How to Make Your Penis Bigger?

From early cultures, a lot of importance has been placed on sexual anatomy, e.g., to increase the size of the penis, size of breasts, etc., due to their reproductive value. The Kama Sutra (2nd–3rd century BCE) described how to make the “lingam” bigger. Some ancient tribes hung weights from their penises, trying to increase the length.

As time went by, many age-old concepts have disappeared. Even so, men’s obsession with their penis size still remains (more than their partners!). What should be the ideal penis length? Does a “wider” or “bigger” penile shaft really help you perform better sexually? Can you increase the size of your penis? Let’s explore the current scientific evidence to get rid of all worries about penis adequacy.

What’s the Normal Penis Size and Thickness According to Science?

Contrary to what many men think, the average penis size is not over 6 inches. Also, there’s a difference between the size of a flaccid (soft) penis and an erect (hard) penis. 

A systematic review and meta-analysis in the World Journal of Men’s Health reveals average penile size:

• flaccid (soft penis) length: 8.70 cm (3.42 inches)
• stretched length: 12.93 cm  (5 inches)
• erect length: 13.93 cm (5.4 inches)

Source: The World J of Men’s Health

As this analysis shows, penile measurements can vary from person to person. Geographic region and age play important roles in this. 

So, what are the other factors that determine your penis size?

• Genes (like they affect skin and hair coloring)
• Hormones during puberty 
• Nutrition received as a fetus (unborn baby) and during the years of growth
• Chemicals in the environment, e.g., fertilizers, pesticides 
• Overall health, medical conditions, and lifestyle 

On an average, men have a penile circumference (thickness) of 11.66 cm (4.59 inches). When flaccid, the thickness is about 9.31 cm (3.66 inches). No matter the size of your penis, there are medical and natural ways to help increase its length and girth (thickness). 

Worrying too much about the penis size may cause low-self esteem and poor relationships. This can lead to excessive penis-size anxiety or penile dysmorphic disorder (PDD). To relieve the worries, let’s find out if there’s a way to resolve the issue.

Can You Increase Penis Size with Medications?

There’s a huge number of products and methods that claim to increase the size of an erect phallus. Let’s explore how safe and effective they are in making the penis bigger. 

Medications

Some men tend to think that Viagra or Cialis will make you bigger. The truth is, these are not male-enhancement pills. They are proven erectile dysfunction treatments.

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and Cialis (tadalafil) are PDE5 inhibitors. These are usually taken 1 hour before intercourse (unless it’s a once-daily low-strength dose). These medications work by increasing blood flow to the penis by dilating the blood vessels within the organ. This helps make the penis erect, harder, and “appear” bigger. There’s an increase in erection hardness and fullness. But there’s no permanent increase in your penis size after using them. 

Regardless of your penis size, the ED drugs (e.g., Viagra 100 mg) can improve erection quality during intercourse. They have a success rate of 60-70% in helping men who have difficulty getting an erection with successful intercourse. 

Penis Enlargement Pills and Other Products: Patches, Massage oil, and Lotions

Many capsules or tablets are sold as “the best sex pills for men” or “natural penis enlargement treatments.” They may contain herbs, minerals, or vitamins. They may contain “testosterone boosters” or supplements like DHEA and L-arginine. 

Some herbal extracts are used for sexual performance improvement. Examples include yohimbe, maca, horny goat weed, red ginseng and ginkgo biloba. Some companies often advertise these as a natural remedy to increase penis size. There’s no scientific evidence that these sexual enhancement products have any effect on the penis size. 
These are not FDA-approved for men who want a larger penis. They may contain impure and harmful ingredients that might not suit everyone.

Physical Techniques and Devices to Make Your Penis Bigger

Some stretching practices and devices are used to enlarge the penis. The concept is that by stretching the cavernosal tissue and skin, you can help the penis grow. 

Penis Stretching Exercises like Messaging or Jelqing

Much like the sexual health-boosting Kegels exercise, Jelqing is also a physical technique. It involves gently massaging the penis from top to bottom after lubricating it. The process continues for 5 to 20 minutes till an erection occurs. It should be done no more than twice daily. Stop and discontinue if there’s any pain or discomfort during the practice. The method is based on the concept of tissue remodeling. 

Traction Devices or Penile Extenders

Penile traction therapy (PTT) involves using a penis stretcher or extender device. A study in Journal of Sexual Medicine shows that men’s penis size increased by over 1.5 cm. after using a penile traction device for 3 months. It also helps men with certain conditions, e.g., Peyronie’s disease (PD). 

Penis Pumps

Penis pumps, or vacuum erection devices (VED), are used in men who have erectile dysfunction. The pumps work by drawing blood into the penis and help men get and maintain an erection. The vacuum pumps may provide psychological support to men concerned about their penile length but do not increase the size of the penis.  

Penoscrotal Rings or “Cock Rings” 

Penis rings, or penoscrotal rings, are worn around the base of the penis. The penis rings are basically constriction bands. They work by stopping blood from flowing out of the penis. The aim is to help men achieve a bigger erection. They temporarily trap the blood in the erectile tissue, and they can’t make the penis bigger permanently.

