Does Size Really Matter?
Does Size Really Matter? How to Know What Your Son’s Genitalia Should Look Like?
Parents are entitled to ask if their child’s genitalia develops as it should. This is especially true in the early years. Parents often wonder if their baby boy’s penis or his scrotum is “normal” from the moment they bring him home. You may feel worried if something seems out of the ordinary, but many genital variations are normal and part of the growth process.
There is a large range of “normal” when it comes to the male genitalia. This can be affected by factors like genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and overall growth. This guide will walk you through the different stages of male genitalia development. It will explain what you can expect to see and how you should proceed.
Understanding Testicle and Scrotum Development
The genitalia of a newborn male may not look like what parents expected. The testicles and the scrotum go through a developmental process which can cause some concern. The testicles of a newborn baby boy are found inside the abdomen. Towards the end of the pregnancy, these testicles start to descend into the male genital area. This descent can take a bit longer in some cases. This is completely normal. In most cases, testicles descend within the first couple of months following birth.
It’s not uncommon to see swelling of the scrotum after a baby’s birth, making it look larger than it should. The fluid that collects in the scrotum during the descent of the testicles is the cause of this swelling. The swelling will usually decrease over time and the scrotum becomes more proportionate with the growth of the baby. Some babies will have a large scrotum over a long period. This is usually a result of genetic variation. This is not a sign of a serious problem.

You should always check to see if your child’s testicles are properly descended. When your child is six months old and one or both of the testicles have not reached the scrotum, you may need to seek medical attention. Some medical procedures may be required to guide the testicles in place. If left untreated, this condition, called cryptorchidism can increase your risk of developing testicular carcinoma later in life. This condition is rare, but with early intervention, most children will recover without complications.
You can check if your baby has testicles by gently feeling them when changing diapers or bathing him. During routine pediatric visits, such as the six-week checkup, many doctors will do this. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor. He can confirm that the baby is growing as expected.
What is the average penis size and when should you be concerned?
The size of a son’s genital organ is a common source of concern for parents. Parents may worry that the penis of their child is too small, or not growing as fast as expected. It’s important to keep in mind that the size of baby and child’s penis can vary significantly, just as it does for adult penises. As a child grows older, the penis will grow bigger and change in appearance.
A typical baby’s flaccid genitals measure between 2.0 and 4.2 cm at birth. Many babies go through a “mini-puberty” period after birth. This is marked by a rise in testosterone during the first few weeks of life. The penis can appear larger than normal during this period. This is a normal phase of development. The hormone levels will drop again after this spike in testosterone, and penis growth will be minimal during childhood.
The penis does not begin to grow until puberty begins, which is usually between 9 and 14 years old. The body undergoes significant changes during puberty. By the end of the developmental stage, the penis will reach its adult size. It’s important to keep in mind that the penis might not grow much during childhood and early adolescence. It doesn’t necessarily mean that there is something wrong. Growth spurts in puberty are usually normal and will bring your boy’s development up to par with that of other boys.
It can be useful to know the standard size for a penis. If your son’s stretched penis is less than 1.9cm (0.75in) and he’s under five months old, it is generally considered small. You should discuss this with your doctor. The penis usually grows with age. However, it is always best to check with your doctor if in doubt.
What does an inconspicuous penis mean?
Parents may notice that the penis of their child is smaller than they expected or even absent. An inconspicuous penis is a condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. We’ll look at some of the most common types of inconspicuous genes parents may encounter.
Webbed Penis
The webbed penis occurs when the skin of the scrotum extends into the penis shaft, giving it the appearance that it is smaller than it is. It can be congenital or develop as a result a circumcision. This can be easily corrected by a simple surgery. A pediatric urologist might recommend surgery to remove the skin to allow the penis’ growth to be normal.
Penis Buried (Covert)
The penis can be hidden or buried when a fat pad is placed at the base. It can occur at birth or following circumcision. The condition can improve as the child grows, and the fat pad shrinks. If the penis is difficult to reach and remains hidden, surgery may still be recommended. Some cases can be resolved by gently pulling back the fat pad or pressing on it.
The penis can be buried or covered when it is hidden under a fat pad located at the base. This makes it look as if it is missing or smaller than it is. The condition may be present from birth or can develop after circumcision when the excess skin or swelling caused by the procedure causes the penis pad to cover or obscure it. As the child grows, and the fat pad shrinks naturally with age, the penis may become more visible. This can be resolved without medical intervention. If the penis is still hidden or hard to reach, even after the child grows, surgery might be required to restore proper function and reduce complications such as difficulties urinating. Parents may be able to gently pull or press the fat pad back during diaper changes or at bath time. This may temporarily expose and improve the condition. Parents should monitor the situation and consult a pediatrician if it persists or causes discomfort to the child.
Trapped Penis
This condition is usually caused by a circumcision. The penis can become trapped in the pubic pad due to swelling of the scrotum or the circumcision. This can lead to discomfort or infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). In cases where the penis is trapped and causing complications, surgery may be required to avoid further complications.
The condition of a trapped penis can occur after circumcision or for other reasons, such as scrotal enlargement. The penis is effectively “trapped” in the pubic pad beneath the penis. The excess skin or fat from the scrotum can cover or constrict the penis. This makes it difficult to access or see. This can cause discomfort to the child, who may feel irritation, and pain or have difficulty urinating. The penis can also be partially or completely covered by surrounding tissue. This can increase the risk of infection, such as urinary system infections.
This condition is caused by the swelling of the scrotum that occurs during the healing process. The swelling can be more severe or last longer than expected in some cases. This may cause the penis to be pushed under the fold of skin. If the penis is trapped, it may be difficult to clean.
Micropenis
Micropenis is a rare condition where the penis of a child is smaller than normal for his age and development stage. A penis measuring less than 1.9cm (0.75in) when stretched for a newborn is considered micropenis. This condition is caused by hormonal imbalances. A lack of testosterone in particular, which is crucial for male sexual development, can cause this condition. In some cases, hormonal treatments such as testosterone can promote penile development.
Parents need to know that, despite their concerns, boys with micropenis are still able to grow up and have a male identity. They can also experience typical sexual development in puberty and enjoy a healthy sex life. The condition is less concerning now that we have better treatment options. Many boys with micropenis can lead healthy, normal lives.

