Men often have heightened anxiety about their penis size, and with the plethora of enhancement products available, most of which do not work, it is evident that most men prefer a larger penis to a small one. However, there are cases where men may have a smaller than average penis, and for those men, there may be options.

Average Penis Size

Most research indicates that the average penis size is around 5.1 inches when erect, and 3.5 inches when flaccid. In addition, research shows that the size of a flaccid penis does not always correlate with penis size when erect.

Enhancement Options

For men with an erection of less than three inches, doctors may recommend enhancement surgery, although it is by no means a requirement. In a Jouranl of Urology study, researchers concluded that men with a flaccid length of less than 4 centimeters or 1.6 inches, or an erect length of less than 7.5 centimeters or 3 inches are candidates for penile lengthening surgery. However, it is important to note that enhancement surgeries for penises are not always successful and can result in permanent damage.

Common Household Objects

One way to understand how large an erection that is less than three inches actually is would be to compare it to common household items. A standard light switch cover is two and three-quarters inches wide. A business card is three and a half inches long and two inches high, while a standard credit card is 3-3/8 inches by 2 1/8 inches.

Although men with erections that are less than three inches long are considered to have a below average penis, they are still able to enjoy relations with others and perform sexually. For those who are self-conscious about the issue, enhancement surgery may be an option. In all likelihood, the man who believes his erect penis is less than three inches has underestimated its size and his penis is actually larger.