Penis Enlargement Pills: Do They Actually Work

What are penis enlargement pills?

Penis enlargement pills are marketed to help enhance the male genitalia by combining vitamins, minerals, hormones, herbs, and chemicals, to achieve a result that overcomes and exceeds the body’s natural erection dimensions. Although that may seem tempting to men seeking various forms of enhancement, it is important to be cautious when purchasing penis growth pills online – especially considering the fact that none of these products have been proven to make your penis bigger. 

Common ingredients in penis growth pills

Let’s examine some of the commonly found ingredients in today’s penis pills. By investigating the pros – and cons – you’ll be able to make an informed decision should you be tempted to order one of the many alleged ‘miracle pills’ for increasing penis size.

Ginkgo biloba

An ancient Chinese remedy derived from fossil trees, it is claimed that this product helps increase blood flow to the penis, and can aid in improving sexual function.

Pros: 

• Some reports have found ginkgo biloba to be effective in treating sexual dysfunction.

Cons:

• Despite claims touting the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba, the NIH highlights that toxicology reports have linked ginkgo extract to cancer of the liver and thyroid glands in rats
• Ginkgo extract has been shown to affect the way in which blood clots
• Some reports claim that ginkgo poisoning can cause convulsive fits, irritability, and unconsciousness

Yohimbine

A natural product extracted from the bark of African and Asian plants, it is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. 

Pros: 

• Observational studies have shown yohimbine may aid in the ability to delay ejaculation

Cons:

• There have been no clinical studies testing the efficacy of yohimbine
• Side effects have been shown to increase blood pressure, heart rate, manic reactions, palpitations, bronchospasm, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, sweating, nausea and headaches
• No studies on the effects of penis growth as related to yohimbine consumption exist

Maca

Derived from a Peruvian plant, maca is commonly used by people in South America as an aphrodisiac, energy booster and as an enhancer of sexual function and fertility.

Pros: 

• Studies in mice report an increase in sexual behaviour in male rats upon administration of maca. Studies in humans have shown that maca has a positive effect on sexual function

Cons: 

• Further studies on mice have shown limited results, and subsequent human studies have been inconclusive in regard to the effect of maca consumption for increasing penis size or sexual function. As reported by WebMD, while supplementing maca might be safe, there is no concrete evidence of its ability to enhance penis size

Horny Goat Weed

Horny goat weed is one of the most commonly included ingredients used for penis supplements, claiming to help with sexual function and improving penis size. A traditional Chinese remedy, horny goat weed has sparked controversy when a well-known product – claimed to work by many men – was found to include traces of Sildenafil, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). There can be significant health risks associated with consuming penis enlargement pills tainted with hidden ingredients.

Pros: 

• Reports claim that horny goat weed increases nitric oxide synthesis (which helps improve blood flow to the penis), which aids in the inhibition of PDE5, the chemical that causes ED
• Observations have shown horny goat weed can aid in treating ED in elderly and diabetic animals
• There have been few reported adverse effects of horny goat weed consumption.

Cons:

• Horny goat weed has been shown to be poorly absorbed in the bloodstream, and has a relatively short half-life, meaning it is excreted by the body quickly post-consumption
• Credible studies have yet to prove horny goat weed is an effective aid for penis enhancement

As outlined by an  NIH report, the effects of these four herbal supplements for increased penis size is unclear, at best. While some observational studies may link consumption of various herbs to a positive outcome for patients who may suffer from sexual dysfunction, no scientific studies can validate these claims. Furthermore, the psychological effects of ED and other sexual dysfunctions may be worsened by consuming such supplements. How? Well, let’s put it into perspective. If you have sexual performance anxiety, you may be struggling to get hard, or stay hard. If you’re taking a product in the hope that it can help you to get an erection, or even keep an erection, and it doesn’t, it’s going to have a knock-on effect on your confidence.

If you’re considering adding a supplementation protocol to your diet in order to combat ED or attempt to increase the size of your penis, you should consult your doctor or medical professional to ensure the best course of action.

So, do penis enlargement pills work?

There is no pill that can increase penis size. This comes down to the fact that the penis is a tissue, and there is no product that can increase tissue size. In terms of helping to get an erection, there are erectile dysfunction treatments which can help to increase penis size, but this is only for men who are having difficulty fulling their potential when it comes to getting an erection.

These treatments have been medically approved and are backed by scientific research. Penis growth pills or any non-licensed products claiming to enhance penis size are not.

In fact, there isn’t a non-medical treatment that is licensed or has been proven to work.

Side effects and risks

Research indicates that common ingredients in products marketed to enhance penis size can cause anxiety, hallucinations, and mood changes. A penis pill may even affect the functioning of the heart, especially if you are taking medication to treat a heart condition.

Are there any penis enlargement pills that work?

There is a lack of evidence to support the effectiveness of any product which claims to give you a bigger penis. Any product which claims to do this should be treated with suspicion.

