A new study has proved the age–old stereotype to be true – women really do prefer men with larger penises.
Researchers from the University of Western Australia showed both men and women computer–generated male figures with various penis sizes, heights, and body shapes.
The female participants were asked which figures they found most attractive.
Meanwhile, the male participants were quizzed on which figures they perceived as the most threatening.
The results revealed that the tall male figure with a V-shaped body and a larger penis was rated as the most attractive among women, as well as the most intimidating to men.
‘The most important finding of our study is that penis size influences how males assess a rival’s fighting ability,’ the researchers explained.
‘Males were most likely to feel threatened if they had to imagine being challenged by a rival with a large penis.
‘We infer that this translates into males being less likely to initiate an aggressive interaction with a rival with a large penis.’
Researchers from the University of Western Australiashowed both men and women computer–generated male figures with various penis sizes, heights, and body shapes
For years, scientists have been baffled as to why the human penis is larger than that of other primates, relative to body size.
For example, while the average human manhood measures 5.1 inch (13cm) when erect, the chimp and the bonobo only boast a 3.1 inch (8cm) penis.
Meanwhile, the orangutan’s member measures 3.3 inch (8.5cm) and the gorilla only has a 1.25 inch (3cm) penis.
In their new study, the researchers set out to understand why human penises are so big.
‘Sexual selection, through female mate choice and male–male competition, is a likely driver, but confirming this is difficult due to natural covariation among traits,’ the scientists explained in their study, published in PLOS Biology.
The team enlisted 800 participants (600 male and 200 female), who were asked to rate 343 computer–generated male figures.
The figures had been adjusted in three ways – for height, body shape, and penis size.
The results revealed that the female participants rated male figures that were taller, had a more V–shaped body, and a larger penis as being more attractive.
The male participants also rated taller figures that had a more V–shaped body and a larger penis as being more intimidating as sexual rivals and fighting opponents.
‘A larger penis increased male attractiveness to females and was also used as a signal of fighting ability by males,’ the researchers explained.
The reason why men are more intimidated by males with larger penises remains unclear.
However, the researchers have two main theories.
Firstly, a larger penis may indicate higher testosterone levels.
‘Testosterone influences penile development at puberty, and higher levels of testosterone in adult males are associated with increased muscle mass, greater aggression, and higher competitive ability,’ the researchers explained.
Alternatively, they suggest that flaccid penis length may serve as an indicator of a male’s physiological state.
They added: ‘Flaccid penis length can shorten in response to stress or anxiety as adrenaline redirects blood flow away from the genitals, a response that may function to reduce injury during “fight or flight” situations.
‘Therefore, participants may interpret a flaccid penis that is longer as a signal of rival confidence, lower, stress, or the relative absence of perceived threat.’
