Michael Phillips, 38, said online Thursday that he needs the procedure to improve his ability to urinate, which he said is difficult given that his erect penis measures 0.38 inches (0.97 cm). He said he currently wears adult incontinence diapers daily.
“This has been a source of daily frustration and embarrassment especially when traveling which I like to do, and it has affected my confidence and independence,” Phillips wrote on his GoFundMe campaign.
On the page, Phillips said he had saved as much as he could for “the cost of the surgery and injections that could help increase the girth and allow me to use the restroom more normally.” He said he was appealing “to anyone who understands how challenging this situation can be” for help with the remaining balance.
The campaign had raised more than $9,500 as of Friday morning, according to the Guardian. The listed goal was $22,000.
Reached by text message Friday, Phillips confirmed he had created the campaign but did not immediately respond to a request for further comment. A GoFundMe spokesperson told the Guardian the platform had verified the fundraiser.
Phillips said the procedure would not constitute a cure for his micropenis but could mean “living with more dignity and independence.”
Phillips first became widely known in late February when he told TMZ he challenged anyone on Earth to prove they had a smaller penis than him. The challenge, he said, was meant to advocate against body shaming for people living with micropenis — a condition the Cleveland Clinic defines as a stretched penile length of less than 2.67 inches.
He said he also wanted to raise awareness about the difficulties of having a sexual organ that, in his case, he has described as the size of a pinky fingernail when fully aroused.
Beyond urinary issues, Phillips said it had been impossible for him to engage in penetrative sex, which he said had diminished his willingness “to approach new people, especially females.”
Some internet users have questioned the authenticity of Phillips’s claims. Phillips has said he transmitted photographic evidence, including to unwilling recipients. At one point, a woman posted a viral video accusing him of sending her an unsolicited picture of his penis after they argued online. Phillips later confirmed to TMZ the woman’s video was accurate, saying he wanted “to show her that she shouldn’t make fun of people and let her see what she’s making fun of.”
“I tried to tell her it’s a disability and something I have to live with,” Phillips said. “I was hoping for it to be a teachable moment.”
He said he had previously sent unsolicited pictures to others while drinking, called it a “stupid” thing to do and apologized to any woman he may have offended.