Highlights
- Many male enhancement products and procedures claim to increase penis length and girth.
- Most male enhancement products and procedures provide temporary results, at best.
- Experts have differing opinions on whether the benefits outweigh the risks for injectables and surgical procedures that claim to increase penis size.
- Research findings are mixed on whether women prefer their partners to have a larger or smaller penis.
- Penis pumps can help to temporarily increase penis size.
Research suggests that many men are unhappy with the size of their penis, even when their penis size falls in the average range. This concern has led many men to wonder whether it’s possible to increase the size of their penis. We asked eight sexual health and intimacy experts to tackle this question and to weigh in on popular penis enlargement products and procedures.
Can Men Increase the Size of Their Penis?
For decades, researchers have explored methods for increasing penis size and amping up performance in the bedroom. Most research supports the idea that penis size is primarily determined by genetics, hormones, and other personal health factors.
Expert opinions on whether or not it’s possible for men to increase the size of their penis are somewhat mixed. Some experts support the use of the latest methods on the market, while others approach the topic with more skepticism.
There is hope
Several experts agreed that it’s possible to increase penis size. They were also supportive of many of the products and procedures marketed for increasing penis size.
Andy Gucciardo of Reclaim Men’s Clinic was enthusiastic in his answer, stating, “The answer is, yes! There are several options.”
Dr. Jagan Kansal, urologist and founder of Down There Urology, commented, “There are many options for men to increase size.” His practice offers shockwave therapy, vacuum erection devices, penile injections, and penile implants to patients.
Ryan Hetrick, a therapist, psychologist, and CEO for Epiphany Wellness, agreed with the other experts about the variety of options currently available to men. They also cautioned that, “It is important to remember that results may vary from person to person and it is best to consult a doctor before trying any of these methods.”
There Is Also Caution
Additional evidence is needed to sway the opinions of several experts. These experts spoke to the limited evidence for long-term outcomes without undergoing more intensive or invasive procedures.
For example, most of the products and methods claiming to increase penis size only do so temporarily. Dr. Warisha Fathima, an in-house physician at Allo Health, stated, “There is no proven way to permanently increase the size of the penis in adult men. Some methods, such as penis pumps, weights, and exercises, may temporarily increase the size of the penis by increasing blood flow, but the effects are generally short-lived.”
Dr. Martina Ambardjieva, a urologist and in-house medical expert for Bedbible, cautioned, “It is not possible for men to increase the size of their penis through any means other than surgery. While various products and techniques exist that claim to be able to enlarge the penis, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.”
Lilith Foxx, Board-certified Sexologist and Inclusivity Consultant, agreed that there isn’t enough evidence to support most products and methods on the market. They also added, “Some surgical options may provide minimal increases, but the risks and costs often outweigh the potential benefits.”
Suzannah Weiss, certified sex educator and resident sexologist for the erotic ethical porn site FrolicMe, shared a similar sentiment. “There are a number of surgeries and medical procedures geared toward increasing penis size. Most are expensive and at least somewhat invasive.”
Are Penis Pumps Effective in Increasing Size?
Penis pumps, sometimes called vacuum erection devices, date back centuries. They work by creating a vacuum around the penis, which draws blood into the erectile tissue and causes temporary engorgement.
Most experts agree that penis pumps serve as a temporary fix to increase penis size.
Dr. Rachel Sommer, a clinical sexologist, spoke to the short-term boost penis pumps can provide for size and for erectile dysfunction. “Unfortunately, penis pumps increase the penis size temporarily but not permanently. These devices draw blood into the penis, causing swelling and a temporal remedy for erectile dysfunction.”
Hetrick added, “This method usually only provides temporary results and should not be relied upon as a long-term solution.”
Like most products and procedures, penis pumps don’t come without risk — users need to be sure to use them correctly.
For example, Dr. Ambardjieva cautioned, “There are potential risks associated with using penis pumps including bruising and tissue damage. For these reasons, it is recommended that men consult their doctor or a urologist before considering any type of penis enlargement device or procedure.”
