We've all seen the ads:

A vacuum cylinder that helps "expand your penis to maximum potential."
A pill, derived from natural sex hormone research, "designed to actually enlarge the penis and induce and maintain multiple, long-term erections."
Come-ons like these rarely offer scientific proof, yet many men spend money on such products hoping for penile enlargement.

They are falling prey to two misconceptions:
1) They have a smaller than average penis;
2) non-surgical penile enlargement is safe and effective.

MISCONCEPTION #1: THE SMALL PENIS

Men in general have a distorted view of what's normal for penile size. The fact is, "average" was not defined until recently. A study published in the September 1996 Journal of Urology concluded that average flaccid penile length was 8.8 cm (3 1/2 inches), and average erect length was 12.8 cm (5 inches). Also, according to many women's magazine surveys, "size doesn't matter." But many men remain fixated on the ideal of the 8- to 10-inch penis.

Some men don't even realize what they have. For example, obese men develop a suprapubic fat pad that conceals the penis, making it look shorter. Pressing firmly on this fatty tissue reveals the true penile length. I often explain this to patients, but a man who is convinced his penis is too small is hard to convince otherwise.

Occasionally a perception of inadequate penile length is a manifestation of underlying feelings of inadequacy in general. In these instances, psychological counseling may prove helpful.

MISCONCEPTION #2: YOU CAN INCREASE PENILE SIZE WITHOUT SURGERY

There are no proven non-surgical methods of penile enlargement. Vacuum devices simply cause engorgement by drawing blood into the penis. (While these devices are very useful tools in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED), they do not progressively enlarge the penis.) No natural pill has any ability whatsoever to enhance penile size. Even Viagra does nothing to permanently affect penile size. Topical testosterone cream used in childhood can increase penile size by accelerating the effects of puberty, but there is no proof that testosterone cream applied to the adult penis enhances penile size.

Techniques & Procedures Advantages of subcutaneous silicone penile implant Frequently Asked Questions Pre and Postoperative Instructions Before and After Pictures Payment Options