Penis Enlargement Methods: What Actually Works and What Doesn’t

Penis size has been a major source of anxiety for men throughout history. Many men feel insecure about their size—whether they have a micropenis or are within the average range. Some want to feel more confident in the bedroom. Others want to stop feeling ashamed in public locker rooms.

To find out what really works, we looked into the five most common penis enlargement methods. Here’s what we found.

Surgery

Penis enlargement surgery is expensive and often disappointing.

The most common type of procedure is called penoplasty. It involves cutting the ligaments that attach the penis to the pubic bone. This allows the penis to hang lower, which adds some flaccid length—but not erect length. So you might look bigger when soft, but during sex, there’s no actual change.

On average, this type of surgery costs between $3,500 to $9,500. Most men only gain about 0.5 to 1.5 inches in flaccid length, and nothing in erect size. It’s mostly cosmetic.

For men with micropenis, this might help reduce embarrassment in places like the gym or locker room—but it won’t help performance in bed. The risk-to-reward ratio is high, and the gain is mostly for show.

Injections

Penis injections are another popular but flawed option.

This method involves injecting soft tissue fillers—like hyaluronic acid—under the skin of the penis. The idea is that it will stimulate collagen production, making the penis look thicker.

But the truth is, this method does not cause real, lasting growth. It may cause temporary swelling or padding, but it won’t increase length or true girth. Also, results can look uneven or lumpy.

No major medical organizations recommend this procedure. Like surgery, it’s cosmetic, not functional.

Pills

Penis enlargement pills are everywhere online. But they don’t work.

There is no pill that can make your penis grow. Period.

Some pills contain herbs that claim to increase blood flow or boost testosterone. Others may just be caffeine and random extracts. At best, they give you a short boost in libido. At worst, they make you sick or interfere with other medications you’re taking.

If penis enlargement could be achieved by taking a pill, it would already be a worldwide medical breakthrough. The fact that it’s still being sold as a secret trick tells you all you need to know.

Penis pumps

Penis pumps work by creating a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis. This can make the penis temporarily thicker and harder. Some men use them before sex to look bigger.

But the effects are short-term. Once the blood drains, the penis returns to normal size. Using a pump for too long can also damage tissue and cause bruising.

Traction Devices

Traction devices are one of the most studied non-surgical methods for penis enlargement. These medical-grade stretchers apply gentle, consistent tension to the penis over time, with the goal of stimulating tissue growth.

A 2011 study found that using a traction device for at least 9 hours per day over 3 months could result in a length increase of up to one inch. That’s one of the strongest pieces of evidence supporting a non-surgical method for real gains.

In another 2011 study, researchers even concluded that traction devices could offer results comparable to surgery, and recommended them as a first-line treatment, especially for men looking to avoid invasive procedures.

However, not all research agrees. A 2013 study found that while traction devices helped correct penile deformities like Peyronie’s disease, they didn’t significantly increase length or girth in men without deformities. And a 2016 study found no meaningful changes in size from traction use at all, though it acknowledged that more large-scale studies are needed.

Traction devices may work for some men, especially when used consistently over long periods. But results can vary, and evidence is mixed. They’re not a quick fix, but they remain one of the few methods with clinical support.

Jelqing

Jelqing is a manual stretching and squeezing exercise done on a semi-erect penis—about 50% to 80% hard.

The technique involves gripping the base of the shaft and slowly milking it toward the head, one hand after another. This motion is meant to force blood into the penis and gradually expand its tissue.

Some call it an ancient Arab method. But it most likely came from African penis enlargement practices passed down through tribal traditions.

There are no scientific studies that confirm jelqing works. That said, countless men online have shared testimonials, photos, and routines showing noticeable gains in both length and girth.

I’ve personally seen results from jelqing. So have many others I know. It takes time and consistency, but when done correctly, the results are real.

Jelqing should be done slowly, with care. Overdoing it can lead to bruising or soreness. Most men start with 10–15 minutes per session, a few times a week, and work their way up.

Final Thoughts

Most penis enlargement methods don’t work—or come with high risk and little reward.

Surgery is expensive and mostly cosmetic. Injections don’t do much besides cause swelling. Pills are a scam. Pumps and stretchers offer small gains if you’re willing to put in months of effort.

Jelqing, while not medically proven, stands out because it’s free, natural, and backed by real-world results from men who have stuck with it.

If you’re serious about increasing your penis size, jelqing may be the safest and most effective path to take. But no matter what method you choose, always do your research, stay safe, and don’t let anyone sell you dreams in a bottle.