Can you grow your penis

If you're concerned, talk to your partner. Keep in mind that understanding your partner's needs and desires is more likely to improve your sexual relationship than changing the size of your penis. Companies offer many types of nonsurgical penis-enlargement treatments, and often promote them with serious-looking advertisements that include endorsements from "scientific" researchers.

Marketers rely on testimonials, skewed data and questionable before-and-after photos. Dietary supplements don't require approval by the Food and Drug Administration, so manufacturers don't have to prove safety or effectiveness.

Most advertised penis-enlargement methods are ineffective, and some can cause permanent damage to your penis. Here are some of the most widely promoted products and techniques:. Vacuum pumps. Because pumps draw blood into the penis, making it swell, they're sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. A vacuum pump can make a penis look larger temporarily. But using one too often or too long can damage elastic tissue in the penis, leading to less firm erections.

Sometimes called jelqing, these exercises use a hand-over-hand motion to push blood from the base to the head of the penis. Although this technique appears safer than other methods, there's no scientific proof it works, and it can lead to scar formation, pain and disfigurement. Stretching involves attaching a stretcher or extender device — also referred to as a penile traction device — to the penis to exert gentle tension.

A few small studies have reported length increases of half an inch to almost 2 inches about 1 to 3 centimeters with these devices. Studies of available surgical techniques to lengthen the penis have found mixed results in safety, effectiveness and patient satisfaction. At best, surgery such as division of the suspensory ligament may add half an inch 1 centimeter to the appearance of the flaccid penis but does not change actual length of the penis. At worst, surgery can result in complications such as infection, scarring, and loss of sensation or function.

When the suspensory ligament is cut, the penis may look longer because more of it hangs outside the body. The need for penis-enlargement surgery is rare. Surgery is typically reserved for men whose penises don't function normally because of a birth defect or injury.

Although some surgeons offer cosmetic penis enlargement using various techniques, it's controversial and considered by many to be unnecessary and in some cases permanently harmful. These surgeries should be considered experimental. There aren't enough studies of penis-enlargement surgery to give an accurate picture of risks and benefits.

The most widely used surgical procedure to lengthen the penis involves severing the suspensory ligament that attaches the penis to the pubic bone and moving skin from the abdomen to the penile shaft.

When this ligament is cut, the penis appears longer because more of it hangs down. But cutting the suspensory ligament can cause an erect penis to be unstable. Severing the suspensory ligament is sometimes combined with other procedures, such as removing excess fat over the pubic bone.

A procedure to make the penis thicker involves taking fat from a fleshy part of the body and injecting it into the penis shaft.

Results may be disappointing, however, because some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body. This can lead to penile curvature or asymmetry and an irregular looking penis.

Another technique for increasing width is grafting tissue onto the shaft of the penis. You may wonder if testosterone supplements might help spur penis growth. Only 14 percent wanted their partner to have a larger penis. The measurement is taken by carefully stretching the penis. These disorders may also affect the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.

Hormone therapy may be helpful for some children with this condition. You may want to start with your primary care physician, but a urologist may be more helpful in:. Research shows that only 55 percent of men are satisfied with their penis size. You may need to see a urologist who treats children.

A man with an average-sized penis can have a more robust sex life than a man with a larger penis. Sometimes a frank conversation with a urologist can calm some anxiety and let you focus on the characteristics you can control.

At some point, you may have wondered: What is the average penis size? Research says the average length is 3. Learn about the potential benefits and risks. Some anecdotes also claim that consistent use can eventually increase your penis length. Penile traction devices are also popular. The device pulls on your penis to modify its curvature. Research on penis stretching techniques is limited. None of the studies that have been done point to any one technique as an effective way to permanently lengthen the penis.

However, a temporary increase in size may be possible. One review reported that men who used the Andropenis stretching device saw an increase in size with extended daily use. Participants used the device for six hours per day over the course of four months. They gained anywhere from 1. Much more research is available for traction devices, though not necessarily for increasing penis length:. They may help you feel more comfortable with your penis size and appearance. Being too rough with your penis can cause large tears in the tissues or damage to the ligaments that connect your penis to your body.

These injuries can potentially hinder your ability to get or maintain an erection. Wearing it any longer can cause injuries that affect penis function.

Having an erection for more than a few hours can permanently damage your penis. See your doctor if your symptoms last for more than a couple of days or are severe. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and advise you on any next steps. Traction devices, for example must be used daily — often for months at a time — in order to achieve any noticeable effects.

If you have questions or concerns about your penis size, talk to your doctor. They can discuss your options for lengthening and explain how to do so safely. Learning how your penis responds to stretching and other forms of stimulation may help you feel more comfortable with your body. You may also notice changes in appearance or performance over time.

Be sure to follow any product directions or guidelines provided by your doctor. If performed incorrectly, stretching can result in injury or erectile dysfunction. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience pain or discomfort while stretching, or if you notice any change in your erectile function. Read this article in Spanish. Here's what to watch for. Page last reviewed: 6 April Next review due: 6 April Penis enlargement - Sexual health Secondary navigation Sex facts Female sexual problems Male sexual problems.

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