From The Mayo Clinic

Penis -enlargement products : Do they work?

Tempted by products that claim to increase penis size ? Get the facts about what to expect from male - enhancement pills, pumps, exercises and surgeries.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Ads for penis-enlargement products and procedures are everywhere. A vast number of pumps, pills, weights, exercises and surgeries claim to increase the length and width of your penis.

However , there 's little scientific support for nonsurgical methods to enlarge the penis . And no trusted medical organization endorses penis surgery for purely cosmetic reasons.

Most of the techniques you see advertised don't work. And some can damage your penis. Think twice before trying any of them.

Penis size: What's normal, what's not?

The fear that your penis looks too small or is too small to satisfy your partner during sex is common . But most men who think their penises are too small actually have penises that are considered typical size.

Similarly, many men have an exaggerated idea of what is considered a "typical" penis size.

The length of a non-erect penis doesn 't consistently predict length when the penis is erect. If your penis is about 5 inches (13 cm) or longer when erect, it's of typical size.

A penis is considered small only if it measures less than 3 inches (about 7.5 centimeters) when erect. This is a condition called micropenis.

How partners view penis size

Advertisers would have you believe that your partner cares deeply about penis size. If you're concerned, talk to your partner.

Understanding your partner's needs and desires is more likely to improve your sexual relationship than changing the size of your penis.

Don't believe the hype If you look closely, you'll see that claims of how safe they are and how well they work haven't been proved. And these products may have potentially dangerous ingredients not listed on the label.

Marketers rely on ads with people who recommend the product. Marketers may also use data that's not accurate and questionable before-and-after photos. Dietary supplements don't require approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. So manufacturers don't have to prove how safe a product is or that it works.

Penis-enlargement products

Most advertised penis-enlargement methods don't work. And some can cause permanent damage to your penis. Here are some of the most widely promoted products and techniques:

Pills and lotions. These usually contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or hormones that manufacturers claim enlarge the penis. None of these products has been proved to work. And some may be harmful.

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.

Exercises. 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. Stretching involves attaching a stretcher or extender device — also referred to as a penile traction device — to the penis for gentle tension.

A few  studies have reported length increases of half an inch to almost 2 inches (about 1 to 3 centimeters) with these devices. However, the activity may be uncomfortable.  

Surgery is risky and may not work

Studies of surgeries to lengthen or thicken the penis have found mixed results in safety, whether they work (effectiveness) and patient satisfaction.

At best, surgery may give a slight increase in girth to the penis. Or surgery may add a slight appearance of increased length to the non- erect penis. But it does not change the actual length of the penis. At worst, surgery can result in complications such as infection, scarring, and loss of sensation or function.