Jamaican men have penis envy - Sexologist says why size is a big deal

Clinical sexologist and family therapist Dr Sidney McGill believes that many Jamaican men, regardless of sexual orientation, are affected by what is known as 'penis envy'.

"Somehow they think that the next person has a larger penis than theirs and somehow penis is a symbol of Alpha masculinity. So you judge yourself," he said. His comments come in light of news that for the first time in years, Jamaica is not named among countries whose men have the largest average penis sizes when erect, according to website Target Map. Ecuador (17.61 centimetres or 6.93 inches) tops the list, while Indian and South Korean men have the smallest. However, McGill says penis size is more of a cultural matter.

"It's important to find out from the women and from the men how they feel about their penis size," he said. "Certainly in the Western Hemisphere, it's a bit different. Size is a big deal. But I think also the pornography and the availability or accessibility of pornography is also part of the issue that people are seeing men who are performing sexual acts with large penises. Those penises, they are the exception to the rule."

McGill notes that the average penis size is between five and six inches when it is erect.

"I don't think these things are important, but that is me. I know roughly 85 per cent of women, at least in the United States, are happy with their partner's penis size. But then you look at men now, only 45 per cent of the men are happy with their penis size. It's a real issue in Jamaica, both with heterosexual men and homosexual men."

McGill says that men can combat penis envy through both spiritual and physical means.

"You have to improve your self-image and your self-confidence. You feel that you're making a headway in the world, your ego development is good, you have good moral standards. So, from the emotional spiritual side, I think it is good that you have good relationships," he said.

"Then comes the physical aspect of it now, how you take care of your body. If you have a prominent tummy, reduce it. So, you're gonna eat properly and once you reduce your tummy size, you find that your penis, in proportion, looks larger to the rest of your body. Manscaping is also important, whether it means shaving pubic hairs or just trimming it down low so the penis is more exposed."

McGill says that while a woman is looking at fullness in her vagina, there are many other parts of sexual intercourse that are important, including foreplay.

"The kind of emotional connection that she has with her sex partner is all part of the whole thing; it's not just a large erect penis penetrating a vagina," he said. "I can understand where you have the one-night stand those things become important, because for me, it is so basic and carnal that it is just raw physical skin pleasure. And I don't think that is the majority."