Will his penis get bigger?

Dear Readers, JE is 15 years old. He asks Lifeline two interesting questions: “How long does the penis keep growing for?” and “When will it reach its full size?”

His penis has only recently started to get bigger, while several friends already have a male-sized pack in place.

Penile growth begins with puberty. This is the time when the voice cracks and changes and hair growth is noticed under the arms and over the genitals. This occurs at a different time for everyone, from as early as age nine and as late as age 15. Penile growth will occur at different times and at different rates for each young man.

If JE is just beginning to experience puberty, then his penis still has a way to go with growing. During this time the penis will grow both longer and wider. Because of differences in the onset of puberty, a penis can be fullsized at age 13 or as late as age 18. The penis will stop growing when puberty ends.

The first change that occurs with puberty is the enlargement of the scrotum and testicles. Then the penis begins to grow, and usually it will lengthen before it widens. Pubic hair will also thicken at this time.

I’ll add that the ultimate size of your penis mostly depends on your inherited genes, just like your foot size, and has nothing to do with manliness or sexual ability. The majority of nerves in the female vaginal canal are located at the opening of the vagina, so the length of the penis is not really a significant factor in providing female pleasure.

JE, if you remain concerned then talk with your Dad, your school counsellor (they are trained to deal with questions like this), or see your doctor.