Korean J Androl.  2000 Dec;18(3):193-198.

The Psychologic Study on the Self Esteem about Penile Size of the Third Decade Men in Korea

• Son HC
• Lee HJ
• Huh JS
• Oh TS
• Kim CM
• Kim SW
• Lee A
• Paick JS

Abstract

PURPOSE
The penile augmentation operation is becoming popular in Korea, but there is not enough data about psychologic aspects of Korean male's thoughts about their penile size. We investigated the flaccid and stretched penile sizes of young Korean males and their penile size complex or pride. We performed Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test. This study may be used for better patient consultation in penile augumentation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
After explanation and agreement to the purpose and methods of this study, 123 Korean male in early 20's who visit our institution were studied. We measured their pre-pubic bone fat pad depth, flaccid penile length, flaccid mid-shaft circumferences and stretched length under warm and comfortable private environment. Because the stretched penile length closely correlated with the erect length, we did not measure the erect length. Then they were asked to answer questions of MMPI and other questions including, 'how do you think about your penile size?'. We used the student t-test to analyze our data statistically.
RESULTS
In 123 subjects, mean flaccid length, flaccid circumference, stretched length and fat pad depth were 6.9 0.8cm, 8.5+/-1.1cm, 9.6+/-0.8cm and 1.1+/-0.4cm respectively (Table 1). In 123 subjects, the distribution of the answer about penile size was 1 (0.8%) 'very small', 29 (23.6%) 'small', 86 (69.9%) 'normal', 6 (4.9%) 'large', and 1 (0.8%) 'very large'. Compared to the subjects who thought their penis was normal, the subjects who thought their penile size was small, showed high hypochondriasis and psychasthenia scale and the subjects who thought their penile size was large, showed high hysteria scale in MMPI test. Subjects who underestimated their penile size, showed high depression, psychasthenia scale in MMPI test
CONCLUSIONS
In consultation of the patient who want penile augmentation, urologist should consider psychologic tendency of the patients about their penile size.

Keyword

Penile size; Penile length; Self-esteem; MMPI test; Psychology

MeSH Terms

Adipose Tissue
Depression
Humans
Hypochondriasis
Hysteria
Korea*
Male
MMPI
Penis
Psychology
Self Concept*