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Everyone’s penis and testicles (balls) are a little different. During puberty, they get bigger and may change color slightly. There’s no need to worry about the size of your penis, because all sizes are normal.

Is my penis normal?

Penises are like snowflakes: no 2 are exactly alike. Thick or thin, long or short, straight or with a little curve — everyone’s got their own thing going on in the penis department. So unless it hurts or feels uncomfortable, it's safe to say your penis is totally normal.

At some point during puberty, penises start to get bigger and longer. This happens at different ages for different people. It can take several years for your penis to grow to its final size.

For adults, the average penis size is about 2.5 to 5 inches long when flaccid (soft). And it’s about 5 to 7 inches long when erect (hard). The size of your penis when it's flaccid (soft) doesn't really have anything to do with how big it gets when it’s hard. Some penises get much bigger when they’re erect, and others stay pretty much the same size.

A lot of people stress about the size of their penis, but there really isn't one “normal” size. And the myth that “bigger is always better” is just not true. Instead of getting hung up on numbers and measurements, it’s better to love your body the way it already is. And you might still be growing, so try not to worry.

There’s nothing you can safely do to change the size of your penis. Penis enhancement pills, creams, and devices do NOT work. And surgeries are expensive, risky, and don’t make much of a difference.

The bottom line is: all penises are different. And the way your penis looks has nothing to do with how good sex will feel, or how good you’ll be at sex. You can grow up to have a totally satisfying sex life, no matter what kind of penis you’re packing.

What’s the difference between circumcised and uncircumcised penises?

At birth, everyone’s penis has a foreskin (a tube of soft skin that covers and protects the glans (tip) of your penis). Some people’s parents choose to have a doctor do a small surgery to remove that foreskin soon after they’re born — this is called circumcision.

About half of all penises in the US are circumcised, and half are uncircumcised (still have foreskin) — so both types are common. Some people call circumcised penises “cut,” and uncircumcised penises “uncut.” You don’t have to stress about whether or not you’re circumcised — either way is totally normal. Uncircumcised and circumcised penises both work the same way, they just look a little different.

Circumcised penises don’t have foreskin on the tip, so you can always see the glans of the penis (it looks kind of like a mushroom). Uncircumcised penises have foreskin that covers the glans when it’s soft. When an uncircumcised penis gets hard, the foreskin pulls back and the glans of the penis shows more. People with uncircumcised penises usually pull their foreskins back when they pee, wash their penis, and/or put on a condom.

Are my testicles and scrotum normal?

Testicles (AKA balls) are your body's sperm factory. During puberty, your testicles start making and storing sperm, and they’ll make sperm 24/7 for the rest of your life. Testicles have a lot of work to do! They also make testosterone — the hormone that gives you facial hair, bigger muscles, a lower voice, and a sex drive.

Even though many people call them "balls," testicles aren't exactly round — they're more oval, like an egg. There are usually 2 testicles. Most of the time 1 testicle hangs lower than the other, or 1 testicle is a little bigger than the other one. But sometimes they’re even. Either way is totally normal.

The sack that holds your testicles is called the scrotum — it’s your body’s automatic sperm protection system. The muscles in your scrotum move to keep the sperm inside your testicles at a healthy temperature. You might notice that your scrotum hangs lower when you’re warm, and it pulls up closer to your body when you’re cold. Scrotums and testicles also sometimes move closer to your body when you’re about to ejaculate (cum).

Scrotums are usually a little darker than the rest of your skin, but not always. Some people’s scrotums are longer and hang lower, others sit up a little higher. Scrotums are usually wrinkly and covered with hair. Many people have lots of tiny, painless bumps on their scrotum or penis shaft. These are called Fordyce spots — they’re totally normal and don’t cause any health problems.

Testicles and scrotums are sensitive, so touching them gently can feel good. Many people like having their scrotum and testicles touched during sexual activity. But for others, testicles are a "hands-off" area. You can tell your sexual partners what feels good to you when the time comes.

Testicles are pretty fragile. Hitting, twisting, or rough handling can hurt a lot. When you’re playing sports, protect your testicles with a jockstrap and cup.

It’s a good idea to feel your testicles to learn what’s normal for you, so you can tell if there are any changes.

If you have a new lump, sharp pain, itching, bumps, or any other changes in your scrotum or testicles, go to a doctor, nurse, or your nearest Planned Parenthood health center right away. It could be jock itch (a fungal infection), a more serious condition called testicular torsion, or an STD. And even though it’s rare, some teens get testicular cancer. You can stay healthy by getting regular checkups from your doctor and paying attention to any changes in your testicles.

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