Weiss expanded on this with a warning: “Excessive use can cause swelling, bruising, or damage to the penile tissue that can lead to less firm erections. I would not recommend using one more than a few times a week. And if it comes with a ring, don’t leave that on for more than half an hour.”
What Other Options Are There for Increasing Penis Size?
Experts agree that there are a variety of products and procedures available to increase penis size. However, experts offer differing opinions on the best methods to safely and effectively increase penis size. Regardless, you should always speak to a medical provider, such as a urologist, about the risks and benefits of any products or procedures that claim to increase penis size.
Exercises and Stretches
There are several exercises and stretching methods that men might use to increase the size of their penis over time. These include exercises known as jelqing as well as stretching techniques that require the use of a device. The research on these strategies is mixed, so they aren’t as widely touted by experts.
Hetrick briefly commented, “Exercise and stretching can be beneficial in increasing both length and girth of the penis over time.”
Foxx explained that the benefits of jelqing might not be worth the risks. “It’s a hand-over-hand motion to encourage and pull blood flow from the base to the tip of the penis. There’s really not enough evidence to show that it’s effective, and it can cause scar formation and pain.”
According to Foxx, similar risks apply to stretching techniques. They added, “This involves using a stretching or penile traction device that gently tenses the penis and encourages cell turnover, which in theory increases size. Again, it’s not been found to be safe or effective.”
Oral and Topical Treatments
There are dozens of products on the market that claim to increase penis size and stamina with “natural ingredients” like vitamins, herbs, minerals, or other organic compounds. Many of these fall under the category of oral supplements, which aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of the same active ingredients are used for topical creams and gels.
Hetrick mentioned some of these products, stating, “Topical creams containing natural ingredients like amino acids, vitamins and minerals have also been known to help with enlargement.”
Dr. Fathima cautioned, “There are no proven or safe options for men to permanently increase the size of their penis. Claims of pills, creams, or supplements that promise to increase penis size are usually not supported by scientific evidence and may be harmful.”
Foxx echoed the sentiment, stating, “None of these have been proven to work, and in fact may be harmful or painful. In most cases, the product will just cause irritation or an allergic reaction that encourages blood flow to the area — similar to a lip plumper lipstick. Definitely not recommended for sexual intimacy.”
Some herbal products marketed to improve erections and increase penis size actually contain prescription erectile dysfunction medications, such as sildenafil. Never take a supplement that claims to enhance sexual performance without first speaking to your doctor.
Injections
There are several types of penile injections on the market. Some penile injections are specifically used to increase blood flow and improve erections. Other penile injections serve as cosmetic fillers to increase penis length and girth.
Weiss mentioned the use of the P-shot as a less-invasive procedure for increasing penis size. “On the less-invasive side is the P-shot, where platelet-rich plasma from your blood is injected into your penis. This will only increase girth (not length) and will only do so by about 1 cm, and it’s temporary so you need to keep getting it every few months.”
Gucciardo commented that injecting cosmetic fillers is “a quick fix for adding significant girth, but the results are temporary.” He also promoted the use of a combination approach: “Using a medical-grade traction device along with a penis pump, taking daily nitric oxide boosting supplements, and getting an injection of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injected into the penis monthly for 6 months will increase the length and girth of a penis.”
Medical Procedures
Most experts agreed that medical procedures and surgeries are typically more intensive and potentially more effective at increasing penis length long term.
Dr. Kansal’s practice offers penile implants and shockwave therapy to patients seeking to enhance their penis size. He shared that shockwave therapy “is a newer restorative option that uses low-intensity shock waves to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the penis and improve blood flow.”
Penile implants have become more common in recent years. These are surgically implanted devices that can be used to help to increase the penis girth and to achieve stronger erections. Weiss commented that men “can gain up to 3 cm of girth this way, but it is very expensive, usually $15-20K.”
Weiss wasn’t the only provider to caution that the more invasive options tend to carry higher risks and come at a higher financial cost than temporary solutions. Hetrick shared that “surgery is an option, however it is costly and comes with risks, so should be considered as a last resort.”
