There are some products on the market that claim to increase the size of the penis.
Penis size is a sensitive topic, and by some estimates, 30% of men are dissatisfied with theirs. This can make you uncomfortable and need some method of penis enlargement.
For reference, according to a 2014 study of over 15, 000 men, the average penis length is 9 cm and the average erect penis length is 13 cm.
There are some products on the market that claim to increase the size of the penis. While some may do what they claim, others are dangerous and should be avoided.
Effective methods of penis enlargement
While these methods cannot permanently change the size of your penis, they can temporarily help, or at least create the illusion of a larger penis.
Pumps
Vacuum pumps can help increase the amount of blood filling the penis during an erection, says Jessica Yih, M. D. , a urologist specializing in male sexual health at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center. This can help temporarily increase the size of your erection.
Yih says pumps are usually used in conjunction with a penis ring. Penile rings are placed around the base of the penis to keep blood in the penis longer during an erection. Pumps will not permanently enlarge your penis.
Pills
If you have erectile dysfunction, medications may help. They do not increase the size of your penis, but they can promote blood flow to your penis, which can lead to larger and harder erections if you find it difficult to get one at all. That's because these medications contain a chemical called a type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Yih says, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow. These medications must be prescribed by a doctor.
Aesthetic changes
There are a few more changes you can make that can enlarge your penis. "One simple solution is to trim your pubic hair, " says Judson Brandeis, MD, a private urologist. Plus, if you are overweight, losing weight can also enlarge your penis. "If you have significant fat in the lower abdomen, also called suprapubic fat pad, it may cover part of your penis, making it appear shorter. Losing weight can help open your penis and regain its length, " says Yih.
Ways to Avoid Penis Enlargement
Some augmentation methods are a waste of time and are simply ineffective. Other methods carry the risk of infection or unwanted consequences.
Lotions
Although you can find penis enlargement lotions and creams on the market, Brandeis says that no scientific studies have proven their effectiveness. Yih adds that these products are not FDA approved. For both of these reasons, you should stay away from penis enlargement lotions.
Stretch marks
Brandeis says there is a stretching technique called jelqing that manually stretches the penis, but he says there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. "By pulling the penis out, you loosen the supporting ligaments and allow the penis to sink lower in a relaxed state, but the penis itself is unlikely to get longer, " Brandeis says.
Injectable drugs
Fillers or emulsified fat can be injected into the penis to increase girth but not length, Brandeis said. However, this only lasts for about two years and it can make the penis uneven because the glans of the penis is not affected. In addition, there is a risk of infection. Overall, this is not ideal.
In addition, Yih said that if the fillers are silicone, it can cause severe inflammation and scar tissue formation, which may require corrective surgery.
Penile Implants
Another option is an implant. Brandeis says it's a taco-shaped piece of silicone that fits inside the penis. The implant can increase the girth and length of the flaccid penis by one to two centimeters, but results may vary and there is a risk of infection.
This procedure is not for everyone. "Many patients say it is unnatural. If a man has him removed, it is a disaster. The scar tissue is bad, the size of the penis is shorter, and the erection does not reach normal, " says Brandeis. He strongly discourages this operation.