Social Desirability and Young Men's Self-Reports of Penis Size

Personal genital satisfaction is associated with differences in perception of male and female sexual anatomy and function

BACKGROUND

Prior studies primarily of men correlated low personal genital satisfaction (PGS) with decreased sexual activity; however, the association between PGS and genital anatomy perceptions is unknown, and there is a paucity of studies examining women.

AIM

We assessed the relationship between genital satisfaction, survey respondent sexual activity, and perceptions of anatomy and function.

METHODS

A 54-item REDCap survey was distributed to any-gendered volunteers ≥18 years of age through ResearchMatch from January to March 2023. Responses were split into (1) high PGS and (2) low PGS. Analysis was performed using chi-square tests on survey responses and a Mann Whitney U test on median satisfaction level.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes were genital anatomy perceptions, sexual activity, and respondents' PGS.

RESULTS

Of the 649 respondents who started the survey, 560 (86.3%) completed it. Median PGS was 7 of 10, forming subgroups of high (≥7 of 10) satisfaction (n = 317 of 560 [56.6%]) and low (<7 of 10) satisfaction (n = 243 of 560 [43.4%]). The mean age was 45.8 ± 16.8 years, and demographics were notable for 72.1% women (n = 404 of 560), 83.2% White (n = 466 of 560), 47.9% married (n = 268 of 560), and 75.5% bachelor's degree holders (n = 423 of 560). Comparing high- and low-PGS groups, more low-PGS respondents felt normal flaccid penis length to be <2 inches (11.1% vs 5.1%; P = .008). High-PGS respondents more often responded that it is normal for women to have orgasms over half the time (20.8% vs 13.2%; P = .0002) or to identify as being sexually active (81.1% vs 71.6%; P = .008). Women were more likely than men to report larger normal testicle sizes as 60.1 to 90 mL (24.5% vs 10.3%; P < .0001), whereas more men felt that normal testicle size was 7 to 15 mL (26.3% vs 11.4%; P < .0001). Orgasm length perceptions also differed: more women felt female orgasm length was 2.6 to 5 seconds (36.6% vs 16.7%; P < .0001), and more men believed female orgasms to be longer, at 7.6 to 10 seconds (29.5% vs 17.3%; P = .002), 10.1 to 12.5 seconds (11.5% vs 5.2%; P = .0008), and >12.5 seconds (12.2% vs 5.7%; P = .009). Respondents' views on their genitalia differed by gender, with women more likely to feel that their genitals are normal compared with men (89.4% vs 75.0%; P < .0001).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

PGS may be a useful screening tool given its association with sexual activity.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Our large-scale survey assesses public perceptions of genital anatomy and function. Limitations include a lack of gender nonbinary perceptions.

CONCLUSION

Gender and PGS interact with perceptions of male anatomy and female sexual activity, and the frequency of sexual activity was higher among high-PGS respondents; however, the direction of these interactions remains unclear and requires future causal analysis.

Reasons for Genital Dissatisfaction in a Sample of Brazilian Men

Genital self-image (GSI) involves subjective perceptions, experiences, and feelings of individuals regarding their genitalia. A negative GSI contributes to lower sexual esteem and, consequently, negative sexual experiences and sexual dysfunction. In men, self-perception may be influenced by several factors, including penis size or shape, personal experiences, body image, general health status, sex education, and even the media they consume. This study aimed to understand the reasons that lead to dissatisfaction with GSI among Brazilian men. With a mixed approach, we present male perceptions regarding dissatisfaction with GSI captured from the following question: "If you are dissatisfied with your genitals, tell us for what reason(s)? (Optional)," which integrated the last questionnaire element of the original survey. Brazilian men over 18 years of age from different Brazilian states were eligible. In this analysis, 376 responses were obtained. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The participants expressed the reasons for dissatisfaction, which were grouped into two categories: (1) anatomical aspects and beliefs in the construction of GSI and (2) functional aspects. The results offer an understanding of men's perceptions of their genitals and may aid in clinical practice and research on how Brazilian men perceive their genitals. It is possible to improve knowledge about sexual health and increase positivity regarding genital perception by providing information about the reasons that lead to dissatisfaction with the genitals.

Factors Associated with Satisfaction with Male Genital Self-Image in Brazil

Male genital self-image (GSI) refers to how men feel about their genitals. Studies suggest that GSI is influenced by several psychosocial and physical factors, such as frequency of sexual activities, anxiety, and sexual dysfunctions. In Brazil, no studies have investigated the factors associated with satisfaction with male GSI. This is a cross-sectional and online study conducted with Brazilian men over 18 years of age. The Male Genital Self-Image Scale (MGSIS), Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were used. Body appreciation and frequency of sexual activity were included as confirmatory variables and other variables were explored as factors associated with GSI. Data were analyzed by binary logistic and multiple linear regression, according to the MGSIS cut-off point for satisfaction with male GSI and total score of MGSIS, respectively. A total of 1,235 men (M = 26.14, SD = 7.28 years) participated in the study. The mean of the total MGSIS score was 23.02 (SD = 4.45; absolute range, 7-28) points, with 62.11% of men being classified as satisfied with GSI. Men satisfied with GSI were more likely to have a partner, higher body appreciation, lower body mass index (BMI), and not have phimosis (excess skin covering the penis, making it difficult to expose the glans). Satisfaction with GSI of Brazilian men was associated with relationship status, body appreciation, BMI, and phimosis.

