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Urology (Expert Forum)
Shrinking penis, why?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
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Shrinking penis, why?
by Yossarian, May 22, 2007 12:00AM
Over the past 10 years or so I have noticed that my penis has been getting thinner, causing me a great deal of concern.
I have seen several doctors and urologists who seem either disinterested, disbelieving or unable to explain what’s going on. A few have suggested to me that this problem is psychological but this frustrates me as I have regularly measured my penis over this time to track the thinning. At the age of 16, the erect circumference was around 2cm thicker.
I know that the size of the flaccid penis can vary greatly depending on a number of factors and every doctor I have spoken to has tried to fob me off with this explanation. The changes are very subtle but I am not imagining them.
Very often I feel a pain in my penis and regularly feel as though there is an itch actually inside the penis. I would describe what is happening as if something was eating away at the tissue of my penis.
There are a few lifestyle factors which I have identified as potentially being a contributing factor/cause including smoking, smoking cannabis, drinking, exercise and masturbation.
I often feel I may have damaged my prostate in some way and the symptoms of prostate problems are all there. I really want to know why this is happening and what can be done. I've had my hormone level checked and undergone a saline erection to test for scarring of the penis but nothing abnormal showed up.
I have seen several doctors and urologists who seem either disinterested, disbelieving or unable to explain what’s going on. A few have suggested to me that this problem is psychological but this frustrates me as I have regularly measured my penis over this time to track the thinning. At the age of 16, the erect circumference was around 2cm thicker.
I know that the size of the flaccid penis can vary greatly depending on a number of factors and every doctor I have spoken to has tried to fob me off with this explanation. The changes are very subtle but I am not imagining them.
Very often I feel a pain in my penis and regularly feel as though there is an itch actually inside the penis. I would describe what is happening as if something was eating away at the tissue of my penis.
There are a few lifestyle factors which I have identified as potentially being a contributing factor/cause including smoking, smoking cannabis, drinking, exercise and masturbation.
I often feel I may have damaged my prostate in some way and the symptoms of prostate problems are all there. I really want to know why this is happening and what can be done. I've had my hormone level checked and undergone a saline erection to test for scarring of the penis but nothing abnormal showed up.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 23, 2007 12:00AM
, May 23, 2007 12:00AM
You have been evaluated by several physician already - it will be unlikely that I can come up with something over the internet.
I would first consider endocrine abnormalities, since this can cause changes in the penile character. Blood tests looking for testosterone and liver function can be considered. A low testosterone level, or liver damage can lead to some of the symptoms described. Imaging the penis with an ultrasound can also be discussed.
Although possible, I am not specifically aware of smoking or marijuana leading to penile shrinkage.
These options should be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
I would first consider endocrine abnormalities, since this can cause changes in the penile character. Blood tests looking for testosterone and liver function can be considered. A low testosterone level, or liver damage can lead to some of the symptoms described. Imaging the penis with an ultrasound can also be discussed.
Although possible, I am not specifically aware of smoking or marijuana leading to penile shrinkage.
These options should be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (1)
by Yossarian, May 23, 2007 12:00AM
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