Licensed treatments are effective in overcoming ED

The following medications do not grow the size of the penis but help to increase blood flow to the penis upon sexual arousal. This can help to increase the size of the erect member, helping to achieve a level of firmness which is suitable for sexual activity.

Viagra (sildenafil citrate)

One of the most commonly used medications to combat erectile dysfunction is Viagra, which contains the active ingredient sildenafil. Also referred to as the blue pill, this is to be taken 30 mins before sex and can last for up to 4 hours. 

Although Viagra is unable to make penis bigger naturally, it can help to achieve a firmer erection by increasing blood flow to penis.

Cialis (tadalafil)

Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil, and is commonly referred to as ‘the weekend pill.’ Consumed 30 mins prior to sex, this medication can aid in blood flow to the penis for up to 36 hours. 

For those that do not like the idea of taking a tablet before sex, and would like spontaneity in their sex life, tadalafil is also available in a lower dose tablet, which can be taken daily.

Levitra (vardenafil)

Levitra is another commonly used erectile dysfunction treatment, which contains the active ingredient vardenafil. Available as a 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablet, Levitra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, aiding in the ability to achieve an erection.  Like Viagra, the effects of vardenafil last 4-6 hours, and occur roughly 30 minutes after ingestion.

Alternatives to penis growth pills

If you’re considering a male enhancement aid in order to achieve a fuller, harder erections, there are a number of devices, tools and protocols available on the market today. Listed below are some of the most commonly used, and some pros and cons to watch out for before making an educated decision. 

Penis pumps 

Also known as a vacuum pump, these devices work by drawing blood into the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. Unlike traditional erectile dysfunction treatments, these devices do not require men to take medication in order to achieve an erection.

Pros: 

• Penis pumps can increase penis size temporarily
• Penis pumps can help to achieve and maintain an erection

Cons:

• Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) like penis pumps can be harmful if used incorrectly
• They require an element of preparation that needs to be done before sex, removing the element of spontaneity

Cock rings

Occasionally referred to as penis constriction bands, cock rings are used to keep blood in the penis for an extended period to help keep an erection.   

Pros: 

• Reducing the drainage of blood from an erect penis can help to improve the quality of erections by making them stronger, and longer lasting.
• Using a cock ring can delay orgasm intensifying the pleasure of sex. They make your penis harder for longer as they slow the flow of blood from your penis during intercourse

Cons: 

• Excessive or prolonged use of penis constriction bands can result in damage to the tissues surrounding the base of the penis
• Overly prolonged use (more than 30 minutes or more) can damage the penis, due to the lack of circulation caused by trapping flow of blood back to the body
• Impaired sensation, attributed to exceeding the recommended 30-minute usage time

Traction devices

Many devices claim to offer penis extension by means of using suction and stretching methods in order to increase size. Systems such as a bell and sleeve apparatus claim to work by attaching a weight to the end of the penis which – if worn for the designated length of time – alleges to lengthen the shaft of the male member. It applies small amounts of force on the penis over long periods of time. This causes small micro tears in the penis that continually heal over time making the penis longer and even thicker.

Pros:

• Temporary length and girth increases claimed with continued use over a length of time.

Cons:

• On average, traction devices require substantial time commitments to achieve what may be limited, temporary or unclear results. Many systems suggest the user wears the device for multiple hours per day, over a period of several months
• This method does not improve sexual function. On the contrary, it may cause erectile dysfunction.

Surgery - Cutting the suspensory ligament

Penis enlargement surgery is the most invasive method associated with efforts to increase penis size – and it may also represent the only way to permanently achieve a desired result. As determined by the Urology Care Foundation, the need for penis enlargement surgery should only legitimately be observed for those born with a micropenis, identified with a stretched length of 7.5 cm.

Pros:

• By injecting fat into the penis or cutting the suspensory ligament of the penis (a procedure known as Suspensory ligament division surgery, or ligamentolysis) to facilitate lengthening procedures, the girth or overall size of the male member can be permanently enhanced.

Cons: 

• Surgery to cut the suspensory ligament of the penis is not recommended by many healthcare professionals, and no true data can verify the permanent results of this invasive procedure. 
• The main side effects of this procedure include recurrence, penile shortening, and the lack of penile support during erection, which may result in difficulty with sexual intercourse and penetration.
• Poor satisfaction rates make this surgical technique not favourable for many patients.

Surgery - Tissue grafting

Another technique for increasing width or length involves the surgical procedure of tissue grafting.  These penis enlargement methods take a piece of skin and fat layer (graft) from another place on the body, and sews the graft onto the shaft of the penis. 

Pros:

• If successfully performed, surgical tissue grafting is one of the few penile enhancement procedures that offers a permanent solution.

Cons:

• Tissue grafting procedures have not proven to be safe methods of achieving permanent penis enhancement.
• The procedure may cause infection or scarring that could potentially deform the shape of the penis.
• Tissue grafting could potentially affect the ability to achieve an erection.

