Tackling Koro, a False Small Penis Belief

What is a small penis? Opinions vary, but it is now generally accepted that the average human penis size when erect is between 4 and 6 inches. And typically, anything 3 inches or below (when erect) could be considered small. And the vast majority of men - probably about 95% - fall within the 4- to 6inch range, meaning that the number of men with a truly small penis is low. And again, having a small penis does not mean that a man does not perform well in bed, especially if he has good penis health and is skillful with his equipment. But there are some men who suffer from a condition known as koro, a belief (almost always false) that their penis is shrinking and/or that their average or large penis is actually a small penis.

GRS

Koro is also known by its medical name, genital retraction syndrome (GRS). Technically, either sex can suffer from GRS, except that in women, there is an irrational fear that their breasts are shrinking. If a man has koro, he typically not only believes that his penis and balls are shrinking but that they are doing so in such a manner that they will soon disappear altogether. Alternatively, he may believe that he is in danger of losing his manhood through some other method, such as having it chopped off or having a witch pluck it and abscond with it.

That last explanation may seem laughable, but in many cases, a man who has koro does believe that there is some occult action at work causing these supposed troubles for his penis. Although koro has started being studied seriously only relatively recently, it has been around as an issue for centuries. And there have been instances - many more than originally known - in which koro inspires a "penis panic," in which masses of men come to believe that their penis is in danger of being shrunken out of existence, cut off, or stolen.

Modern Day Issue?

Koro is thought to be less common in modern times, as fewer people nowadays believe in the occult and the supernatural than have in the past. However, it still exists and can still be a very strong and intense psychological illness for a person.

And it is a psychological or mental health issue. So, if a man does have a penis that is actually shrinking - due to, say, his having gained a lot of weight and the penis subsequently being partially buried in his fat pad - then he is not suffering from koro (unless he believes the shortened penis is due to the supernatural). But if a man has a penis that has not and is not shrinking but that he insists on believing really is, then he has koro and should seek out assistance from a mental health professional.

Treating Koro

So how is koro treated? It varies, depending upon the severity of the case and the specifics involved in the individual. Mental health counseling is usually involved; antidepressants or antipsychotics may be used as well, especially if the case is severe and is causing panic and/or anxiety attacks. Sometimes koro may be a symptom of a more expansive underlying mental health condition, and treating that condition may alleviate the koro issues.

Whether a man has a small penis, believes he has one due to koro, or possesses a penis of actual larger stature, he needs to take care of it by regular use of a top-drawer penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Look for an oil that contains vitamin B₅ (also known as pantothenic acid), which is required for cell metabolism and the maintenance of healthy tissue. The oil should also contain vitamin D, the so-called "miracle vitamin," which has proven benefits in fighting diseases and supporting healthy cellular function.

Koro: Living in Fear of a Small Penis

Let’s face it: given a choice, most men would opt to be granted a humongous penis, even knowing full well that penis size does not have anywhere near the effect on sexual satisfaction that penis skill and penis health do. Most men, especially given society’s emphasis on the subject, can’t help but equate a big penis with virility and sexual appeal and a small penis with…well, not femininity, but certainly not with impressive sexual conquests. Fear of possessing a small penis can be compounded when a man develops koro, a condition in which he believes that his penis may actually be shrinking or in danger of shrinking.

Koro

Also known as genital retraction syndrome (GRS), koro describes a condition in which a person has an overwhelming, almost unshakeable belief that their genitals are shrinking, possibly to the point of actually disappearing from view. (In women, it may manifest as a belief that the breasts are shrinking). Sometimes the fear is not that the penis is shrinking but that it is in danger of being removed, either through castration or some other, often supernatural means.

Koro is a Malaysian term (meaning "head of the turtle") that was first used in the 16^th century. However, the concept of a belief that the penis is shrinking is much older and has appeared in many different cultures. It also is not something relegated to ancient beliefs or naïve people. Instances of koro have been documented in Europe, Africa and the United States in more modern times.

Sometimes koro can seem to "take hold" of a region during a period of time, resulting in significant numbers of men believing a small penis is in their future. This becomes a "penis panic," with mass numbers of males fearing for their penises.

Psychological issue

Koro is considered a psychological issue and is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. That means if a man actually has a penis which is shrinking, he most likely does not have koro; if, however, if he has delusions of a shrinking penis or irrational fears that a small penis is in his future and no physical reasons for this fear, he is classified as afflicted by koro.

In some cases, the anxiety related to koro can be very high, bringing about feelings of panic, stress, worry, anger and other emotions. These can manifest in physical issues, including depression, loss of sleep, fatigue, etc. Some men believe the perceived penis shrinkage will end in their deaths, which can create possible suicidal or violent tendencies.

The cause of koro can vary. It may result from a belief in the supernatural, for instance, or it can come about because a man (or a group of men) feel disempowered by the society or culture in which they live. Sometimes guilt may come into play, especially if a man has been brought up to be ashamed of sexual feelings or masturbation.

Treatment

If a man has a fear that his penis is shrinking, he should first consult a doctor to rule out any possible physical reasons why actual shrinkage might be occurring (e.g., Peyronie’s disease, obesity causing part of the penis to be hidden beneath fat, etc.). If there is no physical reason, he should consult with a mental health professional who can help devise strategies to address his small penis anxiety.

Koro exemplifies the unfounded dread with which too many men approach a small penis. Penis health is of far more importance, and that can be more easily maintained via daily application of a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème with a range of vitamins, including A, B5, C, D and E, to boost penis health. It should also contain an amino acid known as L-arginine, which is part of the process by which penile blood vessels help stay relaxed and open to accommodate greater intakes of blood.