Developmental Penis Disorders
It is a fact of life that is broadcast on television shows and movies all over the world: size matters. Teenage boys are shown cowering the locker rooms, afraid to display their penis because they are not sure how they "measure up" compared to their peers. Fortunately, the size of penis does not prove machismo, fertility, or anything else for that matter.
However, for most men, the full development of the penis is crucial to a life that is physically and psychologically healthy, as well as the development of normal sexual relationships. In order for the penis to development naturally and normally, several factors must align and proper health actions must be taken.
A Penis Capable of Reproduction
One of the most important aspects of penis development is its development into an organ that is capable of reproduction. Men have four components that affect the development of their reproduction unit: testicles, the duct system, the accessory glands, and the penis.
As a fetus, normal penis development begins during the 8th week of pregnancy, when the production of testosterone occurs for the first time. By the 13th week of pregnancy, the urethra has formed, and most of the foreskin has been created.
Most development of the penis occurs during puberty with four physical changes: the scrotum and testicles grow larger, the penis becomes longer, hair grows and the voice deepens, and a growth spurt occurs. All of this is a result of the increase in testosterone levels. Once testosterone levels begin to increase, the penis begins to grow and will continue to do so until the age of eighteen years old. The average length of a penis is approximately six and a half inches or thirteen centimeters.
Problems in Penis Development
Throughout this process, many factors can affect the development of the penis and can cause developmental penis disorders. Often, developmental penis disorders can be triggered during gestation or pregnancy. Additionally, bad hygiene, smoking, lack of exercise, or lack of sleep can also create developmental penis disorders.
There are many factors that can then affect the male reproductive system. Some common conditions that affect the development of the reproductive unit are the following:
- Testicular Trauma – injury to the testicles resulting in bruising or swelling
- Varicocele – abnormally swollen vein in the testicles
- Testicular cancer – cells in the testicle divide abnormally and form a tumor
- Epididymitis – inflammation of the epididymis caused by an infection
- Hydrocele – fluid collects around the testes
- Inflammation of the penis
Two developmental penis disorders in particular are hypospadias and micropenis. The developmental penis disorder hypospadias occurs in about one out of every 125 males during birth and is corrected by surgery. The other developmental penis disorder, micropenis, is caused by developmental problems in early childhood or during puberty.
Some researchers argue that a lack of circumcision, or even the process of circumcision itself, can affect the development of the penis. However, there is no real proof to either of these claims.
