A report published by The Guardian on Saturday detailed the rise of surgical penis enlargement, particularly in the U.K.
The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery carried out 45,604 penis enhancements worldwide between 2013 and 2017. While those who wish to have the surgery may do so for a host of reasons, it is not without the risks.
In some cases, the surgery resulted in infections, lumps and further erectile dysfunction, according to The Guardian. A 30-year-old man in Stockholm reportedly died from cardiac arrest following an enlargement procedure.
In the United States, penis enlargement surgery can cost upwards of $10,000.
"Perhaps 95% of our patients are very happy," Dr. Roberto Viel, co-founder of the London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery, told The Guardian. "Where they are not, it is often to do with expectations.
"These are the men who come to us," said Amr Raheem, andrology specialist at University College London Hospitals. "They are not necessarily small, but they want to feel more confident. In front of women, yes, but in front of other men, too, down the gym, that sort of thing."
Men opting for enlargement surgeries is not isolated to the U.S. or the U.K. A report published by ABC Australia in June regarding men seeking penis enlargement consulted clinical psychologists Dr. Gemma Sharp and Dr. Jayson Oates to understand why men might undergo this surgery. It mostly has to do with confidence and body issues.
"The locker room syndrome is either trying to impress other guys or trying to not feel self conscious in front of other men. But others were looking to please their sexual partners," Dr Oates said.
"I suppose that penis size really taps into men's sense of self, no matter what else is going on in their lives," said Dr. Sharp.
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