Average Size
A new study has come up with an average penis size, which could help ease fears for men around the world. Reuters

Men care about the size of their penis, even if they rarely talk about the subject. Though opinions may vary on what's the "average" size, a new analysis of 17 studies has led to some concrete answers.

Many men should breathe a sigh of relief knowing the average erect penis size was 5.12 inches. Beyond settling the debate regarding "normal" size, the news can help doctors counsel men who have body image issues or are concerned about their size or performance.

The research, led by David Veale of King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, analyzed data collected on penis size from 17 studies involving 15,521 males of all ages and races. The researchers determined the average length of a flaccid penis, an erect penis and the average circumference of both states. The average flaccid penis size was 3.6 inches (9.16 cm) and the average erect penis size was just over 5 inches (13.12 cm). Average flaccid circumference was measured at 3.7 inches (9.31 cm) and erect circumference was 4.6 inches (11.66 cm).

"We believe these graphs will help doctors reassure the large majority of men that the size of their penis is in the normal range. We will also use the graphs to examine the discrepancy between what a man believes to be their position on the graph and their actual position or what they think they should be," Veale said in a statement. The study's average penis size is similar to that in a 2014 study -- published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. That study put the average penis size of a sexually active American man at 5.6 inches.

Veale previously explored the idea of "penis shame" and the anxiety surrounding size. LiveScience has a great breakdown looking at the many studies discussing the various ways size has led to anxiety for guys around the world. Based on the science, there are more things that can lead to satisfaction for a woman, but men are stuck in their heads when it comes to size.

To further silence any doubts about penis size, the Kinsey Institute interviewed more than 1,600 men and women about what leads to sexual satisfaction. For women, it's all about intimacy and sharing a personal connection with their partner. Penis size was not on their minds, according to the Kinsey Institute. For men, the institute advises putting aside concerns about size and focusing on making sex as intimate as possible.

Veale's research was published in BJUI International.