Most people are familiar with the old wives’ tale which states that a man’s finger size (and in particular that of his middle digit) correlates to his penis size. There have been numerous examples that debunk this theory, but a recent study does suggest there may be some correlation between a man’s finger size and his penis health - as well as between finger size and other characteristics.

Not totally new.

The idea that finger size can reveal hidden information about a man is not new. In addition to the old wives’ tale mentioned above, the art of palmistry - or "reading" a man and his past and future by examining his hand - has also long championed a connection between finger size and penis health.

Interestingly, the connection between finger size and penis health is not related to the middle finger, that longest of digits. Rather, the aspect that palmistry experts and some researchers focus on is the ratio between the second (index) finger and the fourth (ring) finger. Known as the 2D:4D ratio, it sometimes assumes a connection between this ratio and the size of the penis. According to this formula, the shorter the index finger is in relation to the ring finger, the longer a man’s penis.

Not so true.

While there is scant scientific evidence to back up this claim, there is evidence that this same ratio may tell one something about the health of the tool - namely, whether it is prone to receiving a good supply of testosterone. (It is perhaps this testosterone basis that gives rise to the penis size myth.)

Why should the index and ring fingers tell anything about a man’s testosterone levels? Because the formation of the two fingers is influenced during fetal development by the relative amounts of testosterone and estrogen to which the fetus is exposed: thus, the link.

There’s a flaw in this study, of course: the 2D:4D ratio remains relatively constant, but a man’s testosterone levels can fluctuate throughout life. Still, as an overall indicator of baseline testosterone and therefore penis health, it provides a clue.

Fingers reveal other information as well.

Beyond testosterone information, finger size can also be used to make generalizations about other things. For example, overall men with a lower 2D:4D ratio are nicer in their dealings with women (and seem to have larger families, perhaps as a result). In addition, there is some correlation between lower ratios and ability to excel in mathematics. (This again is supported by the idea that fetal testosterone levels are linked to the ratio; testosterone is thought to play a role in the development of the parts of the brain that favor mathematics).

Finally, a lower ratio is associated with what are traditionally considered more masculine features - another factor that has a testosterone link.

Of course, it’s important to remember that the above is the result of a small number of studies. The kind of extensive studies that provide real in-depth information have not yet been performed. And it’s also important to remember that the conclusions are generalizations; there are plenty of "outliers," such as men with a small ratio who are rude toward women, who demonstrate that finger size is, at best, just a way to make some educated guesses about a guy.

Regardless of finger size, a man can take definite steps to improve and maintain his penis health. One of the most effective is to simply use a first-class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) on a regular basis. This can give a man an advantage over his rivals who are more careless about penis care. For example, many men unknowingly carry around an unpleasant odor that is revealed when the penis is brought forth. A crème with the mighty anti-bacterial properties of vitamin A helps keep that odor under control, so that when a woman swoons over a guy’s member, it’s not because of the rank odor. In addition, the guy who utilizes a crème with the moisturizing power of Shea butter and vitamin E will present a penis with smooth, silky skin, rather than a dry, flaky monstrosity. And THAT wins him points.