Penis Shrinkage Concerns – When It’s Not All in the Head

Throughout recorded history, penis size has been a fixation of men from all parts of the world – not surprisingly, since the penis is seen as almost a universal symbol of strength and virility. This focus on size has inspired a broad spectrum of remedies for lengthening the penis, ranging from teas made from powdered rhinocerous horn to prosthetic attachments to various exercise techniques.

In spite of these attempts to embellish what nature has provided, most worries about penis size are often dismissed as being all in the head – and in many cases, this is true. Men often compare themselves against an artificial ideal, not realizing that they have a perfectly normal and healthy penis. In some cases, though, when men become convinced that their organ is getting smaller, penis shrinkage is a real possibility.

Causes of penis shrinkage

The following penis health issues may result in some reduction in penis length:

Peyronie’s Disease – The shaft of the penis is constructed of chambers called the corpora cavernosa; these areas fill with blood on arousal, allowing erections to occur. Surrounding this spongy tissue is a band of connective material, which is in turn covered by the penis skin. When the penis is subject to frequent rough handling, or when a sudden injury occurs, this connective tissue may be damaged, and scar tissue may form as part of the healing process.

Because the scar tissue does not expand in the same manner as the surrounding material, it tends to pull the penis in one direction or another when an erection occurs. This can be quite painful and can interfere with the ability to engage in sex; it can also cause the penis to appear shorter in length.

This condition, which is known as Peyronie’s disease, typically occurs in older men and may require surgery to repair the damaged tissue.

Varicoceles – The penis and testicles are filled with tiny blood vessels, which are needed to provide blood flow to the penis. The normal circulation of blood in the penis provides nutrients and oxygen to the cells and permits erections to occur. Normally, these blood vessels are a one-way street; as the blood moves through the body, a series of valves prevents the flow from moving back in the opposite direction.

However, in some cases, these valves may fail. When this occurs in the testicles, the resulting accumulation of blood can cause the vessels to become enlarged. These varicose veins, or varicoceles – may present no symptoms, but in some men, they can be quite painful, and they can be felt as a tangled web of veins in the scrotum.

As the area becomes starved of oxygen and nutrients, some tissue atrophy may occur. This can result in shrinkage of the penis and fertility problems. Varicoceles most often occur when men are in their twenties and thirties; surgical repair of the blood vessels may be necessary to restore proper blood flow.

Weight gain – The accumulation of body fat in the abdominal area is not only a matter of health. While it does not actually affect penis size, extra pounds in this area tend to make the penis appear smaller than it really is. For many men, this problem can result in self-image issues and decrease confidence in the bedroom.

Can penis shrinkage be prevented?

While there are no guarantees, men can take proactive measures to ensure that their penis is healthy enough to stave off some common problems that may affect size. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping body weight to acceptable levels is the first step.

Second, applying a specially formulated penis nutrient crème (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing vitamins, antioxidants and tissue-building amino acids can help to prevent scarring and promote healthy blood flow. Keeping the penis clean and well-moisturized can also help to keep the penis smooth, supple and responsive. In the eyes of most women, a penis that appears healthy and responds to her touch is more important than length or girth.