Micropenis: An Animal Model and its Human Correlates

Abstract

Micropenis is defined as a perfectly formed abnormally small penis, with a stretched penile length that is lt; 2.5 standard deviations below the established mean value for race. The psychological concern and anxiety of the parents and patient regarding the adequacy of penile size makes treatment of this entity challenging. Since the early 1970’s androgen therapy for micropenis has been the mainstay of treatment. Although testosterone will usually enhance penile growth in the prepubertal microphallic patient, not all of the infants or children that experience a response to androgens maintain their enhanced phallic size into adulthood. Indeed several of these patients will redevelop micropenis as they mature. Although most of the adults with micropenis adjust well to the male sexual role and develop stable heterosexual relationships, some refuse to become sexually active. Indeed occasional patients will prefer to maintain a life of sexual abstinence, rather than face their fears of rejection. The social and psychological consequences seen within this latter select group of patients is what prompted our interest into research on penile development and the treatment of micropenis. (Schonfeld et al, 1942; Walsh, et al, 1978; Allen, 1986; Lee, et al, 1980; Money, 1984; Reilly et al, 1989; Woodhouse, 1998).