Male Penile Shapes -- Normal and Abnormal, and What They Mean

Everyone knows penises can range in size from Michelangelo’s David to adult-entertainer, Remington Steele. However, there’s not a lot of talk about the shape of the manhood. Yet its shape has a big effect on pleasure for a partner, but also on a man's health. Let's talk a little about male penile shapes, normal and abnormal, as well as how to maximize pleasure and when shape can mean that something might need a closer look from a doctor.

1) The Straight and Narrow – This is a penis that is the same size from base to tip and is on the thinner side. Completely normal, the lack of girth can sometimes be a challenge for sexual satisfaction with a partner. Choose positions that create a tight fit, most notably by bringing a partner’s thighs close together to create a narrower passage resulting in a small space and more friction for both partners. A long, thin penis is also nothing to worry about and is totally normal.

2) The Gherkin – A man with a smaller penis that resembles the shape of the famed smaller pickle has often gotten a bad rap. With a little creativity and a lot of attention, both partners can achieve plenty of pleasure. Choose positions that allow for maximum depth and access to a female partner’s other erogenous zones. Couples can also additionally use sexual aides that are meant for the inner part of a woman’s vagina during sex, increasing pleasure for both parties. Oral and manual stimulation also bring plenty of pleasure.

Men who have an undersized penis should have their testosterone levels periodically checked as they age, as this is generally caused by inadequate levels of testosterone during fetal development.

3) The Tapered Tip – This penis shape is thicker at the base and narrows out at the tip, sort of resembling a rocket pop. This is a completely normal penis shape and can be very pleasurable for partners, as it provides depth and fullness without potential pain due to the narrowing of the tip.

4) A Modest Curve – A curved member is not at all uncommon, and generally, many men have a curve in their penis of 10 degrees or less that develops during puberty. Any host of sexual positions are pleasant with this penis shape, and female partners may be particularly enthusiastic, because men with moderately curved penises have a better chance of stimulating the G-spot during intercourse.

5) A Wicked Curve – While a curved member is not at all uncommon, a curve in any direction of 30 degrees (some would argue a curve of more than 15 degrees) or more is a cause for concern. If that curve is accompanied by painful erections and intercourse, the owner of such a penis may have Peyronie’s disease, which is caused by scar tissue in the penile canals.

Generally, medication and/or surgery is needed to alleviate the disease. This disease affects nearly one of out of four men over 40, so it’s more common than might be believed.

Penis Health

No matter the shape, a daily penis care regimen will keep a member strong, supple, and ready for action. Be sure to engage in blood-pumping exercise each day to stimulate blood flow. Protect the penis whenever playing sports or cycling to prevent injury.

Build a good grooming routine which includes daily cleansing with a gentle cleanser. Follow up with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin). Moisturizing with this type of special crème, made explicitly for penises promotes penis health and function. Look for vitamins like A, B, C, D, and E, as well as penis-boosting nutrients like L-Carnitine and L-Arginine. Combined with a natural moisturizing base like Shea butter, regular use will strengthen the member and make him attractive to all who meet him.

Penis Size: When a Man Should Worry

It’s important for a man to recognize that his worries about penis size and shape are often unfounded. In fact, most men worry about their penis size, usually by thinking it is far too small. They might also worry about their penis shape, thinking that it is far too thin. But what really matters is what a man does with it, and that starts with excellent penis care. It also extends to know what is really worrisome when it comes to penis size and shape. Here’s what a man needs to know.

What a man should know about penis size

Unfortunately, many men think their penis is not large enough, even though it is probably right where it should be. Though the studies on penis size vary, what most have found is that "normal" penis size is anywhere from four inches to six inches in length. However, even men who are smaller than that four inches can have a fulfilling and completely happy sex life.

Men who are very worried about penis size that is less than this, such as a guy packing two inches or less, might want to visit their doctor just to rule out any underlying problems. However, it is important to remember that even at this size, a guy can be perfectly normal.

What’s important about penis shape

Shape matters to a guy, too. Most studies have found that the average guy measures at four to five inches in circumference. But again, it’s important to remember that a man who falls outside of that range is likely perfectly normal.

One of the things about penis shape that might be abnormal is excessive curvature. Most men have some natural curvature of the penis, and this is nothing to worry about. But when the curvature is severe enough to cause pain or trouble with partner sex, it might be something known as Peyronie’s disease.

Peyronie’s disease results from the buildup of scar tissue, also known as plaque, within the penis. This scar tissue forms as the result of trauma to the penis. It might be a one-time sudden trauma, such as getting hit in the midsection with a baseball, or it might be small traumas that build up over time, such as the minor tears that occur when a man masturbates with no lube. Eventually the scar tissue in one area doesn’t allow the penis to expand as it should, and the organ then bends too far to one side.

Other points to ponder about the penis

There are a few other things to keep in mind about a healthy penis. Many men worry about the color of their penis, but the fact is that the penis can come in many colors - from a pale white to a dark red, almost purple, are common. The penis is usually a slightly darker hue than a man’s overall skin tone. But if a guy has dark spots on what is otherwise a lighter-colored penis, that might be cause to visit the doctor to rule out any problems.

To help ensure good penis health, a guy should inspect his penis every day for signs of things that might be going wrong. While he’s doing that inspection, he can help ensure even better health by using a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . A good crème will include a multitude of healthy vitamins, such as C and D, as well as Shea butter, a high-end emollient. Antioxidants and amino acids round out the beneficial ingredients of the best health crème on the market.

Penis Shape and Prime Sex Positions

Finding the right sex positions can be great fun for a couple – or it can be a frustrating and demoralizing experience. There are many factors that need to be considered when trying to determine sex positions that are the right fit for a couple; penis shape is one such factor (and not forgetting that penis health also may have an impact on the ultimate choice).

