Many men grow up believing they fall short of some imagined standard. Locker room chatter fuels it. Movies exaggerate it. Adult films distort it. As a result, quiet insecurity becomes far too common.
Now, a doctor known for cutting through medical myths offers clarity. Dr. Karan Rajan points to a large global review that finally grounds the conversation in facts. Researchers measured more than 15,000 men worldwide. They did not rely on guesswork. They used direct measurement.
The findings surprise many. On average, a flaccid penis measures about 3.6 inches. An erect penis averages just over 5.1 inches. That number sits well below what most men expect. Yet it represents the true middle of the curve.
Dr. Rajan explains why the myth persists. Popular culture inflates expectations. Pornography shows extremes, not norms. Over time, that distortion convinces men they are below average, even when they are not. The result is unnecessary self-doubt.
Global data does show some variation by region. A few countries report higher averages. However, those differences do not change the broader message. Most men cluster around the same range.
So what matters most? Perspective. Science shows that “average” truly means average. It does not mean lacking. It means normal.
For men over 45, that truth can feel freeing. Let go of comparison. Trust the data. And remember that confidence comes from far more than a number.
