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In an episode of “Seinfeld” entitled “The Hamptons,” Jerry Seinfeld’s girlfriend catches George Costanza naked after a dip in a cold pool, and the English language received a new word. “Shrinkage” is the term Jerry uses to describe the underwhelming state of George’s penis. The word is new, but both men are familiar with the process. Elaine, however, needs an explanation.
“Do women know about shrinkage?” Jerry asks.
“What do you mean?” Elaine says. “Like laundry?”
“No,” Jerry answers. “Like when a man goes swimming afterwards.”
“It shrinks?” Elaine asks in surprise.
“Like a frightened turtle!” Jerry tells her.
Today, Dr. James Elist, a pioneer in penis enlargement surgery, offers a solution to the age-old problem of shrinkage. The Penuma® Implant is composed of soft, medical-grade silicone and is helping thousands of men who struggle with this issue.
What causes male shrinkage?
According to Dr. Elist, ambient conditions — such as warm temperatures or a cold swim — can cause temporary changes in the size of a man’s penis. These conditions, however, are not typically a significant cause of penile shrinkage.
“The penis can appear smaller in cold temperatures due to vasoconstriction,” Dr. Elist explains. “In cold temperatures, narrowed blood vessels restrict blood flow and cause the penile skin to retract, which is why the penis becomes less erect and appears smaller. Ambient conditions cause temporary changes in the size of a penis, but when we talk about penile shrinkage, we are typically referring to other factors — such as aging, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, the presence of a suprapubic fat pad, a short or tight suspensory ligament, or medications.”
While not all men experience penile shrinkage as they age, it is a common concern. As men get older, their testosterone levels decline, which can lead to a loss of muscle mass, decreased bone density, and changes in fat distribution. These changes may also affect the size of the penis and make it appear smaller.
Certain medical conditions, such as Peyronie’s disease, also cause penile shrinkage. Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which plaque buildup in the penis causes it to bend or curve and sometimes shrink.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption are linked to penile shrinkage. These factors often affect blood flow to the penis, which can impact its size. Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depression, can also cause penile shrinkage as a side effect.
Is penile shrinkage a serious medical concern?
Penile shrinkage is not typically a serious medical issue, but if an underlying medical condition causes penile shrinkage, that condition may bring with it other health risks. For example, Peyronie’s disease can cause pain and curvature of the penis and make sexual intercourse difficult. Medications causing penile shrinkage may also have other potential side effects.
“If you are concerned about penile shrinkage, talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options,” Dr. Elist advises.
Health issues aside, penile shrinkage can have psychological effects. In many cases, it can lead to anxiety or depression.
“While penile shrinkage is usually not a serious medical issue on its own, it can present a source of concern or embarrassment,” says Dr. Elist. “If these concerns are causing distress or impacting your quality of life, it’s important to address them with a healthcare provider.”
How does the Penuma Implant prevent penile shrinkage?
Penuma® is the first FDA-cleared implant for penile augmentation. It helps with overall size enhancement of the penis as well as mild to moderate curvature, buried or retractile penis, and penile tissue deformities. According to the Penuma® website, “On average, Penuma® may increase both the penile girth and flaccid length by 1 to 2 inches.” It offers a natural feel and appearance, poses no interference with achieving erections, and can be removed at any time.
“Before the procedure, patients undergo a thorough health and psychological screening to ensure they are good candidates for the surgery,” Dr. Elist explains. “We perform the procedure in an hour or less in an outpatient center, and patients are generally able to walk that day. Over the next few days, they will take it easy and return for a series of follow-up visits with their surgeon. Typically within weeks, patients are cleared for exercise, sexual activity, and a full return to normal life.”
In an area of medicine that has seen little innovation, Penuma® is revolutionary. At one time, penile enhancement involved inserting fillers, cutting ligaments, injecting acid, and even placing fat or cadaver cells in the penis. These methods have caused tremendous damage over the past years.
“With the Penuma® implant, we have a science-backed solution that is now offered by a world-renowned network of surgeons,” Dr. Elist concludes. “Thousands of procedures have been done, and the results have been reviewed and published in major journals. We’re excited to help men relieve themselves of the anxiety of penile size and rediscover their confidence.”
