A recent study has tackled the contentious issue: does penis size really matter?
Many people argue that size can pose a problem in intimate settings, with some suggesting it might even be a deal breaker. On the other hand, some individuals are convinced that it should not have any impact.
Though personal preferences ultimately vary, new research from the University of Western Australia has shed light on this topic by exploring what might be considered the most optimal size.
In the study, researchers presented both men and women with computer-generated images of males featuring a range of penis sizes, heights, and body builds.
Women were asked to evaluate which images they found most attractive, whereas men were asked to identify which they perceived as most threatening.
The study found that taller figures with larger penises were rated as most attractive by women and deemed most threatening by the male participants.
Dr. Upama Aich, one of the authors of the study, noted, “Females rated male figures that were taller, had a higher shoulder-to-hip ratio – indicating a more V-shaped body – and a larger penis as being more attractive.”
“However, beyond a certain point, further increases in penis size, height, and shoulder breadth had diminishing benefits.”
“Males also rated taller figures with a more V-shaped body and a larger penis as being more intimidating as sexual rivals and fighting opponents,” Dr. Aich continued.
“But, in contrast to female participants, they consistently ranked males with more exaggerated traits as more of a sexual threat, suggesting that males tend to overestimate the importance of these characteristics for attracting females.”
The research team is also interested in understanding why larger penises might be more intimidating to other males.
One hypothesis is that a larger size could be an indicator of higher testosterone levels.
The study elaborated, “Testosterone influences penile development at puberty, and higher levels of testosterone in adult males are associated with increased muscle mass, greater aggression, and higher competitive ability.”
“Flaccid penis length can shorten in response to stress or anxiety as adrenaline redirects blood flow away from the genitals, a response that may function to reduce injury during ‘fight or flight’ situations.”
“Therefore, participants may interpret a flaccid penis that is longer as a signal of rival confidence, lower stress, or the relative absence of perceived threat.”
According to the World Population Review’s interactive map, the countries with the largest average erect penis size in 2025 are Sudan and DR Congo, both at 7.1 inches.
Conversely, Thailand has the smallest average size at 3.7 inches.
For those curious about the United States, the map indicates an average size of 5.6 inches, which is similar to the UK and Russia, whereas Canada averages 5.5 inches.