From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against pursuing methods to increase penis length and girth, as there is no scientifically proven method that safely and effectively achieves this goal. The available evidence suggests that interventions such as vacuum erection devices (VEDs) may be beneficial in preventing penis length loss, particularly in individuals who have undergone cancer treatment 1. However, this is not equivalent to increasing penis length or girth. Some key points to consider:
- The average erect penis is between 5-6 inches long, and most men who are concerned about penis size actually have normal measurements.
- Sexual satisfaction for partners typically depends more on communication, emotional connection, and technique rather than penis size.
- If body image concerns are affecting your well-being, consulting with a mental health professional may be beneficial.
- VEDs may be a useful treatment option for erectile dysfunction, but they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider and with discussion of benefits and risks/burdens 1. It's essential to prioritize a healthy and positive body image, rather than pursuing unproven and potentially harmful methods to alter one's physical appearance. Speaking with a healthcare provider can help address any medical issues and provide reassurance about normal anatomical variation.
From the Research
Methods to Increase Penis Length and Girth
There are several methods that have been studied to increase penis length and girth, including:
- Nonsurgical interventions such as extenders, injectables, and vacuum devices 2
- Surgical interventions such as suspensory ligament incision, tissue grafting, flaps, and penile disassembly 2
Nonsurgical Interventions
Nonsurgical interventions have shown some promise in increasing penis length and girth, including:
- Penile extenders, which have been shown to increase flaccid length by less than 2 cm 2 and up to 1.7 cm in stretched length after 3 months of use 3
- Injectables, which have been shown to increase girth but are associated with a high complication rate 2
- Vacuum devices, which have not been shown to increase size but may be useful for other indications such as erectile dysfunction 4, 5
Surgical Interventions
Surgical interventions have also been studied, including:
- Suspensory ligament incision, which is the most commonly used method but has not been externally validated 2
- Tissue grafting, flaps, and penile disassembly, which have been used in some cases but have not been widely studied 2
Effectiveness and Safety
The effectiveness and safety of these methods vary, with some studies showing promise but others highlighting the need for further research:
- A systematic review of 17 studies found that the quality of the studies was poor and that treatment efficacy was variable 2
- Another systematic review of 57 studies found that non-invasive interventions were safe and mostly efficacious, while surgical interventions were associated with minor complications and mostly increased penile dimensions 6
- A review of penile traction therapy and vacuum erectile devices found that these devices have been used to treat various urologic and sexual disorders, including Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction, but that more research is needed to establish their effectiveness and safety 4, 5