For some men who perceive their penis as being too small, penis size can become an unhealthy obsession that may cause psychological problems or sexual dysfunction.
Worrying about your penis size is normal, and not surprisingly, inventors have capitalized on these fears and developed a number of devices that claim to increase penis length and girth.
Are these devices safe? Do they work? We evaluate three popular penis-enlargement contraptions.
The Penile Extender
A penile extender, also known as a penile traction device, is a metal and plastic contraption with extendable "elongation bars." The basal ring fits around the base of your penis, and a rubber strap secures the end of the penis to the device. To use it, you set the elongation bars so that your penis is stretched and tighten the screws so that it stays that way.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Urology, some penile extenders can increase the length of a flaccid penis by one inch, but here's the catch: You have to wear this clumsy device for a minimum of six hours a day for around six months.
Another catch is that most urologists have stories about men who have damaged their penises, sometimes permanently, by stretching too aggressively or stretching too much too soon. Damage can include bruising, nerve damage or blood clots in the veins of the penis.
The Vacuum Pump
A vacuum pump is a cylinder that fits over the penis. A pump is used to remove air from the cylinder to create a vacuum, which draws blood into the penis, making it hard and erect. When you remove the cylinder, you place a constriction ring around the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
Some men use penis pumps as a solution for erectile dysfunction, while others use them to make their members look bigger and harder. There's no research showing that vacuum pumps work to permanently increase the actual size of your penis, however.
Manufacturers recommend using it for 10 minutes a day, even when you're not having sex. If not used properly, a vacuum pump can cause damage to the penis, including bruising, pain, and numbness.
Something else to keep in mind for men taking blood-thinning medication, you may experience an increased risk of bleeding. Blood disorders like sickle cell anemia can also increase the risk for blood clots in the penis when using a vacuum pump.
A Clamp or Ring
Clamps and rings are used to prevent blood from flowing out of the penis to make it feel and look more engorged. These devices fit around the base of the penis after you've developed an erection.
Wearing a ring or clamp for more than a half hour can cut off blood flow and damage sensitive penile tissues. You shouldn't wear a ring or clamp if you bleed easily or have a clotting disorder. You also should not use one of these devices if you have diabetes or a peripheral vascular or nerve disease.
Are You Sure You Need Penis Enlargement?
A study of 200 men revealed that 68 percent of them were worried that their penis was too small. But research shows that most men who request surgery to increase their penis size are within normal size ranges.
So, what's normal? According to another study in the British Journal of Urology, the average length of a flaccid penis is 3.6 inches, and the average length of an erect penis is 5.2 inches. Most physicians won't even consider penis enlargement surgery for penises that are longer than 1.6 inches while flaccid.
If you're still concerned about your penis size but don't want to subject it to aggressive and potentially dangerous lengthening techniques, here are a few things you can do.
Shave:
Shaving your pubic hair can make your penis look bigger.
Lose weight:
Too much weight around the middle can also make your penis look smaller. Eat a healthy diet and exercise most days of the week to lose those extra pounds and improve your performance in the sack.
Focus on your partner:
Worrying too much about your penis size can impede your performance in bed. Instead, focus on your partner and try new things besides intercourse to bring pleasure.
Supplement:
Predoxen is a supplement clinically proven to produce larger, thicker, and harder erections. Research-based ingredients like tongkat ali, maca, L-arginine, and oat straw increase blood flow, boost libido, and promote better sex.
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