Calling all “growers” and “showers”

You know who you are

IN a nutshell Hello, fellow Earth dwellers. I'm back, and this time I'm here to talk about one thing and one thing only: penises! The infamous, sometimes taboo, body part was the subject of a recent study that determined once and for all what it means to be a "grower" versus a "shower." Below, we dig into the research and speak with some sexperts about what really matters when it comes to penises, sex, and pleasure. We'll also be talking about: • a new sex toy for your arsenal • how exercise can help you last longer in bed • delayed gratification • an interview about masculinity with the "Mayor of Kingstown" star • more health stories you need Stay sharp, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Ginger Wojcik March 22, 2023 • 6 min read

what's got us buzzing Are you a "grower" or a "shower"? Thanks to preliminary research out of Europe, people with a penis can finally know for certain whether they're a "grower" or a "shower." The findings (which were presented at the European Association of Urology Congress) show that if your penis increases in size by more than 56% when erect, you fall into the "grower" camp. If your penis increases by less than 31% when erect, you're a "shower." So what's "normal"? Of the penises involved in the study, about 25% were "growers" and 26% were "showers." The rest — nearly 50% — were neither "growers" nor "showers", with only a modest change in size being observed. Previous research on the topic found penises, on average, grow 1.5 inches from flaccid to erect. Researchers say this information can help in the clinical setting during surgery, as penises that tend to grow more may need a different surgical approach. So, does growing versus showing have any effect on sexual pleasure? While the study at hand didn't investigate that question, experts suggest keeping an open mind in regard to penises and sex. "The penis is just one aspect of a fulfilling sexual experience," says certified sex therapist Aliyah Moore, PhD. "Factors such as skill, foreplay, oral, and emotional connection also play a crucial role in a sexual experience." And while we're on the subject, remember that penises come in all shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. "There is no "normal" or "correct" penis," says Dr. Z. Afzal, MD, Welzo Medical Team. "All types of penises [can be] perfectly normal and healthy." tl;dr: It's just about as common to be a "grower" as a "shower," according to preliminary research out of Europe. The study measured how much penises increased in size, from flaccid to erect, in 225 men. It found that penises that grew by more than 56% were "growers," while penises that grew by less than 31% were "showers." The study did not look into how these differences affect sexual pleasure or performance.

great finds Editor faves with health perks     Fun Factory Cobra Libre II Penis Massager I can only imagine that if you time traveled to 2023 from any other time in history, one of the things you would be most amazed by is the variety of sex toys currently at our disposal. The Cobra Libre II is a masturbation toy created to pleasure penises. With 11 different vibrational settings, you have a range of intensity levels to choose from. It's also 100% waterproof, making it easy and safe to clean. Some reviewers mention that the opening is pretty small. So it might be wise to measure the girth of your penis and cross-reference with the toy's dimensions to make sure it's a fit. Shop now

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say what   Look who's talking "I have not had an orgasm from sex until I went off birth control. Never had it in my life until I turned 40." "I was the same as you. It didn't happen for me until I was about 38. Isn't that crazy?" – a conversation between Rachel Bilson and Whitney Cummings     Actor Rachel Bilson and comedian Whitney Cummings recently let their orgasm history slide on Bilson's podcast "Broad Ideas," and the internet has been abuzz ever since. But while the tabloids are calling this revelation "shocking," it's actually not uncommon. One study found that women usually climax around 50% of the time during partnered sex (compared with 90% of time for men). For more information on orgasms and how to have them, check out our detailed guide.

Wednesday Kick Start How exercise can improve your sexual function If you're part of the 20% to 30% of men who experience premature ejaculation (PE), you may want to listen up to this next bit. A new report suggests that exercise may be just as, if not more, effective as medication at treating PE. For example, one study found that running for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 30 days was just as effective for PE as taking an erectile dysfunction medication for 30 days. Experts say that exercise's positive effect on mental health may help explain the link. "Performance anxiety, depression, and stress can contribute to decreased levels of libido and arousal, which can lead to premature ejaculation," says Joni Ogle, LCSW, CSAT. "When a man is feeling overwhelmed or anxious, it can lead to a decreased ability to control his ejaculation." And it's not all in the head. Exercise benefits virtually every system in the body, many of which relate to sexual function. "Your penis does not operate independently from the body," says clinical sexologist Justin Paulsen, MCP, RCC, ABS. "It requires the brain, hormones, and blood flow, and more to function." If you're regularly disappointed by how long sex lasts for you, it may help to know that penetrative sex is rarely a long lasting affair — despite what's shown in porn. "It's important to recognize that porn is a fictional representation of sex that is often edited and staged for visual appeal," says Moore. In fact, a 2005 study found that on average penetrative sex lasts just under 5 and a half minutes. For more in-depth information on the treatments and causes of PE, check out our article.

health stories you need What we're reading next 🧑‍⚕ ️️Experts call for a better understanding of endometriosis. About 10% of women have this painful and chronic condition. So why don't we know more about it? Want more on Endo? Sign up for our weekly Endometriosis Newsletter. 🍪 Every Girl Scout Cookie ranked from healthiest to unhealthiest. We know you're curious. 🔉 What the "Mayor of Kingstown" star thinks about toxic masculinity. This week on IMH, host Gabe Howard talks with Tobi Bamtefa about how societal expectations can affect men's mental health.

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you're up Rachel Bilson and Whitney Cummings were 38 and 41 respectively before they had their first orgasms during sex. This may come as a surprise to some, but, likely, it won't to others. And it's got me thinking about all the expectations we have to do things by a certain age, when in fact we're all living vastly different lives. We want to know: For this week's poll, we want to hear about something you learned relatively "late" in life. Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may share your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!)

Thanks for reading and congratulations to me for writing penis 22 times in one newsletter. That's a personal best. We'll be back in your inbox with more health nuggets on Friday.

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by a lady never tells.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001