Does It Actually Make Your Penis Bigger? We Reviewed 28 Studies

For millennia, a large penis has been treated as a symbol of masculinity and virility, and today thousands of men still search the internet hoping to learn how to get a bigger penis. Across history, men have experimented with a long list of methods to add size, including…

Letting a venomous snake bite the penis in hopes it would swell up [1]!!!

Modern men still feel real pressure to be bigger, and that pressure can spiral into shame, embarrassment, and stress. It convinces plenty of guys with a perfectly typical penis that they need enlargement anyway. Between TV spots, internet banners, and magazine ads all pushing different ways to make your penis bigger, it's easy to end up feeling insecure about something that was probably fine to begin with.

Even if you feel like you'd benefit from extra size, odds are good that you're already average. Most men have an erect length somewhere between 5 and 6.5 inches, with flaccid length typically falling between 1 and 4 inches [2]. Research hasn't linked penis size to race directly, but it has found that stretched length differs somewhat between ethnic groups, with East Asian men averaging a bit shorter than African-American and Caucasian men [3].

Flaccid size doesn't reliably predict erect size. Guys who stay small while soft but gain a lot when hard are sometimes called "growers" (learn about the 10 types of penises). Still, it's understandable to feel concerned if you're on the smaller side in both states.

We won't be telling you to go find a poisonous snake, but we did dig up a handful of methods with real evidence behind them for increasing size. You'll also find tips below for making your penis look bigger without actually changing its size, plus guidance on avoiding shrinkage.

And if you're looking for more ways to satisfy a female partner, check out our illustrated guide on how to make your girl squirt.

Side note: We also ran a study of 1,387 women to find out how small is actually too small. Worth a look if size anxiety is what brought you here.

Popular Approaches to a Bigger Penis

Search the internet for five minutes and you'll find dozens of supposed ways to get bigger. But which of them actually hold up? Which are safe? Here's what our research turned up — what's a dead end, what needs more study, and what has genuine potential.

Pills and Lotions

Ads for male enhancement pills and creams are everywhere online. They typically list herbs, hormones, minerals, and vitamins as ingredients, but none of them have solid proof behind them. The FDA has actually investigated some of these pills and found undisclosed prescription drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) hidden inside, warning that hidden chemicals in "dietary supplements" are becoming more common [5].

Given the lack of evidence and the danger of undisclosed ingredients, we'd steer clear of these products entirely. There's no guarantee of size gains, and you're taking on real risk of side effects.

Jelqing

Sometimes called an "exercise," jelqing became a popular penis-enlargement technique thanks to online how-to videos and blog posts promising an easy path to more size. The technique itself involves a hand-over-hand stroking motion meant to push blood from the base of the penis toward the head [1].

Plenty of anecdotal claims online say jelqing works, but no scientific research has ever backed that up. Believers argue that repeatedly stretching and pulling the penis will engorge the tissue with blood until it swells permanently. Basic anatomy argues against this, though — the penis isn't a muscle you can train or build like a bicep. There's also a genuine risk of harm from jelqing, including irritation, torn blood vessels, scarring, bruising, pain, and reduced sensation [6].

Psst — when it comes to being great in bed, your brain matters as much as your anatomy. Check out how to make a girl horny and how to turn her on to make the most of what you've got.

Penis Extenders and Traction Devices

Extenders and traction devices, marketed as another route to a bigger penis, work by applying steady stretching force. A small study of 23 men found modest gains in both flaccid and stretched length after using an extender [7]. A separate small trial with 15 patients reported larger length gains after six months of use, along with better erectile function [8]. Both studies were tiny, and while the results are encouraging, more research on stretching and traction is still needed.

Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum pumps are typically prescribed for erectile dysfunction because they pull blood into the penis, causing temporary swelling. Some men try using them purely to look bigger, but frequent use — or using one longer than an ED treatment plan calls for — can damage the penis's elastic tissue and actually weaken future erections. A pump might create a temporary illusion of extra size, but the effect doesn't last [1].

Read more about erections.

Priapus Shot

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used in clinical medicine since the 1970s, and its healing effects are generally credited to secretory proteins and growth factors that speed up cellular repair. It's also been shown to boost the recruitment, differentiation, and multiplication of cells involved in tissue regeneration [9]. Over the years, PRP has been studied for skin healing [10][11] and as a treatment for osteoarthritis symptoms and progression [12].