Smaller prize, bigger size? Exploring the impact of money on men's self-reported markers of masculinity

Bodily markers, often self-reported, are frequently used in research to predict a variety of outcomes. The present study examined whether men, at the aggregate level, would overestimate certain bodily markers linked to masculinity, and if so, to what extent. Furthermore, the study explored whether the amount of monetary rewards distributed to male participants would influence the obtained data quality. Men from two participant pools were asked to self-report a series of bodily measures. All self-report measures except weight were consistently found to be above the population mean (height and penis size) or the scale midpoint (athleticism). Additionally, the participant pool that received the lower (vs. higher) monetary reward showed a particularly powerful deviation from the population mean in penis size and were significantly more likely to report their erect and flaccid penis size to be larger than the claimed but not verified world record of 34 cm. These findings indicate that studies relying on men's self-reported measures of certain body parts should be interpreted with great caution, but that higher monetary rewards seem to improve data quality slightly for such measures.

The Influence of Social Desirability on Sexual Behavior Surveys: A Review

Research in fields for which self-reported behaviors can be compared with factual data reveals that misreporting is pervasive and often extreme. The degree of misreporting is correlated with the level of social desirability, i.e., the need to respond in a culturally appropriate manner. People who are influenced by social desirability tend to over-report culturally desired behaviors and under-report undesired behaviors. This paper reviews socially desirable responding in sexual behavior research. Given the very private nature of the sexual activity, sex researchers generally lack a gold standard by which to compare self-reported sexual behaviors and have relied on the anonymity of participants as the methodology to assure honest answers on sexual behavior surveys. However, indirect evidence indicates that under-reporting (e.g., of a number of sexual partners, receptive anal intercourse, condom use) is common. Among the general population, several studies have now reported that even with anonymous responding, there are significant correlations between a variety of self-reported sexual behaviors (e.g., use of condoms, sexual fantasies, exposure to pornography, penis size) and social desirability, with evidence that extreme under- or over-reporting is as common as is found in other fields. When asking highly sensitive questions, sex researchers should always include a measure of social desirability and take that into account when analyzing their results.

Oral-Genital Contact and the Meaning of "Had Sex": The Role of Social Desirability

Previous studies have found that a large proportion of college students do not consider oral-genital contact as having "had sex." In all studies, the questions posed were hypothetical. In the present study, university students were asked about their own personal sexual experiences. From a large pool of participants, two subgroups were identified: those who responded "No" to having "had sex" but responded "Yes" to having had oral-genital contact (No-Yes), and those who responded "Yes" to having had both sex and oral-genital contact (Yes-Yes). None of the participants in these two subgroups self-reported vaginal or anal intercourse. The No-Yes group was significantly higher in social desirability (p < .0005) as measured by the Marlowe-Crowne scale and was also significantly higher in religiosity (p < .01) as measured on a 7-point Likert scale. There was a modest correlation between level of religiosity and social desirability (r = .25, p < .01). It was concluded that many students who have had oral-genital contact but deny having had sex do so because of impression management, i.e., a desire to present themselves more positively. These results provide further evidence that social desirability responding is a serious problem for sex researchers, one that affects even the most basic questions about having had sex.

Male Genital Self-Image Scale (MGSIS): Cutoff Point, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Measurement Properties in Brazilian Men

BACKGROUND

Concerns about genital self-image (GSI) can influence sexual function and quality of life, and instruments that assess male GSI, such as the Male Genital Self-Image Scale (MGSIS), need to be adapted and validated in different cultures.

AIMS

To culturally adapt and validate the measurement properties of MGSIS in Brazilian men, according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guideline, and to create a cutoff point for satisfaction with male GSI.

METHODS

We assessed the validity of content through a committee of experts and cognitive interviews. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach's α and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). We also calculate measurement errors using the Bland and Altman graph. The structural validity was investigated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The hypothesis test for construct validity was assessed using Spearman correlation from MGSIS with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). To create a cutoff point for satisfaction with the GSI, the item response theory and the classic test theory were used.

OUTCOMES

Male's (i) GSI, (ii) sexual function, (iii) body appreciation, and (iv) self-esteem were assessed.