Some surgical procedures carry more risk than others.
Dr. Ambardjieva explained that one popular surgery “involves cutting the ligaments that attach the penis to the pubic bone and then injecting fat or other tissue into the area in order to make it larger. This procedure is extremely risky and should be carefully considered before deciding to undergo it.”
Gucciardo added, “Most men are NOT satisfied with this surgery as it usually has complications such as infection or a less-firm erection.” He also highlighted the newest technique on the market, P-Long® as an “all-natural long-term solution” that “increases length, and girth, and involves no surgery or downtime.”
Lifestyle Changes
Erectile health and penis size have both been linked to weight.
Dr. Kansal shared his advice for patients about maintaining a healthy weight: “I often tell my patients that when they are younger, around 50% of their penis is outside the body and 50% is inside. However, weight gain can alter this ratio, causing a smaller percentage of the penis to be outside the body and leading to the appearance of a smaller penis.”
Do Women Prefer Men Who Are Bigger Than Average?
According to our experts, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. This idea likely stems from common myths surrounding sex and masculinity.
Gucciardo offered a potential reason behind the perpetuation of these myths. “Many men experience locker room syndrome and are embarrassed by the size of their penis, or too often compare themselves to porn actors who are often above average in penis size.”
Dr. Kansal stated, “One of the biggest myths about penis size is that it determines a man’s sexual ability or attractiveness. In reality, sexual satisfaction depends on a variety of factors and what is comfortable for you and your partner.”
Dr. Fathima affirmed this statement, sharing that there “is no universal preference among women for men with larger than average penis size. Many factors contribute to sexual attraction and satisfaction, including emotional connection, communication, and technique.”
Dr. Sommer and Weiss both pointed to a 2015 study that suggested American women preferred partners with slightly bigger than average penises. However, the results also suggested that this was dependent upon context and that many of the participants were sexually inexperienced.
Hetrick summed up the expert opinions well with the comment, “Some women may prefer larger penises while others may not find size to be a factor in attraction. Ultimately, it is important to remember that confidence and personality can be just as attractive as physical features.”
What Is the Optimal Penis Size That Women Prefer?
Just like preferences for certain personality types or sexual positions, preferences for penis size vary from person to person. Research suggests that most women prioritize a partner’s sexual technique and emotional connection over penis size.
Our panel of experts unanimously agree that there isn’t one optimal penis size that women prefer. Gucciardo also assured readers that “in general, most women are satisfied with the size of their male partner’s penis size.”
Dr. Kansal expanded on this further: “Research on whether penis size matters in terms of sexual satisfaction is mixed. Some studies have found that larger penises are associated with greater sexual satisfaction for both partners, while others have found no correlation or even a negative correlation.
“Ultimately, sexual satisfaction depends on many factors beyond penis size, and it is important for individuals to communicate openly and honestly with their partners about their needs and desires.”
Why Size Preference Varies
The “why” behind preferences for penis size can also vary from person to person. It could come down to social norms, the duration of the relationship, or even physical compatibility.
Weiss shared, “Some are size queens who prefer huge penises, while others may find sex with someone with a large penis uncomfortable and prefer a smaller penis. What matters is not so much the size of one partner’s penis, but the fit between the two partners.”
Foxx explained the role of physical fit, adding, “Some people have a more shallow cervix, and a partner with a larger penis can be painful for them. Others may prefer a girthier penis, or as mentioned above may not even have an orgasm from penetration alone — so it wouldn’t matter to them.”
What Does the Research Say?
While research on size preference produces mixed outcomes, there are a few trends our experts have noticed.
Dr. Sommer spoke to the differences in size preference when it comes to hookups versus long-term relationships. “The average erect penis is 5.16 [inches] long and 4.59 [inches] in circumference. Studies have shown that women will always go bigger — 6.4 [inches] long, given a choice. And especially for a one-time sex encounter, the bigger, the better. But for long-term relationships, the optimal size is a penis measuring 6.3 [inches] long and 4.8 [inches] around.”
