IF YOU HAVE a penis, you might wish it were bigger. But we have some good news for you: Research has shown that many people who worry about the size of their junk are actually totally normal or average in size. Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception reinforced by mainstream porn that a bigger penis means more pleasure for your partner—but this couldn’t be more wrong, especially if your partner has a vulva. A 2017 study concluded that a combination of deep kissing, genital stimulation, and oral sex are more likely to get a person with a vulva off—and none of those activities require you to be well-endowed. There’s also an outdated notion that a bigger penis is linked to how manly you are, which makes no sense, especially considering that not all men even have a penis to begin with.
The takeaway? If you have a penis, it’s probably fine just the way it is. That said, if you are curious about increasing the size of your member, there are a few options. They’re painful, expensive, and some of them are not even guaranteed to work; still, here are 11 of the currently available methods for making your penis bigger, ranked from bad to slightly less terrible. (Note: with the exception of non-invasive techniques such as shaving your pubes and losing weight, Men’s Health does not endorse any penis-lengthening technique without first consulting a physician.)
1) Penuma Penile Enhancement
Penuma is a subcutaneous (under the skin) silicone implant that increases the girth of a flaccid penis by 1 to 2 inches. It was the first implant to score FDA approval for cosmetic penile enhancement. Developed by surgeon Dr. James Elist, Penuma is now available at various clinics in Arizona, Pennsylvania, California, New York, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and Washington, DC. Here’s how it works: Surgeons make an incision along the upper part of the scrotum, insert the implant, and wrap it around the shaft of the penis underneath the skin. Each implant is tailored to you, and available in sizes L, XL, XXL. You would need to be circumcised or get a circumcision before the implant is placed.
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine took 400 Penuma patients and measured their penile circumference (a.k.a. girth) before Penuma, immediately after the procedure, and 30-90 days post-surgery. The study also recorded long-term changes in patients’ self-confidence, self-esteem, and satisfaction. On average, patients saw a 56.7% increase in penile girth. Two to six years after the procedure, 72% of patients reported increased self-confidence and self-esteem, and 81% reported “high” or “very high” satisfaction levels. Everyone’s sexual function remained the same. (Plus, guys we’ve interviewed have said their partners enjoyed the results, too.)
The downsides to Penuma? First, it’s super pricey. Penuma’s website indicates that costs vary by clinic, but “the penile implant procedure usually costs around $16,000 to $18,000 total.” Oof.
The procedure has possible side effects, too. According to that same study, the most common complications were seroma, a build-up of clear fluid (4.8%); scar formation (4.5%), and infection (3.3%).
2) Penile Suspensory Ligament Division, or Ligamentolysis
This procedure cuts the suspensory ligament, which attaches the penis to the pubic bone. The surgeon will also move skin from the abdomen to the penis, according to Medical News Today.
“The primary benefit of cutting the penile suspensory ligament is that it can increase the visible length of the penis, which some men may find desirable,” explains Dr. Justin Houman, MD, a board-certified urologist and men’s sexual and reproductive health specialist. Unfortunately, the overall effectiveness of this procedure is limited. “Cutting the penile suspensory ligament can increase the visible length of the penis when flaccid, but it does not necessarily increase the length when erect,” Dr. Houman says.
A study published in European Urology took 42 penile suspensory ligament division patients and measured their increase in flaccid stretched penile length and overall satisfaction with the procedure. Patients saw up to a 3-cm (or 1.2-inch) increase in stretched penile length—and those who also received a silicone spacer between the penis and pubis bones saw even greater increases—but still, these results didn’t exactly blow their minds. The overall patient satisfaction rate was 35%, and just 27% in patients who had penile dysmorphic disorder.
“Some men may experience regret or disappointment if the results are not as expected, and the procedure can potentially worsen body dysmorphia or anxiety related to penis size,” Dr. Houman says.
3) Fat Injections
With this procedure, surgeons can liposuction a patient’s own fat and transfer it into the shaft of the penis using a syringe. Guys could possibly end up with a slight increase of less than an inch in length and just over an inch in width, but the results aren’t necessarily permanent. “Some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body over time, which can lead to a decrease in the size of the penis,” Dr. Houman explains.
Additionally, as with any surgical procedure, there are still risks involved. Case in point: a 30-year-old patient died following a penis enlargement surgery after fat traveled into his lungs, causing his breathing to stop.
4) Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
This procedure involves separating out your platelet-rich plasma and injecting it into your penis, supposedly stimulating blood flow to make your member appear larger.
“The classic P-Shot protocol includes mechanical pumping for several weeks, which stretches the suspensory ligament to increase length and improve circulation,” says dermatologist Jessie Cheung, M.D. “Enhanced P-Shots with stem cells and exosomes are also very popular in my practice, as there are more rapid and durable improvements in functionality and size.”
But for now, according to a 2019 literature review, there’s simply not enough research to make this a good long-term option.
5) Jelqing (a.k.a. Penis Stretches)
It’s unclear when jelqing was first developed, but some believe the practice originated long ago in the Middle East. What we do know is that guys have attempted the stretching technique as a way to increase the length and girth of their members.
Here’s how Men’s Health previously explained the process:
“Most guides suggest waiting until you’re almost erect. Once there, it’s time to lube up and grab the base of the penis, using just the thumb and index finger. Apply pressure, and slide your hand down the shaft, as if ‘milking the organ.’ Release, and repeat.”