When Should You Consult Your Doctor?
It’s normal for a parent to worry if your son’s scrotum or penis isn’t growing as you would expect. It’s important to consult a doctor if you see that your son’s penis has been consistently small or is absent. If the scrotum is abnormally large, or swollen, well past the first six months, or the testicles are not properly descending by that age, this may indicate a need for medical intervention.
Other symptoms that could warrant a doctor’s visit include:
- Tenderness or pain in the penis and scrotum.
- Redness or swelling that persists after the first couple of days.
- Discomfort during urination.
- Visible Deformities That Do Not Improve Over Time, Such as a Buried Penis or Webbed Penis
- Delayed Puberty is a condition that occurs when there are no signs or growth in the penis at age 13 or 14.
It’s best to make an appointment with your doctor if you have any questions about your child’s development. Your pediatrician can examine your child, make recommendations on the next steps or refer you to a urologist for further evaluation if needed.
Understanding Micropenis
Micropenis is a condition that may cause some concern. Micropenis is a medical term that describes a penis smaller than two standard deviations from the average size of a child. Micropenis, in simpler terms, is when the penis of a child is smaller than what is expected for their age and development stage.
Micropenis, while rare, is usually diagnosed during the first few months of life. Micropenis can be caused by a low testosterone level during pregnancy, or it may be the result of other hormonal imbalances. Micropenis can also be caused by genetic conditions such as sexual development disorders.
It is good to know that most boys with micropenis will experience normal sexual growth during puberty. The use of hormones, such as testosterone therapy, may help to promote penile development. Boys with micropenis can lead normal, fulfilling lives in adulthood. Consult a pediatric endocrinologist or urologist if you suspect micropenis. They can give you a thorough evaluation and suggest the best treatment.

Conclusion: Reassurances and Next Steps
Parents need not worry in most cases about their son’s genitalia. It is important to keep in mind that there is a large range of “normal” penis and scrotum sizes. Children also develop at different speeds. Your son’s genitalia may change and grow over time. They will often become more proportionate as he approaches puberty.
If you are concerned about the development of your son or see any abnormalities in his behaviour, it is best to speak with a healthcare provider. You can seek professional advice from a pediatrician, pediatric urologist or any other healthcare provider. This will help you feel more confident and ensure your child’s development is as expected.
Early intervention by your pediatrician is crucial to ensure the best outcome. Most concerns regarding genital growth can be dealt with by your pediatrician, and you will see that it is possible to reduce the amount of worry.