Definition of Micropenis

Micropenis refers to an unusually small penis. In the medical field, the penis's length is the standard measurement taken from the base at the pubic bone to the tip. This is done using a ruler or measuring tape, ensuring the ruler presses firmly against the soft tissue above the pubic bone (the symphysis pubis). Often, a penis might appear smaller if it is partly obscured by the surrounding fat pad, though it might actually be of normal length. Established benchmarks exist for determining normal length. A true micropenis is notably shorter than these standards, typically due to insufficient hormonal stimulation or abnormal development during embryonic growth. The term "micro-" is derived from the Greek word "mikros," meaning small, and it reduces the scale of whatever it describes.

Medical Definition & Meaning