Pumps, Pills and Male Kegels : Penis Enlargement for Beginners

Modern society tells us size doesn’t matter much in the bedroom. It's not the size of the boat, it’s the motion of the ocean after all. Why then is male penis enlargement, from pumps to pills and stretches to surgery, a growing industry internationally?

Men have been obsessed with phallic proportions since time immemorial. Closely tied to masculinity, the erect phallus is a symbol of virility and machismo. Studies show up to 30% of men are unhappy with their penis length. What are their options?

Pills like Viagra can relax blood vessels and increase flow, helping erectile dysfunction sufferers achieve tumescence. Downsides of Viagra include side effects like headaches, heartburn and even the 'everlasting erection' which is painful and may even require hospitalisation.

Penis vacuum pumps and penis rings draw more blood into the shaft and keep it there longer resulting in a more tumid member, albeit only temporarily. Fillers of emulsified fat are injected into the shaft which, much like lip fillers, enlarge and engross the area short term.

A more drastic route is penis enlargement surgery. For between $5k and $10k, a prosthetic sheath is inserted along the shaft. Silicone implants may be employed to increase the surface area of the membrum and create a larger looking lunchbox.   

Do any of these penis enlargement techniques actually work? Unfortunately, there is little evidence to support claims by penis pump producers, at least not long term. Pills have a temporary effect and most surgical procedures don’t guarantee a lasting result.  

The exception? The male Kegel. The pelvic floor exercise is proven to help with a variety of troubles such as incontinence, haemorrhoids and weak bladder. Regular Kegels might not increase penis length but it may feel longer or harder which can improve confidence and performance.

Other non-surgical ideas to enlarge penis size include losing weight around the waist or trimming public hair. These optical illusions increase the appearance of length. Jelquing, an exercise technique akin to masturbation, promises to improve girth. No evidence is forthcoming.

Thankfully, penis length, girth or the duration of an average erection has nothing to do with what it means to be a modern man in today's world. A new campaign set out to break stereotypes and invite conversation around masculinity, society and other gender-based issues. 

Penises are as individual as the bodies they command. If you struggle to accept your length or girth, talk therapy may help.

The average erect penis is around 5.1 inches, not the 12 hard inches that Hollywood would have us believe.

It may be that you measure up after all.