Shape, Not Size

Penis size is a subject about which there is endless discussion; penis shape, not so much. It's generally assumed that although penises come in many different sizes, they are almost all the same shape: cylindrical. Of course, even a cursory examination of this issue debunks the myth. It's the rare member that is a perfect cylinder. The glans (head) tends to interrupt that perfect line; there may be bends or curves in the manhood; thickness can vary significantly from one part of the tool to another.

Individual Shapes

Just as every person is different from another, so every penis shape is different from another – at least slightly. For example, two men may both have penises that are thick at the base and significantly thinner near the end of the shaft, but the exact thickness and thinness will vary. Still, there are several basic shape categories into which most penises will fall. These are listed below, along with a sex position suggestion for each.

• Straight-edged: The straight-edged penis has what might be considered a "classical" look: it is essentially a straight cylinder with little or no bend or curvature in it and is roughly the same thickness from beginning to end (although there will be a slight indentation at the base of the glans).  The "Standing Doggy" is a good bet for many straight-edged penises. In this position, both partners are standing; the man enters the woman from behind. The woman may wish to have a bed or chair nearby to lean on for support. Using this position, the woman is able to undulate her hips more freely around the straight-edged member.

• Bulging: The bulging penis tends to be thicker in the middle and thinner at the base and the glans end. The "Shoulder-Straddle" works well here. The woman lies on her back with the man on top. The woman then bends her legs and hooks them over the man's shoulders. This position allows easier access for the "big-in-the-middle" manhood.

• Thick-thin: This category of penis is substantially thicker at the base and narrows as it goes on so that the end of the shaft is thinner. Traditional "Doggy Style” is a favorite for "thick-thin" penises, mainly because it allows for more controllable entry; thus, the thicker end can more comfortably be accommodated.

• Thickened: The thickened penis grows "girthier" towards the end of the shaft, often sporting a very noticeable knob at the end. The "Standing Shoulder Straddle" positions the man standing while the woman lies on the bed, but with her legs thrown up on the man's shoulders. This increases the spread of the vaginal opening, allowing the thicker head to enter more easily.

• Downward curved: As might be implied, organs in this category tend to curve downward when erect. The "Doggy Style" position is also very good for this penis shape, especially as it allows for greater stimulation of her G-spot from the downward curve.

These sex positions can serve as a guide; however, remember that penis shape is only one factor to consider. A man should also take steps to maintain penis health, such as using a top-notch penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). The best cream will include L-arginine, which might help in the production of nitric oxide and therefore the process by which penis blood flow is encouraged. In addition, men should make sure the cream includes vitamin C (for collagen production) and vitamin A (to fight unwanted penis odors).

Penis Size And Shape - What Is Normal And What Is Not

Just like every part of the body, the penis is unique. It comes in all shapes, sizes and colors, and can be the source of either a man's pride or his embarrassment. While many men everywhere feel some degree of angst over their penis shape and size, it is important to know what is normal and healthy, and what is not. With good nutrition, penis specific vitamins, regular washing, and good self-care, a penis should remain healthy and functional throughout a man's life.

Size

Over the years different studies have concluded different findings when investigating the size of the average male erect penis. According to The Kinsey Institute, the average male erect penis is anywhere from 5" to 6.5" in length and 4" to 5" in circumference. Neither foot size, hand size nor flaccid penis size is directly related to the eventual size of the erect penis. Throughout puberty the male organ continues to grow in size, until the age of 20. For men who wish to increase the size of their penis, there is no way of doing so except for surgical procedures. While cosmetic surgery on the shape and size of the penis has improved significantly over the years, at least one study published in European Urology in 2006 suggests that only 35% of men who undergo these surgeries are happy with the results.

Shape

The penis can bend and curve in any possible direction, and while the majority of penises will point slightly upward, many also can point downwards, forwards or to the side slightly. If a man's penis is slightly curved from day one it is perfectly normal and shouldn't affect the health or function of the organ. However, if your penis shape begins to change after the age of 15, it may be a sign of a underlying problem. Peyronie's Disease is a condition that can cause an increase in penis curvature, bumps on the shaft of the penis, an "hourglass" like look to the shape of the penis, and/or pain during erection. It occurs in nearly 20% of men and may be the result of physical trauma or injury to the penis, though researchers are still not clear on this. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Skin Color

Some men wonder why the skin on their penis is a different color than the rest of their body. Though the color of the penis will directly relate to a man's race, it is normal for the penis foreskin to be darker in color than the rest of the body due to higher melanin content. Beneath the foreskin, the shaft and glans of the penis are usually much lighter. Following circumcision, it will appear as though the penis has two different colors, revealing where the foreskin was removed. With nearly half of all men in North America being circumcised, having a multi-colored penis is quite common. However any change in the color of the skin can be the first sign of cancerous leanings. Cancer growths on the penis can appear as red scaly patches, blue-brown spots, or a rash. Be sure to have any changes to the normal skin color of your penis checked out by a doctor immediately.

Advice and Care

No matter what a man's organ looks like, there are many options available to men to help them support the health of their penis. Studies how that nutrition, masturbation, frequent and careful washing, and penis health crèmes all play their role in self-care. Wash your penis every day with gentle soap, and avoid using deodorants or chemical products which may irritate the sensitive skin of the penis. Use penis specific formulas for male organ health (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to moisturize your penis following washing. Natural crèmes containing shea butter, vitamins, minerals and amino acids will promote the integrity of the skin, protect nerve function, and improve the sensitivity of the penis.