Does penis enlargement work? Methods and effectiveness

Can a person really enlarge their penis?

Various methods and products claim to enlarge the penis. However, there is limits to the scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Some may have adverse effects.

Are penis enlargement pills safe?

The FDA warns that many male enhancement products contain unsafe ingredients. A person should check with a doctor before using any vitamins, supplements, or other products for penis enlargement.

What are the risks of penis enlargement surgery?

Surgery is unlikely to significantly increase the size of the penis unless a person has a health condition, such as micropenis. Risks include distortion of the penis, scarring, and infection.

Marketers claim that extenders, vacuum devices, pills, and lotions can increase penis size. However, there is little evidence to suggest that it is possible to enlarge the penis using these methods.

Penis size is a common source of anxiety. It fuels a multimillion-dollar penis enlargement, or male enhancement, industry. These include supplements, lotions, devices, and surgery.

However, there is no proven way to increase penis size, and some methods may have adverse effects.

The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used.

Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

Many people seek treatment to increase their penis size. However, research suggests that, in most cases, their penis is already within the “normal” range.

Various manufacturers claim that products, including pills, creams, and stretching devices, can increase penis size. Some people also consider surgery.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these methods.

Here, we look at the evidence for various penis enlargement methods.

Traction devices

Traction devices aim to increase the length of the penis by stretching the penile tissue. A person places a weight or a small extending frame on the flaccid penis to gently lengthen it.

Several studies have investigated the effects of traction devices, with promising results.

It is worth noting that the participants in these studies had a health condition, such as Peyronie’s disease, where there is a curvature of the penis, or erectile dysfunction. Further research is necessary, however, to understand how traction devices can help lengthen the penis in patients without these conditions.

Vacuum devices

A vacuum device, also known as a penis pump, contains a tube that fits over the penis. Pumping out air creates a vacuum that draws blood into the penis, causing it to swell.

People usually use vacuum devices to treat erectile dysfunction. No scientific evidence suggests that they can increase penis size.

A 2022 review concluded that vacuum devices do not increase penis size.

Pills and lotions

Various pills and creams promise to increase penis size. They usually contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, or hormones.

However, there is no scientific evidence that any of these products can increase the size of the penis. In fact, tests have shown that some of them contain harmful substances such as pesticides, lead, animal feces, and E. coli.

The

Jelqing

Jelqing is an exercise where a person repeatedly pulls the non-erect penis with their thumb and forefinger. It aims to stimulate blood flow, which may increase penis size during an erection.

As with other methods, it may help a person feel more comfortable with their penis. However, it is unlikely to increase in size. Possible adverse effects include bruising, pain, and fibrosis or scarring, which could shorten the penis.

A number of surgical options can boost the appearance and possibly the size of the penis.

Injecting fat cells

Penile augmentation involves injecting fat cells from elsewhere in the body into the penis. The aim is to increase girth, or width.

This can result in an average increase in circumference of the glans by over 16% after 12 months.

However, possible side effects include:

• swelling and distortion of the penis
• disfigurement and scarring
• lumpiness
• infection

P-Long Protocol

The P-Long Protocol is a method that involves several therapies, including injections and devices, which stimulate tissue growth, boost blood flow, and stretch penile tissues. The injections are made with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is taken directly from the patient.

These, along with traction, suction, and a nitric oxide-boosting supplement, demonstrate a promising and reproducible method for increasing both length and girth.

A 2024 study suggests that this method may be a safe way to improve penile length by approximately 0.81 inches.

Biodegradable frame

Another method for increasing girth, still in the experimental stage,

The frame, which is biodegradable, is made from substances derived from tissue cells.

Ligament release

The suspensory ligament anchors the penis to the pubic area and provides support during an erection.

In this surgery, the surgeon cuts the ligament to increase the length of the penis. They may also carry out a skin graft at the base of the penis to allow for the extra length.

However, cutting the ligament can lead to a lack of support for the penis during an erection. This can make penetration difficult during sex.

On average, suspensory ligament release can increase flaccid penis length by 1 to 2 cm. However, satisfaction rates for the individual and their partner can vary. The lack of support during an erection can make penetration difficult.

Liposuction

If a person has high levels of fat in the lower abdomen, removing fat through liposuction

It can increase a person’s self-esteem. However, they will need to follow dietary and exercise recommendations to prevent the fat from returning.

Who should have surgery?

The medical community only deems surgery necessary if a person has a condition called micropenis. This is an adult who has a penis of Micropenis usually results from hormonal factors and can occur in conjunction with certain genetic conditions. A doctor will start by prescribing hormonal treatment. If this is not effective, they may suggest penile reconstruction surgery. Scientists say that most men believe the average size of an erect penis is over 6 in. However, a 2025 study, which included 5,669 men from around the world, determined that the average erect penis was 13.84 cm (5.45 in) long and 11.91 cm (4.7 in) in girth. The authors of a 2025 study found that, on average, 85% of females in heterosexual relationships experience satisfaction with their partner’s penis size. However, 55% of men do not experience fulfilment with their penis size, pointing to issues of self-esteem. The risks of penis enlargement interventions vary according to the method. They

• distortion, swelling, and infection from surgery
• damage to the penile tissue, which may lead to weaker erections
• a need to repeat the intervention to maintain girth, in the case of fat cell injections
• an increase in concern and stress if the person does not see improvements
• wasting money on products that do not work

Negative feelings about penis size can inhibit a person’s enjoyment of sex and quality of life.

Most penis enlargement methods do not increase penis size. However, the following tips may help prevent anxiety or enhance a person’s sex life without increasing penis size:

• seeking counseling to help build self-esteem and correct distorted ideas related to body image
• trimming the pubic hair to make the penis look larger
• exercising regularly, which can help manage body weight and boost overall well-being, and may help improve erectile function
• managing weight
• seeking help for health conditions — such as depression or a heart condition — that may affect libido or the physical ability to be sexually active
• following a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods and added fat and sugar
• sharing concerns with a partner
• trying new ways of having sex, such as engaging in oral sex or using sex toys during foreplay

If concerns about penis size affect a person’s quality of life, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. They can help decide if there is a health issue to address.

Excessive concern about penis size can lead to feelings of depression, sexual anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. The person may have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection and experience a lack of sexual satisfaction.

Small penis anxiety

People with this condition may be so concerned that others will consider their penis to be small that they do not want to remove their clothes around people.

Penile dysmorphophobia disorder

A person with penile dysmorphophobia disorder (PDD) consistently underestimates the size of their penis while overestimating the sizes of those belonging to others.

PDD is a form of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

Body dysmorphic disorder

Males with BDD may be more likely to have anxiety about their penis size and to seek treatment for penis enlargement than those without the disorder, research shows.

A person should see a doctor if they notice they are doing the following, which could be signs of BDD:

• worrying excessively about penis size
• having a frequent urge to compare with other people’s penises
• experiencing strong concern about a possible defect, which others may not notice
• feeling distressed about work, social life, or other aspects of life
• thinking about or attempting suicide

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Various methods and products claim to enlarge the penis. However, there is limits to the scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Some may have adverse effects.

The FDA warns that many male enhancement products contain unsafe ingredients. A person should check with a doctor before using any vitamins, supplements, or other products for penis enlargement.

Surgery is unlikely to significantly increase the size of the penis unless a person has a health condition, such as micropenis. Risks include distortion of the penis, scarring, and infection.

Many males may be anxious about their penis size. This has fueled a huge market for enlargement products and techniques.

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of any of these methods, and many carry significant risks.

Anyone concerned about the size of their penis may wish to talk with a doctor or sex therapist.