'Silent' bedrooms have become very common these days and discussing sexual health is still a taboo in India. In South First's 'Health for You' podcast, Uro-andrologist Dr Pramod Krishnappa breaks misconceptions about sexual health.
Published Feb 06, 2025 | 12:20 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 06, 2025 | 12:20 PM
Measurement of penis. Representational image. (iStock)
Synopsis: Uro-andrologist Dr Pramod Krishnappa debunks myths regarding male sexual health. He says that the global average erect penis length is around five to 5.5 inches, with variations across different regions. He says that people are often influenced by pornography or myths.
“Doctor, is my penis too small?”— It’s one of the most common and yet least discussed concerns among men. In the latest episode of South First podcast Health for You, Dr Pramod Krishnappa, a leading uro-andrologist at NU Hospitals in Bengaluru, addresses the anxiety surrounding penis size, debunking myths and explaining why many men stress over a problem that often doesn’t exist.
“Most men who worry about having a small penis actually have a completely normal size, ” Dr Krishnappa says. The real issue, he explains, is “small penis syndrome”— a psychological concern rather than a physical one.
Interestingly, he adds that this anxiety often stems from a casual comment, a locker room comparison, or even a so-called “massage therapist” at a shady spa making an offhand remark during a “happy ending” session. The result? A completely unnecessary confidence crisis.
According to multiple studies, the global average erect penis length is around five to 5.5 inches, with variations across different regions. Dr Pramod Krishnappa clarifies.
“There is a biological variation in penile size across populations, just like height and skin tone. Studies indicate that the average erect penis size in South Asia ranges from about 4.5 to five inches and a maximum of six inches, which is slightly smaller than Western averages but well within the normal range.”
“If you look into the penal size map, Men from African and Latin American countries tend to have slightly larger averages, a little more than six to seven inches, while East Asian and South Asian averages are slightly lower.”
“However, It’s important to remember that these variations are minor and have no real impact on sexual function or satisfaction,” he adds.
While many men worry about being “too small,” the average erect penis size is around five to 5.5 inches, with medical experts defining a micropenis as anything under 2.5 inches when erect.
Dr Krishnappa emphasises that most men who feel inadequate fall well within the normal range but have an unrealistic perception, often influenced by pornography or myths.
For those still wanting to change their size, Dr Pramod sheds light on medical options:
Penile fillers: Similar to facial fillers, these add temporary volume but need yearly top-ups.
Penile implants: A surgical solution, primarily for those with erectile dysfunction.
“If you’re considering a procedure, always go to a certified specialist — there are too many fake products and scams promising ‘miracle growth’ that simply don’t work,” he warns.
While size anxiety is a major concern, Dr Krishnappa also tackles other important sexual health issues in the episode, including:
Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: Why they happen and how to treat them.
The masturbation myth: How much is “too much,” and does it really affect sex life?
Viagra: Who should take it and when to avoid it?
Sexual health and lifestyle: How diet, exercise, and even sun exposure affect performance.
“A silent bedroom isn’t always about size — it’s about confidence, communication, and addressing real health concerns before they become bigger issues,” he adds.
For the full conversation, tune into Health for You, where Dr Pramod Krishnappa debunks myths, answers taboo questions, and gives science-backed advice on male sexual health in our third episode “‘Silent’Bedrooms”.
Watch the podcast here:
