Penis Stretching: Do Exercises And Devices Work?

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SubscribeDoes penis stretching work?Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on June 24, 2024

• What it is
• Stretching exercises
• Devices
• Safety
• Seeing a doctor
• Summary

There is little evidence that penis stretching or “jelqing” works to lengthen the penis. This also applies to penis lengthening devices, such as vacuum pumps.

The average size of an erect penis is 5.1 inches. Many penises are around this length.

Despite this, many males assume the average penis size is over 6 inches when erect. This is, in part, due to research that relied on self-reported measurements, which may be inaccurate.

People who still wish to try penis stretching may be able to do so in a safe way, as it is not invasive. However, significant distress about penis size can affect mental health. People who feel worried can consider speaking with a doctor about their concerns.

This article discusses nonsurgical methods of penis stretching, why do them, and what available research says about their effectiveness.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

What is penis stretching?

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Penis stretching is a practice that aims to increase the size or length of the penis. This could include:

• stretching exercises, or “jelqing”
• vacuum pumps
• penoscrotal rings
• penile extenders

While some claim these approaches work to increase penis size for aesthetic or sexual reasons, there is no high-quality evidence to suggest they are effective. A 2020 review found that the evidence on vacuum pumps and extenders approaches was limited and low quality.

Methods that do work for increasing penis size, such as surgery, come with risks. Some procedures can lead to erectile dysfunction, which is why doctors only use them for specific medical conditions.

One exception to this is stretching for a specific condition known as Peyronie’s disease, which causes curved and painful erections. A 2019 review found penile stretching was an effective therapy for this condition.

Learn more about whether penis enlargement works.

Penis stretching exercises

Those wanting to try penis stretching can try the following exercises. It is important to do these exercises gently, taking care to avoid bruising.

Penis stretching

1. Hold the penis head and pull the penis upward. Hold it stretched for 10 seconds.
2. Pull it to the right and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Pull it to the left and hold for 10 seconds.
4. Repeat up to twice daily.

Jelqing massage

According to the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), a person can perform a Jelqing massage as follows:

1. Lubricate the penis
2. Form a circle shape around the base of the penis with the index finger and the thumb.
3. Slowly tighten the circle until it exerts gentle pressure on the shaft of the penis.
4. Then, move the circle gradually toward the head of the penis using light, down-pulling pressure.
5. Repeat daily for up to 20 minutes. A person should stop if they experience any pain or if a person gets an erection.

Gentle pressure on the base

1. Hold the penis head and pull the penis upward. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the area around the base of the penis. Hold for 10 seconds.
2. Pull the penis to the left and apply pressure to the area to the right of the base. Hold for 10 seconds.
3. Pull the penis to the right and apply pressure to the area to the left of the base. Hold for 10 seconds.
4. Repeat once daily for up to 2 minutes.

Penis stretching devices

Several penis stretching devices are available to purchase. According to the Urology Care Foundation, almost none of them work.

However, stretching has proven to be somewhat effective in treating Peyronie’s disease.

The devices include:

Vacuum pumps

A vacuum pump comprises a tube that fits over the penis. The user pumps air out of the tube, which causes blood to flow to the penis. Increased blood flow leads to swelling and an erection. People typically use vacuum pumps to treat erectile dysfunction.

Some people state that regular use of a vacuum pump will increase penis size, but research does not support this claim.

An older 2006 study reports that participants did not experience significant physical effects after 6 months of use. However, some users did gain psychological satisfaction from using the pump.

Penoscrotal rings

Penoscrotal rings fit around the base of the penis. They work by restricting blood flow to the penis to cause a stronger erection or to prolong an erection. People use them during sexual activity, but some people use them for longer than is recommended.

There is no evidence this works to lengthen the penis long-term. Additionally, these rings can have risks in rare cases. If the ring gets stuck, a person can develop penile strangulation or entrapment of the scrotrum, which is a medical emergency.

Penile extenders

Penile traction devices, or penis extenders, stretch the tissues in the penis. Some research does indicate that these particular devices may increase penile length by a small amount.

According to a 2020 systematic review of studies examining various penis lengthening methods, extenders were able to increase flaccid penis length by less than 2 centimeters (0.7 inches).

Individuals interested in trying a penile extender should note that the research on extenders is limited and has involved low numbers of participants.

Other criticisms include selection bias, which means that the randomization of the study participants may not be sufficient, and researchers may select them to achieve a particular result.

More research is necessary to accurately determine these devices’ safety and effectiveness.

How to stretch safely

According to some researchers, most penis exercises and stretching devices are relatively low risk. However, complications can occur.

The side effects of penis stretching exercises or devices can include:

• broken blood vessels
• itching, irritation, or inflammation
• bruising
• numbness

Improper techniques or overuse may also result in damage to the tissues in the penis. This tissue damage could result in weaker erections.

There are steps that a person can take to stay comfortable while trying penis stretching:

• Avoid stretching the penis when erect. The penis should always be flaccid.
• Apply lubrication to the penis before trying any exercises.
• Do not perform these exercises more than once or twice daily.
• Stop immediately if an exercise causes pain or discomfort.
• Discuss the use of these exercises with a doctor, especially if performing them regularly or for an extended period.

When to see a doctor

Anyone who wants to try penis stretching exercises or devices should speak with a doctor first. Feeling consistently worried about the shape or size of the penis can be something doctors can help with.

If there is a physical problem, they may be able to offer advice. For example, if they have Peyronie’s disease, a doctor can provide a diagnosis and help put together a treatment plan.

If a person has signs of emotional distress, a doctor may be able to provide reassurance, and in some cases, may suggest mental health support.

In some cases, treatments such as psychotherapy might be more effective in helping people feel more comfortable about their bodies.

Any person who tries any penis stretching method and experiences severe or persistent side effects should also speak with a doctor.

Summary

There are many techniques and devices available that people claim to increase penis size. In most cases, there is little evidence that these exercises or products are effective.

However, with correct use, most methods of penis stretching are low risk. Some exercises may help people feel more comfortable psychologically with the appearance of their penis.

A person concerned about their penis size or shape should speak with a doctor. They will be able to provide accurate information on what is typical.

 

• Men's Health
• Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
• Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Aghamir MK, et al. (2006). A vacuum device for penile elongation: Fact or fiction? https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2006.05992.x
• Cowper MG, et al. (2019). Penile stretching as a treatment for Peyronie’s disease: A review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2050052118301185?via%3Dihub
• King BM. (2020). Average-size erect penis: Fiction, fact, and the need for counseling. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32666897/
• Marra G, et al. (2020). Systematic review of surgical and nonsurgical interventions in normal men complaining of small penis size. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2050052119300125?via%3Dihub
• Patel NH, et al. (2018). Penile and scrotal strangulation due to metal rings: Case reports and a review of the literature. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/cris/2018/5216826/
• Penile augmentation. (n.d.). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/penile-augmentation
• Usta MF, et al. (2016). Penile traction therapy for Peyronie's disease — what's the evidence? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4893512/
• What is jelqing, and does it actually work? (n.d.).https://www.smsna.org/patients/did-you-know/what-is-jelqing-and-does-it-actually-work

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Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on June 24, 2024

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