Researchers at the University of California School of Medicine injected diabetic rats' penises with stem cells derived from fat tissue, and the animals showed improved erectile function along with structural changes to the corpus cavernosum, including more endothelial cells [13]. In plain terms, the rats ended up with firmer erections and more tissue, likely thanks to growth factors similar to those found in PRP.

That success helped PRP catch on in cosmetic medicine, powering treatments like the Vampire Breast Lift, Vampire Facelift, Vampire Facial, and the Priapus Shot. Some doctors now market the Priapus Shot specifically as a way to increase penis size and improve erectile function. It involves drawing blood from the arm, spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate platelets, triggering those platelets to release growth factors as though the body had been injured, and injecting the resulting liquid into the penis. Satisfied testimonials exist, but no actual studies confirm that the shots deliver lasting, meaningful results.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections are another option worth knowing about — this involves injecting a stabilized, non-animal hyaluronic acid gel into the penis. One study reviewed the charts of 83 patients who'd had either hyaluronic acid injections or lipofilling for enlargement. All of them gained between 1.8 and 3.6 centimeters in length, and the hyaluronic acid group experienced no complications [14]. The results look promising, but again, more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Surgical Intervention

Surgical techniques aimed at lengthening the penis or increasing girth have generated a lot of interest among men researching how to get a bigger penis. Genital corrective surgery is being requested more often, but there's still a shortage of long-term outcome and satisfaction data [15]. Penile elongation surgery can restore functional size for intercourse, though it's usually reserved for cases of micropenis [16]. No single surgical technique stands out as best right now, and each comes with its own set of risks [1].

Other Options

You'll also hear claims about herbal remedies, Kegels (pelvic floor exercises), and various exercises supposedly enlarging the penis. We went looking for solid medical evidence behind any of these and came up completely empty. Plenty of unverified anecdotes exist, drawn from a sample size of one, but those aren't trustworthy — remember, nobody online can confirm who's telling the truth. Skip these techniques.

Making Your Penis Look Bigger

Most of the common enlargement methods either don't work or lack meaningful evidence — but there are legitimate ways to change how big your penis appears. None of the following actually add size, but they can make what you have look more impressive.

Losing Weight

Doctors often recommend weight loss as a first step for men worried about size. Your penis itself won't grow, but shedding the fat pad around the pubic bone exposes more of the shaft, making it look longer [17]. It may not add actual length, but the visual difference can be real.

You might come across claims that losing 20-30 pounds reveals an extra inch, or that carrying extra weight can hide up to a third of the penis. There's no research confirming those exact numbers, but losing weight is good for your health and your sex life regardless.

Try: 12 sex positions for fat men and women.

Liposuction

As mentioned above, weight gain can bury the base of the penis in fat, making it look shorter. Liposuction can remove that pubic fat pad to reveal more visible length [18]. Research shows suprapubic liposuction is generally safe and effective with few complications when done carefully, and beyond the cosmetic benefit, it can also boost self-esteem [19].

Trimming Pubic Hair

More men are grooming their pubic hair these days — surveys show about 50.5% do it regularly [20]. Reasons vary from simple hygiene to easier oral sex, but a common motivation is appearance, including making the penis look longer. Trimming around the base in particular can create the visual effect of extra length.

Avoiding Shrinkage

If size is on your mind, it's worth understanding what can actually cause your penis to shrink — and how to prevent it. Certain medications, surgeries, and medical conditions can all play a role. Here's a rundown of common causes and what you can do about them.

Medications and Treatments

The following medications and treatments have been linked to shrinkage:

Androgen Deprivation Therapy – This treatment for prostate cancer works by eliminating testosterone from the body, either through GnRH/LHRH agonists that reduce testosterone production or anti-androgens that block cancer cells from using it. Unfortunately, reduced testosterone can lead to genital shrinkage [21]. Alternative treatments exist, so it's worth discussing the tradeoffs with your doctor if this concerns you.

Prostate Cancer – Prostate cancer and its treatments can affect sexual function in several ways. Beyond testosterone-lowering therapies, tissue damage from prostate cancer surgery itself can cause shrinkage [22]. Research following men after radical prostatectomy found significant decreases in penis size post-surgery [23]. On the other hand, vacuum erectile devices have shown promise for penile rehab after surgery and may help preserve size [24].

