Micropenis
Micropenis is the medical term used to describe an unusually small penis. Males who suffer from this condition typically measure at least 2.5 standard deviations below the average measurement of a typical erect penis. This condition is most often diagnosed at birth, but there have been a few cases of later diagnosis during childhood.
There are several causes of micropenis. Research indicates that the majority of micropenis cases are the result of reduced prenatal androgen production. This can result in decreased testosterone production, one of the key hormones in the growth of a penis. This condition can also be the result of several genetic malfunction syndromes that do not involve sex chromosomes. These conditions can include congenital hypopituitarism and a congenital growth hormone deficiency.
When young infants are believed to suffer from micropenis, they are usually referred to a pediatric endocrinologist. Once the doctor determines the cause of the condition, this condition can very often be treated successfully with a series of injections. These injections can contain a variety of hormones, including testosterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. These injections produce a small amount of growth during the three months of treatment. No further hormonal treatments are given during childhood in order to avoid bone maturation and virilization.
When a young boy between the ages of eight to fourteen is brought in to see a pediatric endochronologists with an early diagnosis of micropenis, the pediatric endochronologist usually finds the boy does not have this condition. The penis can often appear to be significantly small because of delayed puberty, extra fat around the pubic area that conceals the shaft of the penis, or a large frame on which a prepubescent penis appears abnormally small. Under all of these circumstances, the penis is expected to grow normally at the onset of puberty.
Boys who are diagnosed with micropenis and receive injections during infancy grow during puberty, but they are usually below average in size. When they are adults, they do have several options to consider, including phalloplasty. This can either be a complete reconstruction of the penis, or it can involve an artificial enhancement to the penis. This procedure is often called a penis enlargement.
There are several different types of artificial enhancements that can be used to increase the length of a penis. These can include rods that can be altered with a hinge to move the penis up or down or a pump that allows the individual to control the penis. Skin and other bodily materials can also be taken from several places on the body. A piece from the abdominal muscle or the abdominal fatty tissue can be used in a phalloplasty. A graft from the leg or arm can also be used during a phalloplasty procedure.
If you suspect your child may have the micropenis condition, make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. Your child’s doctor will then be able to determine if your concerns are founded and can refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist.