RESULTS

In this study, 518 men with a mean age of 33.90 (±13.83) years participated. The Brazilian version of MGSIS demonstrated good content validity and a single factor that explained 64.57% of the variance. Cronbach's α and ICC values were 0.905 and 0.806, respectively. By assessing measurement errors, we found no systematic bias in the sample. MGSIS showed a moderate to weak correlation with IIEF, BAS-2 and RSES. A cut-off point of 23 in the MGSIS total score was found to rate satisfaction with the GSI.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

MGSIS is a valid and reliable measurement instrument for measuring male GSI in Brazil.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study evaluated the measurement properties of MGSIS according to COSMIN, which is a powerful and useful guideline for measurement properties. However, due to the lack of a gold standard for measuring the GSI, we have not assessed the criterion validity.

CONCLUSION

MGSIS is valid, reliable and can be useful to assess the GSI and classify the satisfaction with the GSI of Brazilian men. de Arruda GT, da Silva EV, Braz MM. Male Genital Self-Image Scale (MGSIS): Cutoff Point, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Measurement Properties in Brazilian Men. J Sex Med 2021;18:1759-1767.

Sexual Health Determinants of Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Sexual Minority Men

BACKGROUND

With the growing recognition of overweight and obesity as significant, international public health concerns, the body of research investigating the relationship between body mass index (BMI), sexual health, and sexual functioning in sexual minority men is still scarce.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to assess sexual health determinants (sexual behavior and sexual functioning) in relation to normal weight, overweight, and obesity among gay and bisexual men.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The survey included four categories of questions/measurements, encompassing sociodemographic information, protected/unprotected sexual behaviors, sexual functioning, and BMI. The survey was conducted online, and recruitment consisted of online notifications (emails and electronic messages) and advertisements sent to LGBT community organizations, mailing lists, and social networks.

RESULTS

The study sample was composed of 741 gay and bisexual men, ranging in age from 21 to 75 years (M age = 43.30, SDage = 11.37); 62.5% of men self-identified as gay and 37.5% as bisexual. Prevalence of normal weight was 50.3%, of overweight, 33.3%, and of obesity, 16.4%. Participants with overweight and obesity showed a lower frequency of anal receptive sex without condoms when scompared to participants with normal weight. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis to assess the effects of BMI on sexual health showed that being younger in age, self-identifying as gay, being in a relationship, having longer penises, adopting insertive position in sex, and being normal weight were significant predictors of anal receptive sex without condoms, explaining 24.2% of the total variance. Yet, BMI was not predictive of sexual functioning.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the importance of including BMI in sexual behavior models of sexual minority men to better understand BMI's role in influencing sexual risk.

Data from 14,597 penile measurements of vietnamese men

BACKGROUND

Penis size is a highly sensitive topic, which has often raised concerns associated with human masculinity and male sexual health. Although data regarding penile dimensions have been published worldwide, little is known about these measurements in South-East Asian countries.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide the reference range in penile length, circumference, and diameter of Vietnamese men and their variations among men with erectile dysfunction and other diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information about flaccid length, stretched length, mid-shaft circumference, and glans diameter from the health records of 14,597 men attending the Andrology Consultation was collected. These men were classified into three groups being regular reproductive health screening group, sexual dysfunction group, and other disease groups.

RESULTS

We found that penile dimensions follow a non-parametric distribution, as tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The median values are 9.03 cm for flaccid length, 14.67 cm for stretched length, 8.39 cm for mid-shaft circumference, and 2.86 cm for unaroused glans diameter. Length and girth of the penis also changed among the different groups, especially in flaccid state; specifically, men with erectile dysfunction had a greater value in all penile dimensions except for change ratio compared with other groups. Circumcision, which rarely occurs in Vietnam, was associated with a 2 mm reduced penis length.

DISCUSSION

Findings on correlations between penile dimensions and somatometric parameters from previous studies are questionable and some measurements, such as glans dimension, have not been thoroughly investigated so far. Nevertheless, penile dimensions provide useful insight concerning conditions affecting sexual development and might be a valuable parameter in the assessment of erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study provide informative materials for the assessment of penile size, including reference values drawn from a large sample of Vietnamese men that can be useful in clinical practice and sexual health education.

Average-Size Erect Penis: Fiction, Fact, and the Need for Counseling

Most men believe that the average length of an erect penis is greater than 6 inches (15.24 cm). This belief is due, in part, to several often-cited studies that relied on self-reported measurements, with means of about 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) for heterosexual men and even greater for gay men. These studies suffered from both volunteer bias and social desirability bias. In this review, the combined mean for 10 studies in which researchers took measurements of erect penises was 5.36 inches (13.61 cm; n = 1,629). For 21 studies in which researchers measured stretched penises, the mean was approximately 5.11 inches (12.98 cm; n = 13,719). Based on these studies, the average length of an erect penis is between 5.1 and 5.5 inches (12.95-13.97 cm), but after taking volunteer bias into account, it is probably toward the lower end of this range. Studies show that a majority of men wish they were larger, with some choosing penile lengthening surgery. These surgeries are considered by the American Urological Association to be risky. Most men seeking surgery have normal sized penises. Counseling with factual information about penis size might be effective in alleviating concerns for the majority of men who worry about having a small penis.