All About Penis Shape & Size

Penises can be just as unique as their owners. In fact, penises can vary greatly in their appearance and still be considered perfectly healthy and normal. We know that even the best among us can sometimes feel anxious about how their penis compares to the “norm.” But don’t worry—we’re here to help you understand which penis variations are common and which ones could potentially warrant a visit to your doctor. So let’s dive in and learn about the different penis shapes and sizes out there. 

What Is “Normal”?

Before we get into the specifics, let’s address the fact that penises come in all shapes and sizes and there is no real “normal.” Even the most confident of guys can feel tempted to compare themselves to what they see in the media and porn, but these references aren’t realistic. We know it’s not easy to internalize this idea considering the huge amount of pressure that is put on guys to have the biggest, most symmetrical member possible. But this pressure is both unhealthy and unrealistic. Unless the variations in your penis shape or size impact your health or performance, odds are that your penis is perfectly normal. 

Size: Length & Girth 

Penis size may be one of the most anxiety-inducing subjects out there when it comes to sexual health and wellness. In fact, research shows that most men wish their penises were larger than they are. Harmful and unrealistic expectations set by the media and porn can make even the most confident guy feel anxious about his size. But what if we told you that about 95% of penises fall within the average range of 3.6 inches when flaccid and 5.2 inches when erect? And when it comes to girth, the average flaccid penis girth is about 3.7 inches, while the average erect girth is 4.6 inches.

Curvature & Shape

One of the most unique characteristics of a penis is its shape. While no two are exactly the same, there are several features that penises tend to exhibit. Even though there are seemingly endless variations, here are a few common penis types.  

• Upward Curve: These penises tend to curve upward like a banana, with the head of the penis bending back and upwards
• Downward Curve: Penises with this curve can resemble an upside-down banana, with the head bending down and out from the base of the penis
• C-Shaped: This curve resembles the letter C and means that the penis naturally bends to the left or right
• Straight: Penises that don’t have a noticeable curve in any direction fall under this category
• Larger Base With Narrow Head: These penises have a tapered shape, with most of the girth present at the base of the penis
• Narrow Base With Larger Head: These penises carry most of their girth towards the tip, which is why the head of the penis may appear thicker than the base

Having some curvature in your penis is normal, and can be an opportunity for even more pleasurable sex. Since penises can curve in a variety of directions, they can make sex in different positions feel even better. For example, an upward-curved penis may have an easier time hitting the g-spot in the missionary position, while a downward-curved penis can access this area more easily in doggy style.

But how do you know when a curve is acceptable and when it warrants a trip to the doctor’s office? The main signs to look out for are unexplained pain and new curvature of the penis. If your penis suddenly starts curving in a new direction or angle than normal and is hurting, then it may be a sign of Peyronie's disease. This condition involves abnormal or extreme curvature of the penis that results in pain, erectile dysfunction, or otherwise gets in the way of having sex. Another warning sign is the development of plaque (scar tissue) on the penile shaft. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to consult with your medical provider. 

Circumcised & Uncircumcised 

We can’t talk about different types of penises without talking about circumcision, a medical procedure involving the removal of the foreskin from the penis. It’s important to acknowledge that circumcision holds religious and cultural significance for many families, and is often done as an extension of this tradition. For those who were not circumcised as babies, the foreskin remains and covers the head of the penis, often pulling back when the penis becomes erect. Some people have tighter or looser foreskins that either hang over the head of the penis or form a small border around it. 

Whether you’re cut or uncut, the function and performance of your penis shouldn’t be affected. While there can be some potential differences in sensitivity and hygienic practices for uncircumcised versus circumcised folks, there is currently no compelling research that would make circumcision a universally recommended practice. 

Growers & Showers

You may have heard these terms before but may not know the details. A “grower” refers to a penis that gets larger when erect, while a “shower” refers to a penis that doesn’t change in size all that much when erect. While researchers are still investigating this phenomenon, studies show that it’s more common to be a shower than a grower and that roughly 26% of penises fall under the grower category. Regardless of which group you’re in, being a grower or a shower doesn’t have any inherent impact on your sexual performance. It’s more of a fun fact to know about yourself.

Whether you’re a grower or a shower, finding high-quality condoms that fit right is key. Thankfully, Champ’s lineup of premium condoms allows you to choose from the best ultra-thin, ribbed, and XL options.  

Now that you understand just how varied penises can be, we hope you feel more confident in your own package. Remember, there is no magic ratio or number you need to hit in order to please your partner or have a fulfilling sex life. While it can be tough, try to remember that the societal expectations put on guys and their penises are wildly unrealistic. The most important thing is to ensure you’re healthy and understand your body so that you can make informed choices with confidence.