Ever get that pang of anxiety staring down at yourself in the shower, or worse, when you’re in the heat of the moment with that special shower, and you’re left thinking, “Is this all she wrote?”
I get it, man; I’ve been there. Every guy’s been there.
Whether you’re just starting puberty, in your late teens, or you’re a grown-ass man, it’s natural to be curious (and maybe a little anxious) about penis growth.
And while we can talk all day about supplements, weird growth pills, stretching exercises, and all that stuff, a question that comes to mind is when does your penis actually stop growing.
Like developmentally.
I’m going to break the answer down in today’s post, outlining the entire process, from those early years to the final stretch, debunking some common myths along the way, and a whole lot more.
Let’s go!
How does your penis actually grow?
Before we dive into the timeline, let’s get a handle on the basics of penis growth. Think of it like this: your body has a master plan for everything, and penis development is no exception. It’s all about hormones, puberty, and good ol’ fashioned genetics.
Hormones: Testosterone is the MVP here. This hormone kicks into high gear during puberty and signals your body to start growing – your muscles, your bones, and, yes, your penis.
When you reach a certain age (and meet a few requirements from a lifestyle perspective), your body starts producing hormones that signal it’s time to grow. Just like every other part of your body. Just like girls do with their breasts.
Puberty: This is where the real magic happens. Puberty is like a growth spurt on steroids (not literally, of course!). It usually starts between ages 9 and 14 and lasts a few years. During this time, your penis will go through two main growth phases:
- Length: You’ll notice your penis getting longer first.
- Girth: After that, it’ll start to increase in girth (thickness).
I’ll talk about this all in a bit more detail in the next section, but I wanted to give you the TLDR answer to outline what we’re covering.
But, before we talk about the elephant in the room (perhaps everyone’s different 😉– let’s talk about average size.
It’s totally normal to wonder how you measure up. According to research, the average erect penis length is around 5.1 to 5.6 inches. But remember, this is just an average! There’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal,” so don’t get hung up on numbers.
When does penis growth start?
Believe it or not, your penis development story begins way back before you were even born. During those early months in the womb, things are already taking shape down there.
If you didn’t know, when sperm meets egg and a fetus is developed, we ALL start off as female. And we’d stay that way until around the seventh week of pregnancy when the Y chromosomes start to produce testosterone signals that begin your journey as a guy.
Around the ninth week, you’ll start to develop your sex organs (your penis). That’s around when your parents enjoyed the ultrasound experience of hearing “it’s a boy!”
But let’s fast forward to the part you actually care about.
Childhood Growth: Throughout childhood, your penis grows gradually along with the rest of your body. Think of it like a slow and steady climb. You won’t notice dramatic changes day-to-day, but over time, things are definitely progressing.
Puberty: The Game Changer: Now, this is where things get interesting. Puberty is like hitting the fast-forward button on penis growth. It usually kicks in between ages 9 and 14, and you’ll start noticing some telltale signs:
- Hair, hair everywhere: You’ll start sprouting hair in new places – your pubic area, under your arms, and maybe even on your face.
- Voice cracks: Your voice will start to deepen, but it might take a detour through “squeak city” along the way.
- Growth spurts: You’ll literally shoot up in height, sometimes seemingly overnight.
- And yes, penis growth: Your penis will start to lengthen and thicken more noticeably.
These are all signs that your body is pumping out testosterone, the hormone responsible for this whole growth process.
When Does Penis Growth Hit its Stride?
As above, everything’s pretty steady until you hit your early teens.
Here, your sexual maturity starts to really kick in. Again, voice cracks, loads of hair, and an ever-increasing sex drive (and interest in this kind of thing) really start to ramp up.
Yep, that’s puberty in full swing, and it’s also when your penis decides to hit the gas pedal.
And again, this all comes down to the fact that your body becomes a testosterone factory. This hormone is like the fuel for your growth spurt, and your penis is along for the ride. You’ll likely notice the most significant growth between the ages of 12 and 16.
During this time, doctors use something called “Tanner Stages” to track the physical changes during puberty. There are five stages, each marking different milestones in your development, which are;
- Stage 1: Starts around the 9th or 10th birthday. The body starts to prep for puberty, and the processes begin.
- Stage 2: Around the age of 11, pubic hair starts to grow. Your scrotum (your ballsack) begins to grow, as do your testicles. Skin around here becomes a little redder.
- Stage 3: Starts around age 13, where pubic hair continues growing wildly. Voice cracks start around here, and muscles will start to develop and grow all over.
- Stage 4: At age 14, puberty is in full swing. Acne usually starts around here due to new oils and hormones affecting your skin.
- Stage 5: The final phase where puberty ends, which depends on you as an individual. It typically ends around the age of 16 or 17. Physical development is pretty much complete.
