Wondering when your penis starts growing and when it stops? Penis growth typically begins during puberty, around age 12, and usually ends between ages 18 and 21. However, growth patterns vary from person to person.

Penis size and shape differ widely, and there’s no single “normal” size. As long as there are no issues with urination or erections, there’s no medical reason to be concerned about size.

In this article, we’ll cover:
✅ When penis growth starts and stops
✅ Average penis size by age
✅ Whether you can safely increase penis size

Keep reading to learn more about penis growth and what to expect!

When Does Penis Growth Begin?

Penis growth starts during puberty, the phase when a person begins sexual maturation. For those assigned male at birth, puberty typically begins between ages 9 and 14, though it can sometimes start earlier or later.

During puberty, testosterone levels increase, triggering various physical changes such as height growth, body composition shifts, and the development of secondary sex characteristics like facial and pubic hair.

One of the earliest signs of puberty in males is testicle growth. Changes start with the scrotum darkening, enlarging, and dropping, while the skin thins and develops small bumps (hair follicles). It’s common for one testicle to hang lower than the other—this is completely normal.

When Does Penis Growth Start and Stop?

Typically, about a year after testicle growth begins, the penis starts growing. The growth happens in spurts, first in length, then in girth (width). Like height, penis growth doesn’t happen all at once—it speeds up for a while, slows down, and then resumes.

On average, penis growth lasts about five years, usually ending between ages 18 and 21.

Other Physical Changes During Puberty

Puberty brings several other changes along with penis growth, including:
✔ Acne (for some)
✔ More frequent erections and ejaculation
✔ Random erections
✔ Growth in height
✔ Increased muscle mass
✔ Facial, underarm, chest, and pubic hair growth
✔ Nocturnal emissions (wet dreams)
✔ Voice deepening (after growth spurts)

What’s the Average Penis Size?

There is no single “normal” penis size—it varies based on genetics and hormones. However, scientific studies have determined average sizes:

Average Penis Length:

📏 Erect: 5.1 inches
📏 Flaccid: 3.6 inches
📏 Stretched: 5.2 inches

Average Penis Girth (Circumference):

📏 Erect: 4.5 inches
📏 Flaccid: 3.6 inches

How to Measure Penis Size Correctly

• Length: Use a measuring tape, starting from the pubic bone at the base of the penis and stretching it to the tip.
• Girth: Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the shaft and record the measurement.

Final Thoughts

Penis growth follows a natural process that varies for each person. As long as there are no functional issues (such as difficulty urinating or achieving erections), there is no need to be concerned about size.

If you’re curious about safe ways to increase penis size, talk to a healthcare professional to separate facts from myths.

Can You Increase Your Penis Size?

Many men wonder if they can safely increase their penis size. While medical and surgical options exist, scientific evidence is limited, making it difficult for reputable organizations to provide clear recommendations.

Do Pills, Creams, or Devices Work?

There are no over-the-counter pills, supplements, creams, weights, or exercises with proven scientific backing for permanent penis enlargement.

Here’s what you should know about common methods:

• Vacuum pumps: Help with erectile dysfunction but do not increase permanent size.
• Traction devices (penis extenders): Require hours of daily use for months and may provide some results, but they are not guaranteed and can cause pain and numbness.

Medical & Surgical Procedures for Penis Enlargement

Surgical interventions should only be performed by a highly trained urologist. Some available options include:

✔ Autologous fat injection – Injecting fat from your own body
✔ Biodegradable scaffolds – Stimulating tissue growth with absorbable material
✔ Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid, HA) – Multiple injections to add volume
✔ Grafting procedures – Using skin or fat from the body to increase girth
✔ Penuma Implant – A silicone implant with a 57% success rate

Risks & Considerations of Penis Enlargement Surgery

These procedures can be risky and should never be performed by an unqualified individual. Attempting to inject substances like petroleum jelly or silicone yourself can lead to painful sex, infection, skin necrosis (death), or even loss of part or all of the penis.

Potential complications from surgical interventions include:
⚠ Deformity or shortening
⚠ Sexual dysfunction & erectile dysfunction
⚠ Infection & scarring
⚠ Loss of sensation or nerve damage
⚠ Severe psychological distress

Because of these risks, men with average penis size seeking surgery may be required to undergo psychological counseling before approval.

Non-Surgical Ways to Make Your Penis Look Bigger

If you want a larger appearance without surgery, try these simple tricks:

🔹 Trim or remove pubic hair – Excess hair can make the penis appear smaller. Shaving, waxing, or laser hair removal can enhance visibility.
🔹 Improve posture – Slouching can make your stomach stick out, reducing how much your penis protrudes. Standing taller may change its perceived size.

Does Penis Size Matter?

The truth is, penis size does not impact your attractiveness, masculinity, or ability to satisfy a partner.

Research shows:
📊 Over 50% of men feel unsatisfied with their size, yet
📊 85% of their partners are perfectly happy with it.

Your height, hand, or foot size do not determine penis size—these are outdated myths.

When Penis Size Anxiety Becomes a Mental Health Concern

If self-consciousness about penis size becomes an obsession—leading to constant checking, distress, or avoidance of intimacy—it may indicate small penis anxiety or Penile Dysmorphic Disorder (PDD).

PDD is a type of body dysmorphia, causing severe shame, depression, and in extreme cases, psychiatric hospitalization or suicide.

💡 If you’re struggling with penis size anxiety, seek support from a mental health professional.

Final Thoughts

While medical options exist, permanent penis enlargement is risky and not guaranteed. Most men have a completely normal size, and perception matters more than actual measurements. If size concerns affect your mental well-being, talking to a doctor or therapist can help.