The penis stops growing for many men in their late teen years or even in their early 20s. Once your penile has reached the size of an adult which is largely determined by genetics there is little you can do to increase the size of your penile. A few lifestyle changes can however help if you have anxiety about the size of your penile area.
Scientists have formed that 95% of men fit into one of the categories of the average size of the penile. The average length of a flaccid penile is 3.4 inches to 3.7 inches, enhancing it to 5.1 inches to 5.7 inches when erect. The average girth, or circumference, of a firm penis, is 3.5 inches to 3.9 inches. Of course, some variations are normal within this, so if your penile is large or smaller than these ranges, it’s perfectly normal. However, if you have any worries, you can talk with a healthcare expert.
Timeline for Penile Growth
Many young men witness a slow growth of the penis at the time of their childhood, beginning at birth. However, the most rapid growth of the penile happens at the time of puberty, with the peak growth between the ages of 12 & 16.
Penises increase usually in length & girth at the same time. For many men, penile stops growing in the late teens. The testes follow a different curve of growth. They remain the same size throughout childhood, even as the penile grows in length. At about the age of 8 to 9, they start to grow, with the rapid growth which happens between the ages of 11 & 15. The penile usually stops growing four to six years post you witness enlargement of your testicles. That means that for many men, the penile is grown totally between the ages of 18 & 21.
Factors That Affect Growth
Many variations in penile size can be attributed to your genetics. Just like your genetics play a vital role in how tall you are, they can affect the length & girth of the penile. However, as with most many physical characteristics, environmental factors also play a major role:
Hormones, and testosterone, affect how much you’re penile grows at the time of puberty. People with low testosterone levels may have smaller penises for that reason. Testosterone can be raised by a healthy diet and exercise naturally, and they are related to erectile function.
Chemicals that can affect hormone levels, known as endocrine disruptors, may affect the size of the penile. To be specific, chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) are linked with smaller penis sizes just because they affect levels of testosterone in the body. Females who are quite exposed to PFCs may have children who have short penises.
Other Body Changes
The rapid growth of the penile happens between the ages of 12 & 16, and this is when many other changes are also happening as a result of puberty. Here’s what people who were assigned male at birth can expect at the time of puberty.
For many men, puberty starts at about the age of 11, with a noticeable growth spurt. During this time, men may also notice these changes:
- increase in acne & body odor
- Development of pubic hair & other body hair
- Vocal changes & the deepening of the voice
- Frequent erections & nocturnal emissions (wet dreams)
- Mood swings
It’s entirely normal for boys or men to witness breast growth, which can stay as long as a year or two. This is part of the normal process of hormones that boys undergo at the time of puberty, and it regulates on its own.
When does the penis stop growing?
In men, puberty happens when the penile begins to grow. If you consider puberty to stay for about four years or so, this is how long your penile will grow. It is said that in many men, the growth of the penile completely stops around the time they reach the end of puberty.
The levels of testosterone in your body go back to normal once you are done with puberty. This implies that there will be no growth spurts because of increased levels of hormones. Your penile will stop growing in both length & also in girth by this time.
It is not very easy to tell when your penile will stop growing. This is just because puberty largely varies from one to another. While few men witness puberty till the age of 18, others might reach their pinnacle of growth by the age of 13.
The degree to which your penile will grow will also depend on your body & it’s the amount of testosterone it produces. Your growth cannot be compared to a standard timeline, as there is no hard & fast rule for your physical development. There is no specific age limit for penis growth; however, 21 years is the final age your penis will grow.
Many adult men see changes rarely in the size of their penile post they complete puberty. So, when it comes to asking at what age your penile stop growing, the answer could be between the age of 14 to 21.
When to See a doctor
Puberty is a very complex time, and this can be tough to know what’s normal and what might need some medical advice. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare expert always. You should reach out for medical recommendations if any of the following applies: Initial signs of puberty have not been seen by age of 14. You have some real concerns about the length of your penile area. Most penises are within the normal variations, but about 0.6% of the men population has a micropenis. Your worry over the size of the penile is interfering with the quality of life or even the sexual function.