.M. (2005) Female genital appearance: ‘normality’ unfolds. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 112:643-646.

Lynch, V.J. (2008) Clitoral and penile size variability are not significantly different: lack of evidence for the byproduct theory of the female orgasm. Evolution & Development 10:396-397.

Museum of Sex blog on the internal clitoris: http://blog.museumofsex.com/the-internal-clitoris/

O’Connell, H.E., Hutson, J.M., Anderson, C.R. & Plenter, R.J. (1998) Anatomical relationship between urethra and clitoris. Journal of Urology 159:1892-1897.

O’Connell, H.E., Sanjeevan, K.V. & Hutson, J.M. (2005) Anatomy of the clitoris. Journal of Urology 174:1189-1195.

Veale, D., Miles, S., Bramley, S., Muir, G. & Hodsoll, J. (2015) Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15 521 men. BJU International doi:10.1111/bju.13010, 1-9.

Verkauf, B.B., Von Thorn, J. & O’Brien, W.F. (1992) Clitoral size in normal women. Obstetrics & Gynecology 80:41-44.

Wallen, K. & Lloyd, E.A. (2008) Clitoral variability compared with penile variability supports nonadaptation of female orgasm. Evolution & Development 10:1-2.

A British therapist explained whether penis size should be worrying about

Even before Sigmund Freud, the world could hardly do without discussing a juicy topic: the size of a man’s penis did not leave in peace, probably, both rulers and simple male workers. But the shame from the discussion did not allow me to look at everything honestly and openly. Here are the main factors to consider.

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Is sexual contact acceptable before marriage? Or do both man and woman have to wait years? Share your opinion in the comments!

The simple answer given by many girls and biologists is no, “what you do with your organ matters. ” However, some men still firmly believe that their penis is not big enough and that if they had a bigger penis, they would be better lovers. Charlotte Simpson, an accredited psychosexual therapist and relationship consultant with a private practice in North West London, has dotted all the i’s so that men can finally become more confident and not worry about their penis.

Measuring the penis will not change the size, so ask yourself why measure it? If you find out that your penis is in the “mid range”, will that assuage your fears? What will you do if you find that it is actually less than average? Unfortunately, many men try to increase the size of the penis with the help of various interventions, which can be invasive, expensive, but the person’s sense of self will still not change. The solution, most likely, will be a change in attitude towards yourself and your penis, in other words, you need to learn to love what you have.

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Average penis size and girls’ opinions

Studies show that the average adult’s penis is about 13 cm long when erect (meanwhile, about 45% of men think their penis is too small). Some studies show that men place more importance on size than their women. As a rule, it is more important that the partner be gentle and caring. So, not only penis size, but also knowing how your partner likes to be touched and caressed contributes to better sex.

The belief that the priority is the penetration of a giant penis is not quite close to reality. In fact, for women, most of the pleasant sensations do not come from inside the vagina, but outside, in the clitoris, where the most sensitive parts of the female body are located. By the way, during intercourse, the woman’s vagina adapts to the partner’s penis, deepening, expanding, and vice versa. Some note that a smaller penis is often preferable for oral and anal sex.

Ownership of the penis

Psychosexual therapist Charlotte Simpson’s advice: make friends with your penis. If you see the penis as your enemy, always letting you down and embarrassing you, then you won’t be able to form positive feelings about your body and sexual relationships. Think about what conditions can improve the performance of your penis: sobriety, sufficient and proper stimulation, proper nutrition, sports are a few influencing factors.

If you are overweight, try to get rid of it with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Not only will you feel better, but your penis will also appear larger without being surrounded by fat. Some men find that removing pubic hair makes their penis more visible.

Sex

Worrying about the size of your penis can lead to erection problems. Good sex is all about being comfortable and relaxed, focusing only on the physical sensations you are having with your partner. You may have a smaller than average penis, but that shouldn’t stop you from having relationships and having good sex. Like all parts of the body, penises come in many shapes and sizes.

When upright, many of them have a natural curve and point in different directions. Pornography is a common source for comparing one’s size and one’s sex life. Given that male porn actors are often hired for their extraordinarily large penises, comparing your body to theirs is not relevant, and certainly won’t make you feel better. It is worth considering that porn films are always staged and have little in common with real sexual contact.

scientists figured out which penises are better for women

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  • (Illustration by Brian Mautz/PNAS).

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  • (Illustration by Brian Mautz/PNAS).

Biologists from different countries have found out how the ideal of male beauty looks from the point of view of the fair sex. At the same time, scientists figured out how this point of view influenced the process of evolution of the male genitalia.

A study published in the journal PNAS states that women carefully evaluate the size of a man’s penis when choosing a partner, while the masculinity of the body and broad shoulders do not play such an important role.

Researchers tested women using questionnaires and drawings. 105 straight Australian women were shown computer images of male bodies that differed from each other in three dimensions: height, shoulder-to-hip ratio and penis length. There were 53 images in total.

The results showed that most women prefer tall men with a large shoulder-to-hip ratio and a long penis. But here it is impossible to say “the bigger, the better,” since the penises, the size of which greatly exceeded the average, were not considered attractive by the subjects.

The lead author of this study, biologist Brian Mautz of the University of Ottawa, believes that women have a certain ceiling in their preferences regarding the penis of their potential partner.

Scientists have calculated that the most attractive were those penises whose length ranged from 12.8 to 14.2 centimeters in a non-erect state. This figure is quite close to the average figure of 9 centimeters. At the same time, the preferences of women in the field of the male figure, apparently, are very far from reality.

The current conclusion of scientists contradicts a study conducted by William Masters (William Masters) and Virginia Johnson (Virginia Johnson) in 1966. Then these researchers said that for most women, penis size does not play any role in assessing male attractiveness.

Mautz and his colleagues believe that female preferences influenced sexual selection and could influence the evolution of male genital organs, because today, of all primates, humans have the longest and widest penis. Biologists tried to figure out what factors could influence the development of this organ, but came to the conclusion that more data is needed for this.