Fact check: How much does penis size typically increase during puberty?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that penis size typically increases during puberty, with the most rapid growth occurring between 12 and 16 years of age ^{[1] [2] [3]}. According to one study, the mean stretched penile length was 4.1 ± 0.4, 5.4 ± 0.8, and 10.2 ± 1.7 cm at 1, 10, and 18 years of age, respectively, indicating a gradual increase in penile length during puberty ^[4]. Another study found that hormonal therapy resulted in significant increases in stretched penile length, with mean increases from 15.54 mm to 37.18 mm in children less than 11 years old and from 26.42 mm to 64.28 mm in children more than 11 years old ^[5]. The growth of penile length was continuous after birth, with a gradual increase until 10 years of age, followed by a sharp increase from 11 to 15 years of age ^[2]. Key points to note are the gradual increase in penile length during puberty and the significant growth spurt between 12 and 16 years of age.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some analyses suggest that the growth of penile length is not the only factor to consider, as testicular volume also increases significantly during puberty ^[1]. For example, one study found that testicular volume began to increase in size at around 8-9 years of age, with a marked increase after 10 years of age ^[1]. Additionally, the rate of growth may vary depending on individual factors, such as hormonal levels and overall health ^[5]. Alternative viewpoints also consider the role of hormonal therapy in promoting penile growth, particularly in children with micropenis ^[5]. Furthermore, some analyses highlight the importance of considering the physical changes that occur in boys during puberty, including the growth of the penis, and that boys may have adult-size genitals as early as age 13 or as late as 18 ^{[6] [7]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks how much penis size typically increases during puberty, but does not provide a specific age range or consider individual variations in growth. Some analyses suggest that the growth of penile length is a gradual process that occurs over several years, rather than a sudden increase ^{[4] [2]}. The original statement may benefit from considering the findings of studies that have investigated the growth of penile length during puberty, such as those that have reported mean increases in stretched penile length ^{[4] [5]}. Additionally, the statement may be biased towards a simplistic view of penile growth, neglecting the complexity of individual factors and the role of hormonal therapy ^[5]. The beneficiaries of this framing may include those who promote a straightforward or simplistic understanding of penile growth, rather than acknowledging the complexity of individual factors and the role of hormonal therapy ^[5].