Exercices, Devices or Penis Enlargement Surgery – What’s the Best Option?

The above-mentioned devices or physical techniques may help improve erectile function and work for patients who have erection problems. But there’s no scientific consensus that they will make the penis larger. 

Some experts caution against regular or long-term use of these methods. 

• Penile and foreskin stretching can cause potential problems e.g., tissue damage, fibrosis and plaque formation. 
• Penile extenders can cause side effects e.g., pain, swelling, erythema, ecchymoses, and pruritus. 
• Penile rings, when worn for hours, can cause genital strangulation, which can turn into a medical emergency. 

When the physical and non-invasive methods don’t work, some men wish to proceed with a surgery. 

30–65% of patients who undergo penile lengthening surgery are satisfied with the results. The operation may help increase the length and girth (thickness) of the penile shaft. However, surgeries have their own risks, e.g., infection and loss of penile sensation. 

Penile enhancement surgery will not be recommended unless you are using it for a valid reason (e.g., micropenis treatment).

Penile injections, e.g., Polylactic acid (PLA) or Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, are another option to increase the size of the penis. These are basically soft tissue fillers. This treatment option is minimally invasive and doesn’t require surgery. 

Filler injections are used for girth enhancement, but the effects won’t last forever. Patients’ satisfaction lasts for up to 18 months. 

Penile prosthesis or penis implant, again, helps treat erectile dysfunction. It’s used when ED drugs like Viagra or Cialis do not work. This therapy helps men achieve and hold an erection. But it does not increase penis size. 

Let’s take a look at the penis growth myths and compare them with scientific facts. 

Myth	Fact
Penis stretching exercises/penile exercises like jelqing can enlarge the penis.	Jelqing and similar exercises may improve erectile function. But there’s no robust clinical evidence they increase penis size.
Weight/traction devices for penile extension can safely increase penis length.	Penile extenders may increase length slightly (around 1.5 cm) but can cause side effects. Used in patients who have a valid medical reason e.g., Peyronie’s disease.
Penis pumps can permanently enlarge the penis.	Penis pumps can help with erectile dysfunction (ED). But they won’t make your penis bigger permanently.
Penis rings make the penis larger.	Penis rings trap blood within erectile tissue to improve erections. But there is no permanent increase in size.
Physical penis enlargement techniques are safe because they do not involve surgery.	Many penis pills, oil, and lotions are not regulated. They are not scientifically proven to increase the penis size.
Surgery is the best option for every man to get a larger penis.	Surgery is only used in certain cases, like micropenis. It has risks such as scarring and loss of sensation.
Surgery guarantees 100% satisfaction.	No. This can vary. Only 30–65% of men are satisfied with their penile lengthening surgery results.
Physical techniques can be performed without medical guidance.	Consult a healthcare provider before trying a messaging or penis elongation technique.
Penis enlargement pills work.	Many penis pills, oil and lotions are not regulated. They are not scientifically proven to increase the penis size.
Polylactic acid (PLA) or Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection can make the penis bigger.	Filler injections can provide temporary results for up to 18 months.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Penis Size

We have sufficient scientific data to confirm that various lifestyle factors affect the size of the penis. So, using these remedies at home can help you achieve optimal penis health. 

• Stop smoking to prevent your penis from getting smaller. A study indicates that men who smoke are likely to have a below-average penis size. 
• Obesity is linked with low testosterone in growing boys, which results in shorter penis length. 
• Obese men can try reducing their waistline to make the penis “appear” larger. 
• Limit your alcohol intake. Large consumption of alcohol over a long time lowers testosterone levels and can affect your erectile function. 
• Don’t refrain from having a regular healthy sex routine, even if you’re concerned about the size. Not having any sexual activity or stimulation for a long time can make the penis less elastic. This can cause a decrease in its size as well. 
• Exercise regularly and eat well to boost blood flow to the penis and improve your performance in the bedroom. This will help you manage certain underlying issues, e.g., diabetes or low testosterone levels, that may affect your penis health. 
• Exposure to certain chemicals in the environment or taking certain medications, e.g., antidepressants, psychiatric medications, and anti-baldness medication, can cause penis shrinkage and erection problems. Be careful about these potential risks. 
• Relaxation techniques e.g., deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels. By lowering stress and anxiety you can maintain your sexual and penile health. 

Final Thoughts 

There’s no proven technique, pill, or device to increase penis size. Many claims advertising the benefits of these products have no scientific backing. 

Most men worry about their penis size when they really shouldn’t. Most likely, you have a penis size that’s adequate for sexual activity. If you worry excessively, psychotherapy can help you become more comfortable with your body.

To end it on an optimistic note, the meta-analysis on penis size in the World Journal of Men’s Health concludes that the average penis length in men around the world has increased by 24% over the last 3 decades!

There are reasons to count your blessings (not just those inches)!

FAQ

References

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