Overview

Have you ever considered trying one of the many penis-enlargement techniques or products advertised today? The first thing you should know is that most men who think they have a small penis actually have a normal-sized penis. The second thing is that most penis enlargement claims are false. Some techniques and products can actually harm your penis.

Learn the facts about these techniques and products to avoid unpleasant and unnecessary side effects.

Jelqing is an exercise that some people use to try to naturally increase the size of their penis. It involves using a hand-over-hand rolling motion to move blood to the head of your penis and stretch it. It’s sometimes called “milking.”

There aren’t enough medical studies to suggest that jelqing can actually increase your penis size.

It’s a fairly safe practice, but it may lead to pain, irritation, or scar tissue formation if you do it too often or aggressively.

There’s no shortage of pills, vitamins, hormones, herbal preparations, and lotions marketed for penile enlargement. There’s also no evidence to support the claims that these products work.

In fact, some of these products may be harmful to your health. Some may interfere or react with other medications that you take. Always check with your doctor before trying a new supplement or natural remedy. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks.

A penile extender is a noninvasive device. It uses traction to stretch your penis. A study reported in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that the average length of participants’ flaccid penises increased by more than 1.5 centimeters after three months of using a penile extender.

More research is needed to learn how safe and effective penile extenders are. They can be cumbersome and uncomfortable to use. Too much stretching may also cause bruising, nerve damage, or blood clots to form in the veins of your penis.

Vacuum pumps, or penis pumps, are sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. Some people use them to occasionally “exercise” their penis.

Using a vacuum pump may temporarily make your penis appear larger. But overusing it might cause tissue damage and lead to problems with your erections. It’s not considered to be an effective method for elongating your penis.

Some people use a clamp or ring to try to stretch and elongate their penis. To use one of these devices, you place it around the base of your penis after you’ve developed an erection. It’s meant to prevent blood from flowing out of your penis.

Wearing one of these devices may temporarily enlarge your penis. But wearing it for more than 30 minutes can cut off blood flow and cause damage to your penile tissues.

Your doctor may recommend surgery on your penis to correct a defect, treat an injury, or improve its function. But they probably won’t recommend surgery to increase your penis length or width.

Penile enlargement surgery is rare and controversial. It comes with the risk of infection, scarring, and loss of function. It may only add about a ½ inch, or 1 centimeter, to your overall penis length. There aren’t enough studies on the potential risks or benefits of this surgery to conclude whether it’s safe and effective.

Do you carry a lot of excess weight around your midsection? That can make your penis look smaller. Maintaining a healthy weight may make your penis appear longer in proportion to your body. It may also enhance your sexual pleasure.

Your penis may also appear smaller if you have a lot of pubic hair. Trimming that hair may make your penis look longer. It could also increase sensitivity.

Most men who believe their penises are too small are actually of normal size. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average penis is 3 to 5 inches, or 8 to 13 centimeters, long when flaccid and 5 to 7 inches, or 13 to 18 centimeters, long when erect.

For the most part, penis enlargements products and techniques don’t work. Some can even cause harm. Don’t take marketing schemes at face value. Instead, talk to your doctor before trying any new strategies to increase your penis size.