Koro: Living in Fear of a Small Penis

Let’s face it: given a choice, most men would opt to be granted a humongous
penis, even knowing full well that penis size does not have anywhere near
the effect on sexual satisfaction that penis skill and penis health do. Most
men, especially given society’s emphasis on the subject, can’t help but
equate a big penis with virility and sexual appeal and a small penis with…
well, not femininity, but certainly not with impressive sexual conquests. Fear
of possessing a small penis can be compounded when a man develops koro,
a condition in which he believes that his penis may actually be shrinking or
in danger of shrinking.

Koro

Also known as genital retraction syndrome (GRS), koro describes a

condition in which a person has an overwhelming, almost unshakeable belief
that their genitals are shrinking, possibly to the point of actually
disappearing from view. (In women, it may manifest as a belief that the
breasts are shrinking). Sometimes the fear is not that the penis is shrinking
but that it is in danger of being removed, either through castration or some
other, often supernatural means.

Koro is a Malaysian term (meaning “head of the turtle”) that was first used
in the 16th century. However, the concept of a belief that the penis is
shrinking is much older and has appeared in many different cultures. It also
is not something relegated to ancient beliefs or naïve people. Instances of
koro have been documented in Europe, Africa and the United States in more
modern times.

Sometimes koro can seem to “take hold” of a region during a period of time,
resulting in significant numbers of men believing a small penis is in their
future. This becomes a “penis panic,” with mass numbers of males fearing
for their penises.

Psychological issue

Koro is considered a psychological issue and is included in the Diagnostic

and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. That means if a man actually

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has a penis which is shrinking, he most likely does not have koro; if,
however, if he has delusions of a shrinking penis or irrational fears that a
small penis is in his future and no physical reasons for this fear, he is
classified as afflicted by koro.

In some cases, the anxiety related to koro can be very high, bringing about
feelings of panic, stress, worry, anger and other emotions. These can
manifest in physical issues, including depression, loss of sleep, fatigue, etc.
Some men believe the perceived penis shrinkage will end in their deaths,
which can create possible suicidal or violent tendencies.

The cause of koro can vary. It may result from a belief in the supernatural,
for instance, or it can come about because a man (or a group of men) feel
disempowered by the society or culture in which they live. Sometimes guilt
may come into play, especially if a man has been brought up to be ashamed
of sexual feelings or masturbation.

Treatment

If a man has a fear that his penis is shrinking, he should first consult a doctor
to rule out any possible physical reasons why actual shrinkage might be
occurring (e.g., Peyronie’s disease, obesity causing part of the penis to be
hidden beneath fat, etc.). If there is no physical reason, he should consult
with a mental health professional who can help devise strategies to address
his small penis anxiety.

Koro exemplifies the unfounded dread with which too many men approach a
small penis. Penis health is of far more importance, and that can be more
easily maintained via daily application of a first class penis health crème
(health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically
proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème with a range of vitamins,
including A, B5, C, D and E, to boost penis health. It should also contain an
amino acid known as L-arginine, which is part of the process by which
penile blood vessels help stay relaxed and open to accommodate greater
intakes of blood.

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