Fat or chemical injection

Another form of penile enhancement surgery, penile thickening procedures involve injecting chemical ready fillers or fat under the skin of the penis. 

Pros: 

• Dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid can provide temporary girth increases to the penis. Similar to facial fillers, the compounds injected under the skin safely dissipate over time.
• Fat injections, through which fat is removed from the stomach area and injected into the penis.

Cons:

• The invasiveness of fat injections requires significant healing times, during which the penis remains wrapped for five days. Showering is prohibited for 10 days post-procedure
• Both fat and chemical filler procedures are relatively painful procedures with no guarantee of achieving the desired result
• Both methods are temporary

Exercises 

Exercises such as kegels can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles in order to improve blood flow to the genitals, help control the sensations that can lead to premature ejaculation, and aid in the achievement of a fuller, firmer erection. Techniques such as jelqing may aid in the temporary size increase of the erect penis, thanks to micro tears which heal to augment the appearance of the male member.

Pros:

• Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can have a number of health benefits and decrease the likelihood of premature ejaculation.
• Maintaining any form of exercise routine – including working out the penis and connected muscles of the genital area – is always a healthy, natural way to promote proper erectile function.

Cons:

• Excessive jelqing or penile stretching exercises can result in damaging the sensitive skin of the penis shaft
• Pelvic floor exercises have no effect on penis size

Can vitamins help with penis growth?

There are no vitamins for penis growth. Again, the penis is a tissue which stops growing at puberty.

Certain vitamins can help with improving blood flow – which means you may be able to achieve a firmer erection due to improved blood supply – but no vitamin will increase penis size.

Why it’s unlikely that you need a bigger penis

It’s actually highly unlikely that you need pills for penis growth. This notion is usually due to feelings of insecurity that have been exacerbated by watching pornography or being subjected to “macho locker room talk”. Studies published by the NIH have shown that most men think the average penis size is 6 inches, when in fact, it is between 5.1 – 5.5 inches.

This Research Gate study reports on the severity of penile dysmorphophobic disorder, a ‘secret obsession’ that causes many men to feel anxious and insecure about the size of their penis. 

Overcoming negative perceptions regarding penis size

Many men incorrectly assume that their partners desire a larger penis in order to be sexually satisfied. For most women, the clitoris on the outside of the vagina represents the erogenous zone most directly attributed to the onset of the female orgasm, debunking the misconception that a woman requires a large penis to reach climax.

Since some of the most sensitive areas of a woman’s body are found on the outside of the vagina, you don’t need a big penis (or any penis, really) to stimulate her into orgasm. During intercourse, a woman’s vagina encourages the deepening and widening of the penis and provides lubrication in order to enhance sexual arousal, further reducing the need for a particular size in order to enjoy the experience.

How to improve your confidence

There is no proven way to increase the size of your penis apart from surgery, which has its risks –ED being the main concern. In many respects, the act of surgical intervention is almost counterproductive to efforts that aim to improve sexual performance.  

There are things you can do if you are worried about your penis size that promote a healthy physical, mental, and emotional perception of your penis: 

Know what is average

Research has shown that most men looking into penis enlargement options actually have an average or above average penis size. Remember, 5.1-5.5 inches puts you within the average range.

Lose weight

An excessive beer belly can make your penis seem smaller than it is. Reducing abdominal fat can allow others – and yourself – to truly visualise the size of your penis. In addition to the overall health benefits associated with losing weight, shedding unnecessary belly fat may aid in boosting confidence and promoting a healthy self-image.

Speak to your partner

Communicating your feelings of insecurity can do wonders for your sex life – and help your partner engage in the kind of positive talk and action necessary to aid or alter your perception of your penis. Some men shy away from communicating their true feelings. Remember, a partner who supports and uplifts you is one that you’ll be able to share a deeper sexual connection with, so don’t be afraid to vocalise your fears.

Try counselling

Never underestimate the value of communication. Talking to a professional about your self-image – including any negative thoughts related to the size of your penis – can help uncover what may be connected and larger issues. There are several sexual health therapists available who have expertise in these particular areas – between their services and your healthcare professional’s resources, rest assured that help is readily available.

The bottom line

There are no pills, tablets, capsules, creams, or any product for that matter, that can increase the size of your penis. 

The only option is surgery, however, that comes with risks that are usually advised against, the biggest one being nerve damage, which can cause erectile dysfunction. 

You don’t need an enormous penis to satisfy your partner, and often, men have an unrealistic perception of what an average penis size is. In fact, a very big penis can be uncomfortable and painful for your partner, making sex a less pleasurable experience. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of ED, where you are finding it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection, there are licensed treatments to help. These are available from your doctor or pharmacist. 

You can also purchase these treatments from online providers, but you should ensure to do your research beforehand. 

Any products claiming to increase or grow the size of your penis are making false claims. Even in the case where products list natural ingredients, there is nothing to stop unregulated sellers from putting unknown or harmful ingredients in the products they sell.

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.