Jelqing: Do Penis Stretching Exercises Work?

Penis stretching, or jelqing is a method of stretching the penis. It is believed to increase length and girth by creating micro-tears in the skin tissue. A recent study found that a majority of men (66%) considered their penis to be of average size, while 12% felt they had a small penis.

The majority of men believe their penis to be smaller than average, while most women are satisfied with the size of their partner’s penis. However, many men still desire to have a larger penis. Companies take advantage of this desire by offering various pills and devices that claim to increase penis size. However, there is little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.

Penis stretching is a technique that aims to increase the size of the penis. It is a non-invasive method that involves creating micro-tears in the skin tissue to allegedly give your penis additional length and girth. However, the question remains whether this technique is truly effective and safe for penis enlargement. 

This article explores what penis stretching is, how it claims to work, and the current research on its effectiveness and potential risks.

What is Penis Stretching?

Penis stretching refers to the use of exercises or devices to elongate the penis by extending the tissue inside it. One commonly used method for this is called jelqing, which involves manually manipulating the penis to stretch it. It should be noted that jelqing is not a medically recognized treatment, and its results may be minimal and temporary.

Penis enlargement through stretching involves using your hands or specialized equipment to increase the length or width of your penis. Research suggests that stretching may have some effect on penis size, but the results are often minimal and may not be long-lasting.

Penis stretching involves the use of various techniques or devices to enhance the size or length of the penis. This can include non-surgical methods such as 

• stretching exercises, 
• vacuum pumps, 
• penoscrotal rings, and 
• penile extenders. 

Additionally, there are surgical options available for penis lengthening.

What Is Normal Penis Length?

Many people want to know if they are “normal” in terms of their thoughts, appearance, and penis size. However, it is challenging to define what “normal” means as penises come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, similar to humans.

In 2014, a study in the BJU International journal tried to measure penis size. The researchers analyzed thousands of measurements. The researchers found that the

• average flaccid length was 9.16 cm or 3.6 inches,
• the average stretched flaccid length was 13.24 cm or 5.2 inches, and
• the average erect penis length was 13.12 cm (5.2 inches) with a circumference of 11.66 cm (4.6 inches).

These measurements are averages, and real measurements in the test group were both above and below the average.

Studies suggest that many males may have a misconception about the average penis size. The average erect penis size is approximately 5.1-5.5 inches, and it is around 3.61 inches when flaccid. This means that the majority of males have penis sizes that are within the typical range.

While a somewhat smaller-than-average penis size could still be considered “normal,” the same applies to a somewhat bigger size. However, a person’s perception of their own penis size may not reflect reality.

Some men may have anxiety about their “small” penis despite it being within the normal range for length and girth. This feeling is known as “small penis anxiety” or “small penis syndrome,” it’s not entirely clear why it occurs. But it may be linked to existing anxiety disorders or misconceptions about penis size perpetuated by pornography.

Whether one falls within the normal range or not, it is common and normal to want a bigger penis, but the question is whether jelqing is a safe and reliable method to achieve this.

Does Penis Stretching Actually Work?

Penis stretching exercise currently has no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in increasing penis length or girth or improving sexual function or performance.

The existing scientific research on penis stretching suggests that it is ineffective and potentially harmful. In an article, researchers evaluated the effects of various treatments for erectile dysfunction and other male sexual issues. They found that research on jelqing is limited. Reports indicate that it may result in bruising, pain, and fibrosis, which is the formation of fibrotic scarring throughout the penis due to injury. 

Although there is not much scientific proof, some studies indicate that certain devices may help increase penis size. These devices usually work by either vacuum or traction mechanisms.

A small-scale study found that men who used a vacuum device for 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 6 months, showed an increase in penis length from 7.6 cm (approximately 3 inches) to 7.9 cm (3.11 inches) on average. However, only 30% of men who participated in the study reported satisfaction with the results of the treatment.

After six months of treatment, the average penis size for men in the group had increased to 7.9 cm (3.11 inches). However, only 30% of the men who participated in the study reported satisfaction with the results of the treatment.

The evidence for penile-lengthening traction devices is somewhat better but still limited. One study found that using a device called the Andro-Penis for at least 4-6 hours per day for 6 months resulted in an increase of 0.7 inches in the length of a soft penis.  This means using the device for a total of 720 hours for a gain of about half an inch in length. This method of penis enlargement may be effective for those with a lot of free time. However, consider the time commitment and the limited evidence before trying it.

How To: Penis Stretching Exercises

If the goal is to increase penis size for aesthetic or sexual reasons, there is limited scientific evidence. There are no methods other than surgery that can produce significant long-term results. However, for those who wish to try exercises, it is a good place to begin, but it’s essential to perform them gently and with care to avoid any injury or bruising.

Penis Stretching:

• Hold the penis head and gently pull it upward, hold for 10 seconds.
• Gently pull it to the right, hold for 10 seconds.
• Gently pull it to the left, hold for 10 seconds.
• Repeat up to twice daily.

Penis Stretching Massage:

• Lubricate the penis.
• Form a circle shape using the index finger and thumb around the base of the penis.
• Slowly tighten the circle to exert gentle pressure on the shaft of the penis.
• Gradually move the circle towards the head of the penis using light, downward pulling pressure.
• Repeat daily for up to 20 minutes. Stop if you experience any pain or an erection.

