While some guys spend their tax returns on things like trips, or toys, others are checking out options that can significantly improve their love life.
We’re talking about penis size and penis enlargement. These have been topics of concern for men throughout history and some have gone to great lengths (pun intended) to go bigger. As you can imagine, this has resulted in a variety of treatments — some of which are bizarre, painful, and even dangerous. But there are now proven, effective, and safe treatments that actually work to increase the girth and length.
We looked into the procedures that work, to what degree they work, and how long the effects can last.
Penis length and girth: what’s considered average?
Flaccid penis average size
In 1996, while some people were watching Tiger Woods make his PGA debut, others were getting to the bottom of another important, non-sports stat: What’s the average penis size? A study published that year and featured in the Journal of Urology found that the average flaccid penis length, as measured by study staff, was approximately 3.5 in (8.9 cm). Subsequent reviews of similar studies showed the average flaccid length was between 3.5–3.9 in (9–10 cm).
Erect penis average size
In that same year, the Journal of Urology reported that a study of 80 physically healthy males revealed an average erect penis length of 5.1 in (12.9 cm). The study’s participants were American men with diverse ethnic backgrounds and an average age of 54.
The study also concluded that the age of the subject and the size of his flaccid penis couldn’t accurately predict the length of his erect penis. Certain smaller flaccid penises may extend considerably upon erection, while larger flaccid penises might show comparatively less growth.
Another study, which was conducted in a laboratory, found the average penis circumference when erect was 4.59 in or 11.66 cm.
Why get a penis enlargement procedure?
Some people undergo penis enlargement surgery for functional reasons. One reason is that they may have a micropenis, which is a congenital condition, or a “buried” penis, which means their penis is hidden under the skin of their stomach, abdomen, or their thighs. Buried penis can be caused by excessive weight gain or age. Both of these conditions may prevent men from having satisfying sexual intercourse or urinating while standing up.
Others may elect to have penis enlargement for aesthetic reasons.
Penis enlargement procedures
Here are the top medical procedures for enlarging the penis:
- Ligamentolysis: The ligament that connects your penis to your pubic bone, or penile suspensory ligament, is surgically cut. The penis hangs lower and seems longer in its flaccid state, although it doesn’t actually get longer. One study found that this method doesn’t always produce good results and has certain disadvantages.
- The implantation of a Penuma® device: A surgeon places this soft silicone product under the skin of the penis. It claims to be the first FDA-approved device of this kind.
- Penis enlargement using fat from elsewhere in your body: A healthcare provider removes fat using liposuction and then injects the fat into the penis to increase its circumference.
- Removal of the fat pad around the base of the penis: For men with a buried penis, the fatty pad or tissue surrounding the penis is surgically removed. This doesn’t increase the size of your penis but reveals its true length.
- Dermal fillers: A provider injects cosmetic fillers under the skin of your penis. Current dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid have an extensive history of use and a good safety record, especially when administered by a doctor in a sterile clinical setting. And while dermal fillers are primarily used to increase the girth of the shaft and head, increased weight of the penis will cause it to hang lower.
Here are some less costly, temporary treatments:
- Vacuum pumps: These pumps draw blood into the cells of the penis, making it swell. A rubber ring is then slipped over the penis to preserve its rigidity of the penis. These vacuums are sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. Although the pump can provide the right look temporarily, using them for too long can damage the elasticity of the tissue of the penis, leading to less firm erections down the road. They also take practice to be used correctly.
- Stretching: Stretching involves inserting the penis into a stretcher or extender device, also known as a penile traction device, to the penis to apply gradual tension. Studies show potential gains in length, ranging from half an inch to nearly 2 inches (approximately 1-3 cm) with devices. In a 2023 clinical trial, one such device, RestoreX, has been shown to increase penile length in men by 0.75 inches.
- Exercises: Occasionally referred to as jelqing, these exercises involve a manual stretching technique intended to promote blood flow from the base to the tip of the penis. While seemingly less risky compared to other approaches, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. It also causes discomfort and carries potentially permanent effects such as scar tissue formation and physical deformities.
Here’s what doesn’t work
Topical creams and oral supplements, often containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, or hormones, are advertised with claims of enlarging the penis. Yet, none of these items have been proven effective through scientific research, and certain ones may pose health risks. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA and there is no guarantee of exactly what you are actually ingesting with these products.
Here’s what else you can do if you’re concerned about the size of your penis
If the options above don’t seem right for you, or you aren’t ready to take the first step, there are some other things you may want to try:
- Get in shape: Improving your overall fitness can also positively impact the look of your penis. As we mentioned above, excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can make the penis seem shorter. Regular exercise not only promotes physical health but also enhances stamina and endurance during sexual activity. Better overall fitness can improve blood flow to the entire body and enhance the firmness and duration of erections. And for you parents, a study finds that there is a strong correlation between childhood obesity, low testosterone, and small penis size.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can damage or cause narrowing of the tiny vessels that carry blood to the penis. This effect accumulates over the span of years.
- Talk to your partner: Open communication with your partner is crucial. Although it may be challenging to talk about sexual preferences or old habits that take the enjoyment out of sex, addressing these topics can enhance your sexual relationship and lead to unexpected, positive results.
- Talk with a mental health expert: Seeking support from a healthcare provider or counselor if you’re feeling dissatisfied with your penis size is never a bad idea. It’s common to experience such concerns, and mental health professionals or your primary health provider can offer guidance and support.