Average penis length in UK as studies show what women really want in bedroom

A group of researchers took it upon themselves to figure out what the 'average' penis size was in the UK and it might be smaller - or bigger - than you think.

The 2011 study published in the National Library of Medicine looked at the 'reference range for penile length in Caucasian British men'. And over the course of 20 months, penile and testicular measurements were collected from 610 men aged 16–90.

When the penis was soft and hanging naturally, the average length was 8.7 cm (about 3.4 inches).

And when the soft penis was gently stretched as far as comfortable, the average length was about 5.6 inches.

The key limitation of the study is that it only looked at 'caucasian British men'. However, a 2015 study of more than 15,000 men worldwide found that average length of a flaccid penis is 9.16cm (3.6 inches) and an erect penis 13.1cm (5.1 inches).

But when it comes to what women want and don't want - it's not all about penis length.

The average erect penis length globally is around 5.1 to 5.5 inches (13-14 cm) (Getty Stock Images)

Believe it or not, research shows that penis size is not of primary importance when it comes female sexual pleasure.

Multiple studies suggest that emotional connection, sexual technique, communication, and foreplay go a far way.

Research published in PLOS ONE found that while women do have preferences, girth tends to matter more than length, largely due to increased stimulation of vaginal walls rather than penetration depth.

Importantly, large-scale surveys show that most women are satisfied with their partner’s penis size, with around 84 percent reporting satisfaction, reports Medical News Today.

Women are not only bothered about penis length (Getty Stock Images)

It is thought that the myth of larger penis equals more sexual satisfaction is most likely derived from pornography.

Sex therapist and intimacy coach, Leigh Noren, told Men's Fitness: “If you’re looking at mainstream porn, then we’re primarily talking about penetration. And, if the material is to be believed, then being penetrated would be the thing that gives the most pleasure.

“This is just very limited way of looking at sex. We’re reducing everything to genitals, first and foremost, when we’ve got a whole body that we can use and can get pleasure using.”

Dr Max Pemberton also wrote for the Daily Mail that porn 'is fuelling anxiety'.

"In my NHS clinic there’s been a marked increase in young men complaining about erectile dysfunction that has no physical cause," Dr Pemberton explained.

Approximately 32 percent to 59 percent of men feel porn negatively affects their sex life (Getty Stock Images)

"But their minds are so consumed by performance anxiety they cannot function.

"Tellingly, studies consistently show that for most women, emotional connection matters far more than measurements."

For adults with micropenises - shorter than 7cm (2.7 inches), measures less than 4cm (1.5 inches) when flaccid - the health expert recommends 'cognitive behavioural therapy, used to identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of responding to difficult emotions'.

Dr Pemberton notes to 'ask your GP for a referral, or self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies; private therapy is also available and the Sexual Advice Association offers support and guidance on all kinds of sexual health concerns'.