Fact check: How does age affect penis length in American men?

1. Summary of the results

The relationship between age and penis length in American men is a complex topic, with various studies providing different insights ^[1]. According to one study, the mean length of the stretched penis was largest in Americans, with a mean length of 14.47 cm, and the mean length of the flaccid penis was also largest in Americans, with a mean length of 9.86 cm ^[1]. Another study found that the average erect penile length has increased over the past three decades across the world, with an increase of 24% over 29 years ^[2]. However, a survey found that men often exaggerate their penis size, with an average exaggeration of 0.98 inches ^[3]. Additionally, a study found that penile length almost stops increasing during adolescence and decreases slightly in older males ^[4]. The effects of aging on the penis are also discussed in an article, which mentions that the timing of when aging-related apoptosis of the smooth muscle begins to occur is genetically predetermined and can start as early as the 3rd to 4th decades of life ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some key points to consider are:

• The correlation between penile length and other anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, and foot length, is low or non-existent, except for a significant correlation between flaccid and stretched length ^[6].
• The study found a progressive increase in penile length with increasing age, with the magnitude of increase being greater around 9-10 years ^[7].
• A high correlation between nose size and stretched penile length was found, suggesting that penile length may be determined before birth ^[4].
• Six reasons why the penis may shrink are discussed in an article, including age, obesity, smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions, Peyronie's disease, and prostate surgery ^[8].
• The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that 20% of men in their 20s have some form of erectile dysfunction, increasing by about 10% per decade ^[5].

These points provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between age and penis length in American men.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks how age affects penis length in American men, but it does not provide any context or specify what type of penis length is being referred to (e.g., flaccid, stretched, or erect) ^[1]. Additionally, the statement does not account for the potential exaggeration of penis size by men, which could impact the accuracy of any findings ^[3]. Furthermore, the statement does not consider the various factors that can affect penile length, such as genetics, environmental factors, and overall health ^[4]. The American Urological Association and other medical organizations may benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between age and penis length, as it could inform the development of treatments for erectile dysfunction and other related conditions ^[5]. The media and the general public may also benefit from a more accurate understanding of this topic, as it could help to reduce stigma and promote more open discussions about men's health ^[8].