Micropenis is a condition when the penis is smaller than normal. This condition can usually be detected since infancy or children. Even so, micropenis classified as very rare, only occurs in 0.6 percent of men in the world.
man with micropenis retain the normal shape and appearance of the penis. So, the difference is only in size. However, micropenis sometimes it is also associated with lower sperm counts, so fertility rates may be lower.
Signs Micropenis
To diagnose 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 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 Micropenis
Micropenis It can occur alone or in conjunction with other disorders. Here are some causes micropenis:
Hormonal disorders
Hormonal disorders are the main factors that cause micropenis. While in the womb, the baby's body experiences 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 micropenis commonly 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 the cause of the occurrence micropenis and other congenital abnormalities.
Apart from those mentioned above, micropenis It can also occur due to heredity. Not only that, micropenis In general, it can also occur together with other disorders due to chromosomal abnormalities, such as androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Down syndrome.
How to overcome Micropenis
Handling micropenis in children is different from that in adults. Here is a complete explanation that you need to know in overcoming micropenis:
Hormone therapy
Basically, micropenis It will be easier if it is 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 may still benefit boys under 8 years of age.
Phalloplasty
Phalloplasty It is a surgical procedure that is more often performed on male adolescents or adults. Phalloplasty done to modify micropenis be normal size.
Even so, it should also be understood that sometimes phalloplasty have some risks of side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and disorders of the bladder tract.
Own micropenis often makes adult men feel anxious and lose confidence, especially when they are 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 their child has micropenisYou should consult a pediatrician so that the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment given.