Gentle Pressure on the Base Exercises:

• Hold the penis head and gently pull it upward, apply gentle but firm pressure to the area around the base of the penis. Hold for 10 seconds.
• Gently pull the penis to the left and apply pressure to the area to the right of the base. Hold for 10 seconds.
• Gently pull the penis to the right and apply pressure to the area to the left of the base. Hold for 10 seconds.
• Repeat once daily for up to 2 minutes.

These exercises are based on anecdotal reports. There is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before trying any new techniques.

Penis Stretching Devices

There are several penis stretching devices and other methods of enlargement available on the market. However, according to the Urology Care Foundation, most of them do not work. There is limited research to support the effectiveness of these devices for lengthening the penis.

However, they have been found to be somewhat effective in treating Peyronie’s Disease. These devices include vacuum pumps, penoscrotal rings, and penile extenders.

Vacuum Pumps 

Vacuum pumps consist of a tube that fits over the penis, where the user pumps air out of the tube. This causes blood to flow to the penis and resulting in an erection. Some people claim that regular use of a vacuum pump will increase penis size, however, research does not support this claim.

A study in 2006 found that participants did not experience significant physical effects after 6 months of use, but some users reported psychological satisfaction from using the pump.

Penoscrotal Rings

Penoscrotal rings are rings that fit around the base of the penis. They work by restricting blood flow to the penis to cause a stronger erection or to prolong an erection.

Some research suggests that using one of these rings while taking certain medications for erectile dysfunction may increase penis size in men with anxiety. However, there are only a few well-documented cases within current research showing these effects.

Penile Extenders

Penile extenders, also known as traction devices, are designed to stretch the tissues in the penis to increase its length.  

A study in 2015 found that men who wore a penis extender for 4-6 hours a day for 6 months saw an average increase of 0.9 to 2.5 cm in flaccid penis length. A 2020 systematic review of studies also found that extenders were able to increase flaccid penis length by less than 2 cm. 

However, the research on extenders is limited, and more research is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of these devices. Furthermore, the study may have selection bias, where researchers choose participants to get a specific outcome. The randomization might not be enough.

How to Stretch Safely?

According to available research, most penis exercises and devices for stretching are considered low-risk. However, it’s possible for complications to occur. Possible side effects of exercises or devices include 

• broken blood vessels, 
• itching, 
• irritation, 
• redness, 
• minor bruising, and 
• numbness. 

It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any new technique.

1. Penis Stretching Exercises

When performing penis stretching exercises, there are ways to ensure comfort:

• Stretching should only be done when the penis is flaccid, not erect.
• Use lubrication, such as petroleum jelly or natural oil, before starting the exercises.
• Limit the exercises to once or twice a day.
• Stop immediately if experiencing pain or discomfort.
• Before you start doing the exercises, make sure to talk to a doctor. This is especially important if you plan on doing them regularly or for a long time.

2. Penis Stretching Devices

Penis pumps: Insert the penis into the chamber, use the pump to create a vacuum, and pull blood into the penis, resulting in an erection. Attach a ring or clamp to maintain the erection for up to 30 minutes. It’s safe to engage in sexual activity during this time. Once finished, remove the ring.

Traction devices: Insert the penis into the base of the device, secure the head of the penis in the notches at the opposite end, fasten the silicone tube around the shaft, and slowly pull the penis outward using the grip on the bottom of the device. Stop pulling if it becomes painful or uncomfortable. Leave the penis in the stretched position for 4-6 hours a day.

Additionally, speak with a doctor before using any penis stretching device. Improper use or overuse of the device may cause damage to the tissues in the penis, resulting in weaker erections.

Risks of Penis Stretching 

Jelqing is a technique for penis enlargement that has not been extensively researched. Thus, the potential side effects of this method are not well-known. However, the limited research that exists suggests that jelqing may cause bruising, pain, and the development of fibrosis or scar tissue. Being too rough with the penis can also cause large tears in the tissues or damage to the ligaments that connect the penis to the body, affecting erections.

Similar techniques for penis enlargement have also been known to cause complications such as hematoma and numbness around the glans penis. According to Weil Cornell Medicine, some penis stretching techniques can also damage the nerves inside the penis. This affects the ability to have pleasurable sex.

When using a traction device, follow the doctor’s instructions for how long to wear it. Wearing it for too long can cause injuries that affect penis function. After using a pump, don’t let the blood stay in the penis for more than 30 minutes. Having an erection for more than a few hours can permanently damage the penis.

Stretching exercises or devices may also cause itching, minor bruising or discoloration, red spots along the penile shaft, numbness, and vein rupture. Jelqing and other do-it-yourself techniques for enlarging the penis can have significant risks. If symptoms last more than a couple of days or are severe, it’s best to see a doctor. In case of sudden, painful loss of erection, swelling, or major bruising, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Takeaway 

There is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of using exercises or devices to stretch the penis and make it longer or wider. Many men may feel self-conscious about their penis size, but studies show that most have an average-sized penis. 

Instead of worrying about penis size, you can improve your sexual performance in other ways. Build confidence, learn new techniques, and address any erectile dysfunction issues. It’s important to keep in mind that the images of men in pornography are often the result of studio lighting and editing, not reality. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if one is concerned about their penis size.

Browse our complete range of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation treatments online here.

References 

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