Does jelqing actually make your penis bigger? Most medical experts say no—and note that it could even do harm by causing a curvature of the penis. Men’s Health contributor Grant Stoddard tried jelqing for two weeks and found no change in his measurements.
6) Penis Pumps
“Vacuum pumps are devices that create a vacuum around the penis, causing blood to flow into the penis and engorge it,” Dr. Houman says. Penis pumps—which can use air or water to create negative pressure—increase penis size, but only temporarily. A 2006 study found that regular pump use does not significantly increase consistent penis length.
Pumps also come with some risks, such as pain, bruising, and damage to the penile tissue; and they might not be safe for people with blood disorders or people who take blood thinners. But when used correctly immediately before having sex, a pump can ease erectile dysfunction symptoms. There are also pump options for trans men who’d like to increase clitoral size, enhance sensitivity, and alleviate gender dysphoria.
7) Penis Extenders
There are a few devices men can wear daily underneath their clothes to gradually stretch the penis and add length and/or girth. Two of the earliest devices—the Andro-Penis and the Golden Erect—are still used today.
Some experts think these devices may be effective, and a very small study from 2015 showed the Andro-Penis added roughly half an inch in length. In another Men’s Health story, Stoddard tried RestoreX, a penis extender designed for men with Peyronie’s disease (which he does not have). After using it for just under a month, he found his penis to be approximately half-an-inch longer.
Still, Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, a urologist in Florida, doesn’t think the discomfort and possibility of scarring is worth the risk.
“The research on the benefits of penile extenders is scant,” he tells Health AI Expert. “Plus, you have to wear them for hours a day on a sensitive part of your body.”
8) Dermal Fillers (Such as the Shafer Width and Girth Procedure, or S.W.A.G.)
Having dermal fillers injected into your penis is another method of penis enlargement, and it can increase your girth by an inch if done repeatedly over time. The procedure is popular in Cheung’s practice because patients “receive instant girth and length with minimal downtime.”
But the effects are only temporary. “The longevity of your fillers will depend on how active your penis is, as more movement will increase the metabolism of the fillers,” Cheung says. “While you’ll still have some left in you after a year, by then, you’ll likely want a top off.” There are also potential side effects, including swelling, bruising, and lumps under the skin.
To read about what it’s actually like to get fillers injected into your penis, check out our Q&A with a guy who underwent the Shafer Width and Girth (SWAG) procedure. Another potential side effect he mentions? The fact that having sex too soon after the procedure could result in your penis changing shape:
“Despite Dr. Shafer’s advice. I probably had sex a little too soon, for a little too long, and a little too enthusiastically after my first round. This would have been before the filler had fully integrated with the tissue in my penis. Whereas before, I had a very uniform girth, after that first session, it was a little bulbous in the middle. The difference probably wasn’t that noticeable, but I noticed because I’ve been looking down at this thing for like 42, 43 years.”
Thankfully, the doctor was able to fix the shape with additional injections in a follow-up appointment.
9) Penis Sleeves
Think of a penis sleeve like a costume for your junk; it won’t change the size of your actual, physical penis, but when you put it on, you’ll have a bigger overall package to work with.
Also known as a cock extender, a penis sleeve is a device that slides onto your junk like a condom, except it’s bulkier and typically made from silicone. They were originally developed for medical purposes—including helping men with erectile dysfunction engage in penetrative sex—but these days, plenty of people use them as sex toys, too. “They increase girth and length and can have nubs or ribs on the external or internal wall to provide stimulation for either partner,” Cheung previously told Men’s Health.
10) Shaving Your Pubes
If you’re not up for stretching or injecting your way to a bigger penis (we get it), you can at least make your penis look bigger—and an easy method is shaving your pubic hair. Think about it: If your member is shrouded in a tuft of pubes, it’ll look smaller than if it’s visible in its full glory. Here’s everything you need to know about pubic hair, including tips for shaving it.
11) Losing Weight
Think of it like an optical illusion. Weight loss won’t actually change the size of your penis, but your junk could potentially appear larger if it’s less hidden beneath your belly.
“Losing weight can reduce the amount of fat around the base of the penis, making the penis appear longer,” Dr. Houman says. “However, the effect is modest and may not be noticeable for all men.” Plus, research shows that attempts at losing weight are often unsustainable. If you really want to look and feel your best, eat foods that make you feel good, move your body regularly, and—most importantly—maintain a healthy, balanced relationship with food and exercise.
What is the average penis size, anyway?
According to a 2020 review of research on penis size, the average length of an erect penis is between 5.1 inches and 5.5 inches. Factoring in both volunteer bias and social desirability bias, the researchers believe that the average penis size is probably on the lower end of that range.
How do I know if I have penis dysmorphia?
If you’re really concerned about the size of your penis, you might have penile dysmorphic disorder (PDD), which is characterized by underestimating one’s own penis size and obsessing over whether or not it falls within a “normal” size range. While PDD is not listed as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, some researchers believe it’s a type of body dysmorphic disorder.
If you find yourself ruminating on your penis size or if your concerns about your size are tanking your self-esteem, seek help from a mental health professional. “Some men may benefit from counseling or psychological support to address body image concerns and improve confidence, which can lead to a better sexual experience,” Dr. Houman says. Therapy is cheaper (and less risky) than surgery, and if you still decide to go under the knife, you’ll be better prepared for all possible outcomes.
