1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Men's Health

Can a penis get smaller permanently?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated January 05, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Filed In:
  1. Men's Health
Question: Can a penis get smaller permanently?
Answer: Yes. The penis may get smaller in old age. There is also evidence that long periods of impotence can also result in some loss of size. When someone is overweight or obese the penis can appear to get smaller and look as though it has shrunk. Usually when weight is lost the penis size will return to its previous size.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.