Educational guide
Penis enlargement pills: Do they work?
Companies that sell penis enlargement pills claim these products can increase a person’s penis size. There is no scientific evidence that these supplements work. This article explores the use of penis enlargement pills, their side effects, and alternative trea
This guide cannot diagnose a condition or recommend a personal treatment plan. Discuss medical questions with a qualified professional.
Are penis enlargement pills safe?
Not always. Many companies that sell penis enlargement pills market them as food supplements, which means they do not receive the same level of regulation as medications. According to the FDA, some penis enlargement pills may contain undeclared ingredients, such as sildenafil, a medication for erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil can cause dangerous interactions with medication widely prescribed to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
What is the average penis size?
It is difficult to measure the size of a flaccid penis because many factors affect their size, such as room temperature. According to researchers, the average size of an erect penis is between 5.1–5.5 in, and the lower end of this range is probably more common.
Is it safe to buy penis enlargement pills online?
Not necessarily. It is difficult to find out what the ingredients in these products are when shopping online. In addition, some penis enlargement pills may contain potentially dangerous unlisted ingredients, such as sildenafil. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in erectile dysfunction medications, and people should only take it under the guidance of a licensed medical professional.
When does your penis stop growing?
A person's penis stops growing when they finish puberty. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development states that males typically begin puberty between 9–14 years of age. People can expect their penis and testicles to enlarge among other changes.
Is penis enlargement possible?
Yes, penile enlargement is possible with surgical intervention. However, these procedures have not undergone rigorous testing, and more research is necessary. Other techniques to increase penis size do not have robust scientific evidence.
Companies that sell penis enlargement pills claim these products can increase a person’s penis size. There is no scientific evidence that these supplements work.
This article explores the use of penis enlargement pills, their side effects, and alternative treatments.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
Manufacturers of penis enlargement pills claim these pills can enlarge a person’s penis and increase their energy levels and sexual performance.
Many brands market these supplements as “male enhancement pills.” However, the supplements have no proven health benefits.
Additionally, some people who believe their penis is smaller than average may actually have an average penis size.
A
A 2019 study explains that people with an average penis size who believe they have less girth may have penile dysmorphic disorder. This condition causes people to experience severe anxiety about their penis size.
While many people have an average penis size and length, some health conditions may cause a smaller penis, such as micropenis and Peyronie’s disease.
Micropenis is a rare condition in which the penis is substantially smaller than average. In some people, micropenis is linked with hormonal differences.
Peyronie’s disease is when the penis bends when erect, which may make the penis appear smaller than average.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that penis enlargement pills can boost a person’s sexual performance or increase penis length or girth.
According to the
These products
Sildenafil can
Many manufacturers of penis enlargement pills claim their proprietary formulas of herbs, vitamins, minerals, hormones, and botanicals enhance a person’s vitality and sex life to such an extent that their penis grows.
Different companies may have different explanations. For example, they may claim their supplement:
- increases total and free testosterone
- improves blood flow to the penis with vasodilators
- increases the volume of zinc and testosterone in semen
In some cases, these pills may actually contain unreported ingredients for treating ED, which make it easier for a person to achieve and maintain erections. Someone may feel that their penis is longer as a result.
However, these drugs do not cause any permanent change in penis length or girth. No herb, vitamin, or mineral is proven to have this effect.
According to a 2014 study, the most common ingredients found in penis enlargement pills are yohimbe, maca, horny goat weed, and ginkgo biloba.
The study notes that these ingredients are ineffective in helping people with penis size concerns and can cause mood changes, anxiety, and hallucinations.
A
The
People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant, should avoid yohimbe to reduce the risk of side effects from these drugs. MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
The
People with concerns about their penis size can consult a urologist or a doctor specializing in sexual health. These professionals may recommend the following:
Lifestyle changes
Certain lifestyle changes may increase a person’s confidence in their penis size. These changes may include:
- Grooming: People can trim the pubic hair to make the penis look bigger.
- Maintaining a moderate weight: Having a larger stomach that hangs over the pubic area can make a penis appear smaller.
- Engaging in regular physical activity: Increasing overall fitness may lead to more confidence and better sex.
Pros
- Once a person purchases grooming equipment, there is no cost to trim pubic hair.
- A person can exercise and spend minimal money by walking or running in a pair of supportive trainers.
- Maintaining a moderate weight and exercising regularly are part of a health-promoting lifestyle and may help a person live longer.
- Personal grooming, exercise, and a nutritious diet may increase a person’s confidence in general and during sex.
Cons
- Lifestyle changes do not increase a person’s penis size. For example, trimming pubic hair and losing weight only make the penis appear larger.
- People who live in food deserts may find it difficult to source nutritious food.
- People who work long hours or multiple jobs may find it difficult to find time to prepare nutritious meals.
- People with obesity may find it takes longer to see results than those who are closer to their recommended body weight.
Traction devices
Traction devices, also called penile extenders, work by stretching the tissue of the penis.
