Women’s penis size preferences are a topic of interest and potential anxiety for many men. This study investigates how accurately women recall penis size and whether their preferences differ for one-time versus long-term partners. Using 3D printed models, this research offers insights into female perceptions and preferences regarding penis size.
How Accurate is Female Penis Size Recall?
Previous studies relied on abstract ratings or 2D images of flaccid penises. This study utilized haptic stimuli, allowing women to interact with 3D models of erect penises. 75 women participated in a match-to-sample recall task, both immediately and after a 10-minute delay. Results showed:
- High Accuracy: Most women accurately recalled the size of the models, particularly immediately after handling them.
- Length Underestimation: A slight underestimation of penis length was observed, especially after the delay. This suggests women may prioritize other aspects of size, potentially circumference.
- Circumference Accuracy: Recall for penis circumference was highly accurate in both immediate and delayed conditions.
Fig. 1: Recall accuracy for penis size. Most women accurately recalled the size, with a slight underestimation of length.
Penis Size Preferences: One-Time vs. Long-Term Partners
A key question was whether women’s preferences vary depending on the anticipated relationship duration. Participants selected their preferred penis size from the 33 available models for both one-time and long-term partners. Findings revealed:
- Slight Preference for Larger Size: Women preferred slightly larger penises for one-time partners compared to long-term partners. This difference was primarily driven by a preference for a larger circumference.
- Circumference Over Length: The preference for a larger size in one-time partners was statistically significant for circumference but not length. This reinforces the potential importance of girth over length in female preferences.
- Preferences Slightly Above Average: The preferred sizes for both relationship types were only slightly above the estimated average penis size. This suggests that while size matters, extreme sizes are not necessarily desired.
Fig 2: Penis size preference based on anticipated relationship duration.
Implications and Future Research
This study provides valuable insights into female penis size preferences and recall accuracy. The use of 3D models offers a more realistic and accurate assessment compared to previous methods. The findings suggest that women:
- Can accurately recall penis size, particularly circumference.
- Prefer slightly larger sizes for casual encounters, mainly due to circumference.
- Generally prefer sizes slightly above the average, not extremes.
Future research should explore:
- Individual Differences: How factors like age, sexual experience, and personal preferences influence size preferences.
- Ecological Validity: Utilizing even more realistic models incorporating texture, color, and other details.
- Cultural Influences: Examining how cultural norms and expectations impact perceptions of penis size.
This research has implications for understanding female sexual preferences and addressing male anxieties surrounding penis size. While preferences exist, the emphasis on slightly larger-than-average sizes, particularly in circumference, suggests that extreme sizes are not the norm. Furthermore, the accuracy of female recall challenges the notion that women significantly misremember or exaggerate penis size.
Fig 3: Examples of the 3D printed penis models used in the study.
