Penis stretching? The method alone conjures images of medieval torture. But could this nonsurgical technique help a man increase the length of his organ? And is it more harmful than helpful? Here’s what you need to know about this penis enlargement technique.
What’s a guy to do?
Men, unsatisfied with the size of their genitalia, tend to have a poor self-image. As a result, they often search out methods or tools to help increase the length or girth of their penis. But, most advertised penis-enlargement methods, such as pill and creams, are ineffective. And worse, they may even cause permanent damage to the penis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic suggests that most men who undergo penis-enlargement surgery aren’t satisfied with the end results. At best, surgery adds about half an inch to the length of the flaccid penis. At worst, surgery can result in complications that include infection, scarring and loss of sensation or function. So then, what’s a guy to do?
What is penis stretching and does it work?
Penis stretching, also known as “manual stretching,” is an exercise that may work to improve the length of the penis. And just as the name implies, it involves stretching the penis from the far end in order to enlarge it. According to Natural Male Enhancement World (NME World) stretching allows the ligaments of the penis to increase. This then allows for more blood flow to fill the penis, increasing its size.
Although the penis has a good chance of increasing in girth, penis stretching is mainly meant to increase the length. There are advanced techniques that reportedly help grow both in length and girth, says NME World. Apart from gaining inches in length, stretching is thought to increase sensitivity. And, combined with other techniques, it may lead to better male orgasm and control. Although this technique appears safer than other methods, there’s no real scientific proof that it works, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Another stretching method that may enhance the length of the penis involves using a penis extender. A few small studies suggest attaching a stretcher or extender device to the penis to exert traction can increase penis length by almost an inch. One study published in the British Journal of Urology had participants wear a penis extender device for four to six hours a day for six months. Researchers found that penile extenders were a minimally invasive and effective treatment option to elongate the penile shaft in patients looking to increase penis length. However, more rigorous research is needed.
But is penis stretching safe?
Similar to exercises like jelqing (hand-over-hand motion to push blood from the base to the head of your penis) penis stretching appears safe. But again, there’s no scientific proof it works. And according to the Mayo clinic, if done incorrectly, penis stretching like jelqing can lead to scar formation, pain and disfigurement.
That said, according to sexual improvement sites, penis stretching is quite safe if done right. But, it should never be overdone. Pain is a good indicator that you’re overdoing it. So, if you feel any pain, stop immediately! And if the pain persists, stop the exercises all together.
When it comes to penis stretching devices, using extenders encourages tissue cells to divide and multiply, according to one website that promotes extenders. This process is called cytokinesis. Over time, and with a lot of effort, this will lead to tissue growth. The FDA considers these low-risk devices and therefore provides only general controls intended to be followed by manufacturers.
How to do penis stretching manually
Penis stretching is simple. But like most exercises, warm up is required. Otherwise, you may increase the risk of injuries that could have been easily avoided, according to NME World. Here is how to do it:
1. Warm up by placing a hot (but not too hot) cloth over your penis for a few minutes.
2. Grip your penis behind the head and gently pull downward. And hold the stretch for roughly 30 seconds, suggests PEGym.
3. Repeat in the following directions: right, left, up, straight out. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds.
Once again, if you experience pain, stop and wait for a few minutes before going to the next stretch. If you continue to feel pain, stop exercises altogether.
What’s normal and what’s not
Interestingly, studies show that men who think their penises are too small actually have normal-sized penises. The average penis measures between five and six and a half inches. The average circumference is between four to five inches, suggests the Kinsey Institute. And technically, a penis is not even considered small unless it measures less than three inches when erect, says the Mayo Clinic.
Still, some men tend to worry about the size of their penis and whether they can satisfy their partner. But, according to the famous sex researchers Masters and Johnson, the size of the male penis has no true physiological effect on female sexual satisfaction. Their conclusion was based on physiological studies, which show that the vagina adapts to fit the size of the penis. So, although some men worry about the size of their penis, Master and Johnson suggest that all-sized penises work with female anatomy and can provide adequate sexual stimulation.
And, as per a survey on penis size and female perceptions of sexual satisfaction, 45 out of 50 females said that penis width was the key to satisfaction, not length. Only five reporting that length felt better.
One more natural method to try
Of course, if you’re still unhappy with the length of your penis, and you’ve exhausted all safe methods to increase size, consider losing abdominal weight, suggests Dr. Oz. For every 35 pounds a man loses, he gains one-inch penis length. That’s because when excess fat starts to build up and surround the shaft, the penis becomes enveloped by folds of fat, making it appear shorter than it is. Losing weight will reveal more of that hidden shaft that’s buried beneath the belly fat. While it won’t actually increase your size, it will certainly look that way.
In the end, choosing to increase the size of your penis is a personal matter that requires careful consideration. Speak to a urologist about manual penis stretching or using devices. But, if you do go down that road alone, discard the notion “without pain there’s no gain.” You should never feel pain while stretching your penis. If you do, stop immediately!
— Katherine Marko