Bigger isn't always better: researchers are concerned about how men are 'growing'

Men often think that "bigger is better" when it comes to their defining appendage. However, a new meta-analysis study from Stanford University says that is not the case.

According to the Stanford study, male genitalia is getting longer, and the average length of their member has increased by 24% over the course of the past 29 years, as reported by EuroNews.

The researchers at Stanford University gathered data from a total of 75 different studies on the length of male genitalia, which were conducted from 1942 to 2021. The studies included data from 55,761 men.

After analyzing the data, the Standford researchers discovered that the average erect phallus had increased substantially in size.

Over the years the average male erection went from 4.8 inches/12.1cm to 6 inches/15.24cm. But why is this worrying?

Researcher Dr Michael Eisenberg told EurosNews, "The increase happened over a relatively short period of time. Any overall change in development is concerning because our reproductive system is one of the most important pieces of human biology."

Photo: Stanford University

Dr Eisenberg continued, "If we're seeing this fast of a change, it means that something powerful is happening to our bodies."

EuroNews points out that the Stanford researchers were surprised by the results, as they expected that the average length of the male member would decrease rather than increase over the years. But why is the size of men's "manhood" increasing?

The increase in the length of male genitalia could result from many factors. However, the researchers at Standford believe that detrimental chemicals found in both hygiene products and pesticides are likely to blame.

Dr Eisenberg told EuroNews, "These endocrine-disrupting chemicals - there are many - exist in our environment and our diet."

Dr Eisenberg went on to say, "As we change our body's constitution, that also affects our hormonal milieu."

"Chemical exposure has also been posited as a cause for boys and girls going into puberty earlier, which can affect genital development," Dr Eisenburg added.

This isn't the first time that research has indicated that chemicals have a negative effect on the male reproductive system. Some scientists blame chemicals for the reduction in sperm counts over the years.

According to an article by CNN, a study by an international team of researchers looking at the data of almost 3,000 studies recording men's sperm counts published between 2014 and 2020 found a significant decline.

CNN reported: "Overall, the researchers determined that sperm counts fell by slightly more than 1% per year between 1973 and 2018. The study concluded that globally, the average sperm count had fallen 52% by 2018."

Furthermore, according to CNN, when the researchers zeroed in on specific years, they found that "the decline in sperm counts seemed to be accelerating, from an average of 1.16% per year after 1973 to 2.64% per year after 2020."

While the study on the increase in the size of the male member was rather complete, some researchers say the opposite is true. Dr Shanna Swan wrote a book titled 'Count Down' in which she claims that the size of male genitalia is shrinking.

In 'Count Down,' Dr Swan claims that pollution is also the culprit of smaller johnsons. EuroNews reported that Swan says that her research indicates that a disruption "is caused by phthalates, chemicals used in plastic manufacturing, which can impact how the hormone endocrine is produced."

Dr. Shanna's studies do seem to be less comprehensive compared to the research conducted at the University of Stanford. More studies will surely be completed to in the future and help to clarify what is really going on.