For penis growth, the action really heats up in stages 3 and 4 and ends around 18 years old at the latest. For some, you may experience some minor changes up to the age of 20, but for the most part, you’re done by the time you’re 18.
Now, here’s the thing about penis growth – it’s not always a smooth and steady process. You might have periods of rapid growth followed by lulls. It’s like your body is saying, “Okay, time to grow an inch… now take a break… okay, GROW!”
And again, don’t compare yourself.
It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, but remember that everyone develops at their own pace. Some guys hit puberty earlier, some later.
The important thing is that you’re on your own unique journey.
And even if you are a bit on the small side, remember, it’s not the size that matters, but how you use it. We even wrote a dedicated guide on how to do just that!
When does penis growth actually stop?
Around the age of 18, minor changes potentially happen up until the age of 20. It depends on you as an individual.
Yep, you read that right. While you might see some minor changes into your early 20s, the major growth spurts of puberty are usually done and dusted by then.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what about those guys who keep growing into their 20s?” It’s true; some guys are late bloomers. Just like some guys hit puberty later, some might experience a slightly extended growth period.
But for the vast majority, things settle down by that 18-20 mark.
While genetics plays a major role in determining your final size, other factors can influence growth too:
- Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet during your teens supports overall growth, including penis development.
- Overall health: Chronic illnesses or certain medical conditions can sometimes affect growth.
- Body Fat: Excess body fat can sometimes partially cover the base of the penis, making it appear smaller.
Lifestyle choices also play a huge role in this. During these teenage years, you’re much more likely to pick up habits like drinking alcohol, trying drugs, and smoking, as well as changing your diet with your newfound freedom.
And yes, all of these things affect your penis size, especially since these are your peak developmental years, so bear that in mind. Keep all of those factors in moderation, or avoid them completely if you want to retain completely natural growth.
Beyond Size: What Really Matters
Look, I get it. We live in a world where size seems to be everything. But when it comes to your penis, there’s so much more to the story than just length or girth.
- Body image and self-esteem: It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others or feeling insecure about your body. But the truth is, everyone is different, and there’s no “perfect” size. What matters most is feeling confident and comfortable in your skin.
- Function over form: A healthy penis is a happy penis. Focus on how well your penis functions, not just how it looks. Can you get erections? Can you experience pleasure? Those are the things that truly matter.
- When to see a doctor: If you have any genuine concerns about your penis size, development, or sexual health, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor. They can provide accurate information, address any underlying issues, and put your mind at ease.
Here are a few reasons to schedule a visit:
- Delayed puberty: If you haven’t shown any signs of puberty by age 14, it’s worth getting checked out.
- Pain or discomfort: Any pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms should be addressed by a medical professional.
- Concerns about development: If you’re worried about your penis size or shape, a doctor can provide reassurance and guidance.
Remember, your doctor is there to help you, not judge you. So, don’t be afraid to open up and ask questions.
Taking Care of the “Little Guy”: Penis Health 101
Now we’ve covered growth and development, let’s talk about how to keep your penis healthy and happy for years to come. Think of it like routine maintenance for your most prized possession.
Erections: The Mechanics of “Getting It Up”
First things first, let’s talk about erections. These happen when blood flow to the penis increases, causing it to become engorged and hard. It’s a complex process involving your brain, hormones, blood vessels, and nerves. Pretty amazing, right?
Penis Care: Hygiene and Safe Sex
Just like any other part of your body, your penis needs regular cleaning. Wash it daily with mild soap and water, and make sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent any fungal infections. And when it comes to sex, always practice safe sex by using condoms.
This protects you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
Lifestyle Matters: Diet, Exercise, and Stress Management
Believe it or not, your overall lifestyle plays a big role in your sexual health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can all contribute to better erections and overall penis health. Think of it this way: a healthy body leads to a healthy penis.
Wrapping it up
So, there you have it – the complete guide to penis growth. We’ve covered everything from those early years to the final stretch, debunked some myths, and even talked about how to keep your penis healthy and happy.
Remember, most guys stop growing by 18-20 years old, but everyone’s journey is different. Don’t get hung up on numbers or compare yourself to others. Focus on what matters most – a healthy penis and a positive body image.
But, if you’re worried about your growth and want something a little extra, either to boost your confidence or soothe your anxiety, try the holistic approach with Bathmate penis pumps.
With a regular routine, you can naturally (without drugs or medication) increase and stimulate blood flow to your penis, giving you more length, better, harder erections, and a boost to your self-esteem like no other.Check out the store today to see what we can do for you.sex positions for those who are on the smaller side. If you’re thinking of giving a penis pump a try or are concerned about your prowess in the bedroom, make sure to take a read of the Bathmate penis pumps size guide as well as the penis size calculator to help you measure yourself correctly and ensure the perfect fit.