Propecia – A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that male rats given oral finasteride (Propecia) for four weeks experienced a 25.9% drop in the weight of the corpora cavernosa, the erectile tissue of the penis [25].

After Penis Implant Surgery

If you're considering a penile implant as a way to increase size, be aware the opposite outcome is common. After getting a penile prosthesis, some couples report dissatisfaction with resulting girth and length. Implants can improve rigidity, but that doesn't guarantee satisfaction with size afterward [26]. Another review found that a perceived loss of size is a frequent complaint post-implant, and recommends strategies before, during, and after surgery to minimize that dissatisfaction [27].

Aging

Aging can affect libido and erectile function generally, and one study linked age, low testosterone, and cavernosal fibrosis (a form of penile shrinkage). The connection is modest but present, and researchers concluded more study is needed to see whether testosterone therapy, alone or paired with PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra, might lower the risk of fibrosis [28].

Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) face a higher risk of penile shrinkage. One study of 1,027 adult men compared healthy men to ED patients matched for height, race, weight, and age, and found the ED group had significantly shorter penises — pointing to a real link between ED and shrinkage [29]. A separate case-control study found that both diabetic and nondiabetic men with ED experienced reduced penile dimensions, with diabetic men affected more [30]. Getting effective ED treatment — and managing conditions like diabetes alongside it — may help prevent further shrinkage.

Treating Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease causes an abnormal curve in the penis, driven by scar tissue (plaque) forming in the erectile tissue [31]. It can also cause the erection to shrink or become misshapen. Getting treated promptly matters, and options include vitamin E, steroids, collagenase, and verapamil. Surgery is sometimes necessary, but conservative treatment should be tried first [32]. Some research also shows that ED medications used for penile fibrosis are safe and carry anti-fibrotic properties that may ease plaques in both localized and widespread cases [33].

Congenital Chordee

Congenital chordee describes a bend in the penis that becomes most noticeable during erection, sometimes making it look like the penis is shrinking as it hardens. Since sexual function depends on a straight erection, surgical correction may be needed if the condition interferes with it [34].

ED Medications for Managing Shrinkage

Shrinkage can stem from many of the causes above — prostate cancer and its treatment, ED, Peyronie's disease, or simply aging. In some cases, PDE5 inhibitors (ED medications like Viagra) are used to address it. For instance, men experiencing shrinkage from testosterone deprivation therapy may be prescribed Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis to boost blood flow and manage the shortening [22].

Some people believe PDE5 inhibitors should be used off-label purely for enlargement, but there's little evidence supporting that use case specifically, even though these drugs are already used medically to manage shrinkage tied to various conditions. More research is needed to know whether Viagra can genuinely make you bigger.

Other Tips

Other habits — like quitting smoking and supporting healthy blood flow — don't have extensive research tying them directly to shrinkage prevention, but we do know blood flow and sexual health are closely connected. Anything that supports circulation throughout the body, including quitting smoking, supports overall sexual wellness even if it's not a guaranteed shrinkage fix.

You might also want to try aids during sex if other size-boosting methods haven't worked out or aren't right for you. The two main options are cock rings

Cock Rings

Cock rings are sex toys that trap blood in the penis, producing a firmer erection. Some people feel this makes the penis look — and feel — bigger, though it doesn't actually add length or thickness. Learn more in this post about cock rings.

Discover how to get hard and maintain your erection.

Penis Sleeves, Prosthetic Attachments, Sheaths and Extenders

These aren't the same as the extension devices discussed earlier. These are worn during sex, usually made from realistic materials, and are designed to make you feel bigger to a partner without changing your actual size. Closed-end styles can add both girth and length, while open styles (shorter than a full penis) work a little differently.

Most attach with a strap around the testicles, and some can double as strap-ons for extra stability.

One downside of prosthetic attachments is reduced direct sensation — you won't feel your partner's body as directly, and they won't feel yours either. Many sleeves and sheaths include texture designed to make up for that on your partner's end.

Resources

Men's Health looks at whether jelqing really works.

Sex Educator Michael Castleman discusses how women really feel about penis size at Psychology Today.

Check out this analysis of penis enlargement techniques from WebMD. They also delve into the risks and rewards of penis enlargement surgery.