Dr. Ambardjieva pointed to similar findings, but concurred that size isn’t everything. They commented, “Studies have shown that the majority of women prefer a penis size that is average or slightly above average, with most women preferring a penis length of 6-7 inches and a girth of 4-5 inches. Ultimately, it is important to remember that satisfaction during sexual intercourse depends on other factors such as communication, connection, and body confidence rather than solely on the size of the penis.”
Conclusion
Penis size is largely determined by genetic factors, but there are safe ways for men to potentially enhance their package. Products like penis pumps and Viagra can temporarily improve your erection’s length, girth, and rigidity. Embracing a healthy and active lifestyle may also help men to increase their penis length and improve their stamina during sex.
Some methods to increase penis size are much more invasive and carry greater risk. Injections and surgical procedures may provide longer-lasting enhancements, but in many cases, they only create the illusion of a larger penis, not an actual increase in size. What’s more, some men may not be good candidates for these procedures.
Pleasure isn’t determined by size alone. It often depends on sexual technique and emotional connection rather than size. Some research even suggests that women may prefer their long-term partners to have an average or below-average penis size.
You and your partner can enjoy a happy and healthy sex life by focusing on communication, connection, and new experiences. This can greatly enhance your sex life, regardless of whether you decide to use penis enlargement products.
Enjoy a Happier and Healthier Sex Life
If you’re worried that your penis is shorter than it “should” be, rest assured that you likely fall within the average range. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to improve your sex life, regardless of penis size.
A male enhancement pump can provide you with a temporary boost in size and performance. You can also take advantage of our free consultations with licensed physicians to discuss the benefits of evidence-backed products to address concerns like erectile dysfunction. Enjoy our fast, discreet, and free shipping right to your front door.
Meet Our Experts
Background information for each expert consulted for this article is provided below.
Andy Gucciardo
Nurse practitioner, Reclaim Men’s Clinic
Dr. Wraisha Fathima
Consultant Doctor
Allo Health
Dr. Warisha Fathima is an in-house physician at Allo Health. Their platform is the first of its kind in India and focuses on addressing sexual wellness concerns using a holistic treatment approach. Allo Health’s mission is to break the taboo around discussions related to sexual wellness.
Ryan Hetrick, Therapist, Psychologist, and CEO
Epiphany Wellness
At Epiphany Wellness we believe in treating addiction by implementing a comprehensive, holistic treatment program that is custom-tailored to each individual’s needs.
Lilith Foxx, Board-certified Sexologist and Inclusivity Consultant
Lilith Foxx is a BIPOC, queer, neurodivergent, kinky, and polyamorous marketing professional turned Board-certified sexologist, relationship/intimacy educator, and inclusivity consultant. They specialize in alternative sexualities and relationships, and they regularly teach and facilitate workshops worldwide on these topics and alternative sexuality cultural competency within clinical, research, and academic settings.
Dr. Jagan Kansal, Urologist
Down There Urology
Dr. Kansal is the founder of Down There Urology, where he runs the Men’s Sexual Health and Fertility clinic. His clinic is the first kind in the Chicagoland area to offer unique urology treatments such as the G-spot amplification, Phallofill penile enhancement, labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, shockwave therapy, hormone optimization, cosmetic botulinum toxin, and cosmetic facial fillers.
Rachel Sommer, Ph.D., Clinical Sexologist
My Sex Toy Guide
Rachel Sommer, Ph.D., is a clinical sexologist with many years of experience helping single people and couples enjoy fulfilling sex lives. She has consistently provided information and resources to her clients to help them explore their sexuality.
Dr. Martina Ambardjieva, Urologist and Ph.D Graduate
Bedbible
Dr. Martina Ambardjieva, MD, wrote her doctoral thesis in the field of urology and is currently working on many projects related to men’s health.
Suzannah Weiss, Certified Sex Educator and Sexologist
Suzannah Weiss is a certified sex educator and resident sexologist for the erotic ethical porn site FrolicMe.
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).