Penile Size in Term Infants

Abstract

Aim: The objective of the study was to determine normal penile length and diameter in newborn infants and determine the relationship between penile anthropometry and neonatal anthropometric values. Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on male newborn infants delivered from November 2013 to May 2014. Birth weeks, body weights, height lengths, and head diameters of the children were recorded. Penile length was measured from the penile radix to the tip of the penile glans, without stretching the penis, with the use of digital calipers placed on the ramus pubis. Maximal penile diameter was also measured with digital calipers. Results: A total of 150 newborn boys were included in this study. The mean birth weight of infants was 3455 +/- 354.2 g and the mean gestational age at birth was 39.5 +/- 1.18 weeks. In infants, the mean penile length was 3.19 +/- 0.37 cm (range 2-4 cm) and the mean penile diameter was 1.95 +/- 0.44 cm. There was a significant positive correlation between gestational age at birth and penile length in infants (r = 0.19, p = 0.042), whereas no significant correlation existed between penile length and birth weight (r = 0.10, p = 0.179). Discussion: There is a correlation between neonatal anthropometric measurements and penile anthropometry. The results of this study provide a useful guide for pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and endocrinologists.