Finally, even GQ has examined whether and how you can make your penis bigger.

Frequently Asked Questions About Penis Size

FAQ #1 – What's the right way to measure my penis?

Most men have no idea how they actually measure up, and the typical guy assumes he's below average. The most reliable way to find out is to measure correctly.

For flaccid length, measure right after undressing, since a warm or cold room can cause temporary changes. Stand up and use a flexible ruler, placing the tip where the shaft meets the abdomen, then bend the ruler along the shaft to read the length. Average flaccid length comes in around 3.43 inches.

For erect length, measure immediately once you're fully hard, running the ruler along the top from base to tip. Average erect length is about 5.03 inches.

Girth is measured with a cloth tape wrapped around the base while erect. The average comes out to 5.14 inches around [35].

FAQ #2 – Do certain positions work better for a smaller penis?

If you're worried about satisfying a partner with an average or smaller penis, here's some good news: most of the vagina's nerve endings sit in the outer third, which is exactly why fingering alone can bring a woman to orgasm (more here). With an average-size penis, you can target that same area by entering from on top while she lies flat with her legs together. This limits penetration depth and increases tension on the vaginal lips, boosting sensation for both of you.

Keep in mind that not every woman wants deep penetration in the first place.

Related: Deep Penetration Tips For Deep, Full-Body Orgasms

If you're shorter than average, you've still got plenty of ways to please a partner and enjoy yourself. Riding high — pressing the base of the penis against the clitoris and grinding against the pubic bone instead of thrusting — can work great, since it emphasizes rocking motion rather than depth or length.

If girth is more of a concern, penetrative sex might feel like it's lacking sensation. Having her lie flat with her legs together, or tuck her knees toward her chest, tightens the vaginal canal and adds extra friction for you both [35].

Check out our tips for small penis sex.

FAQ #3 – When does penis size actually require treatment?

Treatment for size is rarely necessary — the main exception is what's medically termed micropenis, defined as a stretched length under 2.8 inches, affecting an estimated 0.6% of men [2].

Learn more about a micropenis.

Even with a micropenis, or one that's simply thinner or shorter than you'd like, you can absolutely still be a great lover. Check out the Bad Boys Bible to pleasuring a woman.

One key skill worth mastering? Going down on her well. Get the tips and tricks for eating pussy here.

We'd also recommend an honest conversation with your partner. When we asked readers if 6 inches is enough to satisfy a woman, the answers were surprising — some women said 6 inches was actually too much!

FAQ #4 – How do I know if penis enlargement surgery is right for me?

Surgery purely for cosmetic reasons isn't generally recommended as a route to enlargement. If self-esteem is really the issue driving you toward surgery, the procedure itself may not fix the underlying problem. In many cases, therapy is a more effective way to work through dissatisfaction with size [1].

FAQ #5 – Do women actually care about penis size?

You might be more anxious about being too small than your partner actually is — much like how many men overestimate how long women expect them to last in bed.

Related: How to Last Longer in Bed

Overall, most research suggests women aren't as focused on penis size as men assume. Some studies report that 84% of women are very satisfied with their partner's size [36]. Another survey found 55% of women said length was unimportant, and 22% said it was totally unimportant — girth followed a similar pattern, though it mattered somewhat more to women than length [37].

Does size matter? Yes, according to 91.7% of women in this 1,387 woman study.

That doesn't mean you should aim to get thicker, or that your partner is secretly unhappy. When Cosmopolitan polled readers, 89% said they weren't concerned about their partner's size at all. Of the remaining 11%, some may actually be thinking their partner is too big, not too small.

Many of our female readers ask us for advice for big penis sex.

If your penis is on the larger side, certain positions can become uncomfortable or even painful for your partner.

Read More: 7 Causes of Painful Sex

Most women need clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm regardless of penis size.

Find out how to make a girl orgasm.

FAQ #6 – What are penile dysmorphophobia and small penis anxiety?

If you're researching how to make your penis bigger, you're far from alone — but most men who pursue elongation treatments actually have a perfectly normal size. Persistent worry about size despite adequate length could point to penile dysmorphophobia disorder (PDD) or small penis anxiety (SPA). Both involve underestimating your own size while overestimating the average for other men. PDD falls under the body dysmorphic disorder umbrella, while SPA is an anxiety condition specific to the genitals [38].

October 12, 2020