Guys typically don’t know they’re infertile until a semen analysis indicates their sperm is irregular or low in volume. Now, a new study says there could be a visual indicator of infertility: a smaller-than-average penis size.
Research from the University of Utah found that men with fertility problems tended to have shorter penises, The Telegraph reported.
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For the study, doctors looked at data collected from 815 men who visited a health clinic between 2014-2017. On average, guys with fertility issues had penises that were roughly .4 inches shorter than men without reproductive problems. Infertile men were roughly 4.92 inches in length, while fertile guys were around 5.3 inches long. (Measurements were based on estimated size when erect.)
The sample included 219 guys seeking help for infertility, and 596 who needed treatment for other conditions like erectile dysfunction or testicular pain.
This is the first study to link penis size and fertility, according to the researchers. And they caution there’s no need to panic just yet. Yes, there is a link, but a smaller penis isn’t a surefire sign of infertility. Study co-author Dr. Austen Slade explained that penis size may be an indicator of health problems linked to infertility like undescended testicles. He reassured readers in The Telegraph that: “Men with shorter penises don’t need to worry about their fertility.”
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Slade says future studies may shed light on whether length can be an indicator of infertility severity.
For now, reproductive expert Sheena Lewis of the Queen’s University Belfast says this study could cause unnecessary concern.
“One thing that scares men is that size matters. To now say they have a smaller chance of becoming a father is not a good message,” she told The Telegraph.
This is still super preliminary research, so you certainly shouldn’t use your penis size alone to make a determination about your ability to have kids. If you’re concerned about your fertility, go see your doctor. You can also boost sperm health by limiting alcohol consumption, eating a good diet full of fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a normal weight.
