Penile dimensions of newborns at obio cottage hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Determination of normal reference values for penile dimension may prevent overdiagnosis of micropenis and hence reduce unnecessary investigation and parental anxiety. Only a few data exist on the subject in Nigeria. Objectives: The study set out to document the stretched penile length (SPL) and penile diameter (PD) of male newborns in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methodology: Four hundred and eleven consecutively delivered male newborns were recruited for this study. SPL and PD were measured using the standard methods with a digital metal caliper. The mean values were determined and compared with other anthropometric parameters. Results: The mean (standard deviation) SPL from this study was 3.17 ± 0.5 cm and mean PD was 1.07 ± 0.17 cm. There was no significant correlation of the SPL with any of the studied anthropometric parameters, but the PD showed weak positive correlation with estimated gestational age (r = 0.104,P= 0.036), birth weight (r = 0.169,P= 0.001), birth length (r = 0.139,P= 0.006), and head circumference (r = 0.111,P= 0.025). The PD increased significantly across the different weight categories. The third and tenth percentiles for the SPL were 2.3 cm and 2.5 cm. Conclusion: It is concluded that the mean SPL and PD of newborns in Port Harcourt are 3.17 cm and 1.07 cm, respectively. A PL of <2.3 cm should be taken as representing micropenis.

Keywords

• micropenis
• newborn
• penile diameter
• penile length