Traction devices or extending frames may lead to some growth in penis size, particularly for people with a smaller penis. However, this growth is typically only a few centimeters and may take several months of treatment to develop.
People can wear traction devices for around 1 hour per day.
A 2019 study reviewed the effects of RestoreX in people with Peyronie’s disease. The traction device improved penile curvature and erectile function and did not produce any adverse effects.
Pros
- Traction devices may offer a moderate increase in penile length.
- People with Peyronie’s disease may find that traction devices decrease penile curvature and increase erectile function.
- Some traction devices have FDA approval.
- People only need to wear traction devices for 1 hour at a time, which may fit in well with a person’s daily routine.
Cons
- Traction devices can cause broken blood vessels and bruising if a person uses them incorrectly.
- It may take several weeks before a person notices any effects.
- Traction devices do not add inches to penis length. Any improvements are likely to be small or moderate.
Vacuum erection devices
People with ED may consider using vacuum pumps to help them maintain an erection. These devices fit over the penis and pump air out to create a vacuum, which draws blood into the penis and causes swelling.
Vacuum pumps do not increase penis size. However, they may help a person have an erection.
According to
Find out where to buy a vacuum pump.
Pros
- Vacuum devices can help people maintain an erection.
- These devices are available on prescription, which may make sourcing reputable products easier.
- Vacuum devices are a more affordable option than some other treatments, such as surgery.
Cons
- While vacuum devices can help people have and maintain an erection, they do not increase the length of the penis.
- Using a vacuum device incorrectly may cause bleeding and bruising.
Penile cast
Penile casts, also called penis sleeves, are support devices a person can wear during sexual intercourse. These devices may provide length and rigidity to the penile shaft. They come in different sizes and fit over the penis.
Learn where to buy penis sleeves.
Pros
- Various types of penis sleeves are available, including products that reduce sensitivity, which may help people last longer before orgasm.
- Penile casts are available in a range of sizes and materials, allowing people to change their penis length and girth easily depending on their needs.
- Some penis sleeves are ridged, which may increase a partner’s pleasure during sex.
Cons
- Penile casts cannot extend the natural length of a person’s penis.
- Some sleeves may reduce sensitivity too much, which may make having sex difficult.
- Some cast shapes may be uncomfortable to use during sex.
Surgery
The Urology Care Foundation states that surgery is suitable for people with a penis that measures fewer than 7.5 centimeters (3 in) when stretched.
There are three types of surgical procedures for penis enlargement:
- Liposuction: With liposuction, surgeons remove fat from the mons pubis, the area of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone, to make the penis appear more prominent.
- Suspensory ligament division: The doctor cuts the suspensory ligament that attaches the penis to the public bone. This causes the angle of the penis to drop, making it look longer when a person has an erection.
- Fat transfer: Surgeons remove fat from other parts of the body and inject it into the penis, increasing girth. This procedure can lead to scarring, lumps, and infection.
Learn more about penis enlargement surgeries.
Pros
- There is a lot of evidence that surgery can increase penis size.
- Choosing qualified and reputable surgeons reduces the risk of adverse effects and complications.
Cons
- Insurance providers may not cover the surgery cost.
- Surgery is the most invasive technique. It is important that people know it will take time to recover from the surgery.
- All surgery carries risks that may irreversibly change the appearance of a penis.
- Some people may not qualify for surgery. A person can talk with their care team to see if they are a candidate for surgery.
Medications
There are no pills that can enlarge the penis. However, some prescription medications may benefit people with ED by increasing blood flow to the penis, making it easier to have and maintain an erection.
Doctors may prescribe:
People may take these medications
Some side effects include headaches, heartburn, and muscle aches. These medications can also interact with other drugs, such as nitrates, potentially causing dangerously low blood pressure.
Learn more about the side effects of these medications.
Pros
- These medications can help people have and maintain an erection.
- All these drugs have FDA approval and are available from most pharmacies, in stores or online.
- Maintaining an erection during sexual activity may help increase a person’s confidence.
Cons
- While medications can help people maintain an erection, they cannot increase penis size.
- People may experience side effects, such as headaches.
- People must take the medication at least 1 hour before sex, which may not suit those who prefer a more spontaneous sex life.
The following table provides an at-a-glance comparison of the alternatives in this article.
There is no clinical evidence to support other penis enlargement techniques. Some methods may even be harmful. For example, using weights as penile extenders may cause damage.
Additionally, while removing fat from the low abdomen with liposuction can help make a partially buried penis more visible, the effects will not remain if the person gains weight again.
The Urology Care Foundation states that suspensory ligament division and fat transfer, the two main surgical procedures for increasing penis size, are neither safe nor effective.
People should seek medical advice if they have concerns with their penis size. Doctors may ask about their medical history in order to provide a diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan.
A person should disclose whether they are taking dietary supplements that claim to enlarge the penis or enhance performance or sexual activity. Some supplements contain undeclared ingredients that can lead to severe adverse reactions when taken with other prescription medications.