Growing pains
Question
I've been having wet dreams for a while now and I've heard that this means my penis has finished growing. I'm really worried because it's still really small what happens when I become sexually active?
Answer
Most young men your age will have experienced wet dreams. They are perfectly normal and harmless, and they do not mean your penis has stopped growing.
The concerns that you have are very common for teenage boys. Many young men believe that their penis is smaller than anyone else's, but the truth is that everyone's body is different and so is their penis size. It is also common to compare your body with other men, but you're unlikely to get a true picture as you never see yourself as others see you. This is partly because your own penis will look smaller to you (when you look down your body) than it does to other people.
Puberty and body changes can continue up to around the age of 18. It's important to remember that not everyone develops at the same speed or in the same order. Generally, most 12 year-olds, before sexual development, have a penis around 1.5 to 2 inches when soft, and usually less than 3.5 inches when erect. Adult penis size is usually 2.5 to 4 inches when soft and about 4.5 to 7 inches when erect.
There can be a lot of pressure on men about satisfying their partner, and concerns about penis size can be part of that. Try to remember that giving pleasure has nothing to do with penis size. Being a good lover is about showing consideration for your partner. Communicating and sharing your feelings with your partner is an important part of feeling satisfied in a sexual relationship or any relationship.
If you are still concerned, you could pop along to your local Brook Centre and talk to someone in confidence. Boys and young men are welcome at all Centres and some Brook centres run male-only sessions. All offer free, confidential advice and counselling. You can also call Brook on 0800 0185 023.
Updated: 20/07/2007
Question answered by YouthNet in association with Brook
