It’s no secret that penis length is a huge obsession with many men, but girth is also a topic of concern: Is it okay to have a fat penis? Of course, the size and shape of the tool doesn’t make a difference in the crucial area of penis health, but does a fat penis have an impact on how a woman views a man?

Studies are inconclusive.

Sex studies look at many areas of sexual interaction and satisfaction, but there does not seem to be a definitive scientific answer to the question of what role girth plays in sexual relationships. In fact, the issue of penis size as a whole is still largely up in the air.

Why should this be? There are several reasons.

- For one, many studies tend to rely on imprecise terms. A group of women may be asked a question like, "Do you prefer a penis to be small, medium, large or very large?" Such terms may mean different things to different people.

- Also, there can be a difference between what a person says (and believes) to be the case and the actual truth. A person may assert that a very thick penis is preferable but may in fact find more pleasure from a thinner tool.

- In addition, few studies observe a couple while engaged in actual sexual situations, which would be more helpful in determining a person’s physical reaction to a penis (as opposed to that person’s perception of his or her physical reaction).

- Finally, even studies that do involve actual observation of sexual activities have to make estimates as to the importance of various factors. (In other words, how much weight should be given to girth versus length versus stamina versus skill versus position versus foreplay?)

Girth can play a role.

With all of that said, there is evidence to suggest that the girth of a penis can play a role in a partner’s sexual satisfaction. For example, a recent UCLA study (not yet published) asked women to examine 3-D print-outs of phalluses of various lengths and thicknesses. They were asked to pick the sample they most preferred for a partner in a long-term relationship and also for their preference in a partner for a one-night stand.

In both cases, the most popular choice was six-and-a-half inches long. But they tended to choose models that were somewhat thicker for one-night stands than for relationships.

Anecdotally, many women also talk about a preference for a thick penis versus a long one. The reason for this may be that a penis does not have to travel especially deep to create appropriate stimulation, but that thickness can, for some women, create greater stimulation.

This should be a comfort to men who sport a fat penis, many of whom feel self-conscious about the girth that their tools possess.

Each woman is different.

Ultimately, there is no definitive answer. Every woman is different and has different preferences and reactions. Girth (like length) is only one factor that partners consider.

One of the other factors is the health of the tool, and this is an area that men often ignore. They may check for STIs, but they don’t always worry about the "everyday" health of the member. That’s a big mistake, as a member with dry or flaky skin or a nasty odor can drive a potential partner away.

Whether they have a fat penis, a skinny one or a regular-width tool, men can take advantage of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to help keep the manhood in good health. The crème will help decrease penis odor if it contains vitamin A, the anti-bacterial properties of which wage war on that odor. Penis skin issues can be addressed through a crème with natural moisturizers such as Shea butter and vitamin E, as well as a powerful antioxidant like alpha lipoic acid. And the ideal crème will also include L-arginine, which is an aid in the process that keeps penile blood vessels open and flowing.