Despite numerous ads promising increased penis size, the fact is that it’s virtually impossible to improve what nature hands out.
HowStuffWorks.com wrote, "No reputable scientific research endorses or supports any type of nonsurgical penis enlargement."
Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) has never approved a pill or device for enlarging the penis. That's because they don't work.
Yet, according to the Mayo Clinic, still marketers rely on testimonials, skewed data and questionable before-and-after photos to sell their products.
There’s no shortage of pills, herbal preparations, vitamins, hormones and lotions marketed for penile enlargement. At the same time, there’s no evidence supporting claims that these products are effective. In fact, some may interfere or react with other medications and may be harmful to your health.
The vacuum pump is the classic of the penis enlargement device genre. It involves sticking your penis into a cylinder attached to a pump that sucks out the air. The resulting vacuum draws extra blood into your penis, making it erect and a little bigger.
According to Time Magazine, reviewed data suggested that a six-month regimen of daily penis pumping, while painful, was not effective.
Overuse of the vacuum pump can cause tissue damage and lead to erection problems. Other risks include temporary impotence, blisters, bruises, ruptured blood vessels, and discolored and thickened skin.
Penises are not muscles and cannot be bulked up with exercise. However, some types of stimulation claim to stretch the skin and lengthen the penis.
One popular example is "jelqing." Jelqing involves a hand-over-hand rolling motion to move blood to the head of the penis and stretch it. It is a fairly safe practice, but can lead to scar formation if overused. There aren't enough medical studies to suggest that jelqing increases penis size.
A variety of clamps and rings are also used in an effort to stretch and elongate the penis. They're placed around the base of the penis after erection is achieved.
These devices are meant to prevent blood from flowing out and may result in a temporary enlargement of the penis. However, wearing this device for more than 30 minutes can cut off blood flow and cause tissue damage.
HowStuffWorks.com reported that scientists say that if penises could actually be stretched, it would reduce the strength of erections. Penile chambers aren't meant to be stretched. They're meant to remain tight, providing rigidity to the penis when filled with blood.
Sources:
"Add Inches!! (No, Really, Men Can Make It Longer) | TIME." Time. Time, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
http://time.com/2139/add-inches-no-really-men-can-make-it-longer
"HowStuffWorks "Viagra Alternatives: 5 Myths About Natural Male Enhancement Aids"." HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
http://health.howstuffworks.com/sexual-health/sexual-dysfunction/5-myths-about-natural-male-enhancement-aids.htm
"Myth Busting Male Enhancement: Does It Work?" Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/do-penis-enlargement-techniques-work
"Penis Enlargement: Does It Work? on MedicineNet.com." MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=145547
Staff, Mayo. "Sexual health." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 May 2011. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/penis/MC00026
Reviewed April 18, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith