Penile Length Measurement: Methodological Challenges and Recommendations, a Systematic Review.
Methodology
Penile Circumference
Penile Length
Penile girth
Penile size
Stretched penile length
Journal
The journal of sexual medicine
ISSN: 1743-6109
Titre abrégé: J Sex Med
Pays: Netherlands
ID NLM: 101230693
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
03 2021
03 2021
Historique:
received:
17
06
2020
revised:
21
10
2020
accepted:
20
11
2020
pubmed:
3
3
2021
medline:
21
4
2021
entrez:
2
3
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Penile length measurement techniques vary widely in published studies leading to inaccurate and nonstandardized measurements. To review the methodology used to report data in studies evaluating penile length and provide a detailed recommendation in conducting future high-quality research. The MEDLINE database was searched for randomized clinical trials and open-label prospective or retrospective studies. The panel reviewed the modality of data reporting on these specific areas: patients' age and assessment, patient position, type of measurement instrument used, penile length technique description, examination conditions, and actual examiner. Overall, 70 studies investigating penile length were selected; among these, 72.85% included at least 50 patients: 16 prospective studies, 5 randomized clinical trials, and 49 retrospective cross-sectional studies. Amongst all studies, 90% reported to measure penile length by health care practitioners in clinical settings. Penile length was assessed in all 70 studies, whereas penile girth was measured in 57.14% of patients. A semi-rigid ruler was the most commonly used measurement aid to assess penile length/girth in 62.86% of studies. Penile measurements were reportedly obtained: (i) stretched state, 60%; (ii) flaccid state only, 52.68%; and (iii) during erection, 27.43%. All studies investigating the penile length in an erect state were simultaneously assessing penile length in the flaccid state. About 90% of studies investigated penile length in adults, whereas 10% were conducted in adolescents. The use of shared methodology to assess penile length in both adults and adolescents allows more accurate and standardized measurements. A systematic review of the published literature allowed proper data interpretation in order to provide accurate recommendations. Main limitations of the study relied on a relatively limited number of databases for the identification of potentially eligible studies. The methodology used in studies measuring penile length should be precise and standardized in order to provide accurate data to both clinicians and researchers. Cakir OO, Pozzi E, Castiglione F, et al. Penile Length Measurement: Methodological Challenges and Recommendations, a Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2021;18:433-439.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Penile length measurement techniques vary widely in published studies leading to inaccurate and nonstandardized measurements.
AIM
To review the methodology used to report data in studies evaluating penile length and provide a detailed recommendation in conducting future high-quality research.
METHODS
The MEDLINE database was searched for randomized clinical trials and open-label prospective or retrospective studies.
OUTCOMES
The panel reviewed the modality of data reporting on these specific areas: patients' age and assessment, patient position, type of measurement instrument used, penile length technique description, examination conditions, and actual examiner.
RESULTS
Overall, 70 studies investigating penile length were selected; among these, 72.85% included at least 50 patients: 16 prospective studies, 5 randomized clinical trials, and 49 retrospective cross-sectional studies. Amongst all studies, 90% reported to measure penile length by health care practitioners in clinical settings. Penile length was assessed in all 70 studies, whereas penile girth was measured in 57.14% of patients. A semi-rigid ruler was the most commonly used measurement aid to assess penile length/girth in 62.86% of studies. Penile measurements were reportedly obtained: (i) stretched state, 60%; (ii) flaccid state only, 52.68%; and (iii) during erection, 27.43%. All studies investigating the penile length in an erect state were simultaneously assessing penile length in the flaccid state. About 90% of studies investigated penile length in adults, whereas 10% were conducted in adolescents.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The use of shared methodology to assess penile length in both adults and adolescents allows more accurate and standardized measurements.
STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS
A systematic review of the published literature allowed proper data interpretation in order to provide accurate recommendations. Main limitations of the study relied on a relatively limited number of databases for the identification of potentially eligible studies.
CONCLUSION
The methodology used in studies measuring penile length should be precise and standardized in order to provide accurate data to both clinicians and researchers. Cakir OO, Pozzi E, Castiglione F, et al. Penile Length Measurement: Methodological Challenges and Recommendations, a Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2021;18:433-439.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33648901
pii: S1743-6095(20)31058-4
doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.11.012
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Systematic Review
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
433-439Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2021 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.