Science & Proof
Discover the truth about Penis Enlargement
Does Penis Enlargement Actually Work?
Penis enlargement (PE) is often surrounded by scepticism and misinformation. While it's true that many dubious products, such as creams and pills, flood the market, science does provide evidence that mechanical devices can effectively enhance penile size. Let’s demystify the mechanics and biology behind PE devices, such as pumps, clamps, traction devices and attachments.
Understanding Penile Anatomy and Erection
To understand how PE devices work, it’s useful to have a grasp of the basics of penile anatomy and the mechanics of an erection. During sexual arousal, the nervous system initiates the release of neurotransmitters that relax the smooth muscles within the arterial walls of the penis. This relaxation causes vasodilation, allowing increased blood flow into the sinusoids of the corpora cavernosa. The corpora cavernosa are two sponge-like regions of erectile tissue which swell with blood, leading to an erection.
The rigidity of an erection is maintained by the tunica albuginea, a dense fibrous sheath surrounding the corpora cavernosa. When the corpora cavernosa expands, the tunica albuginea stretches and compresses the veins that normally drain blood from the penis, creating a low-flow state that sustains the erection. The outflow veins are trapped between the inflating balloons (the corpora cavernosa) and the tunica - this is called the veno-occlusive mechanism. The tunica is ultimately what determines the size of your penis - how far it can be inflated before there is no more flex.
The Role of Collagen
Collagen, the primary structural protein in the tunica albuginea, plays a key role in maintaining penile rigidity and shape. Collagen fibres in the tunica albuginea are organized in layers, providing strength and elasticity. When moderate tension is applied, these fibres deform elastically, returning to their original shape. However, with repeated, greater tension, the fibres can undergo plastic deformation, meaning they retain their stretched shape. This is the principle behind PE devices: to induce plastic deformation through controlled, repeated stretching.
Mechanisms of Penis Enlargement
PE devices work by leveraging the principles of tissue mechanics and cell biology to promote enlargement through two primary mechanisms:
- Mechanical Stretching:
- Pumps, Clamps and Traction Devices: These devices apply continuous or intermittent pressure or tensile forces, stretching the penis and the tunica albuginea along with the suspensory ligaments. Over time, this repeated stretching causes plastic deformation of the collagen fibres, resulting in increased penile length and girth. The process is similar (but not identical) to how skin can be stretched using progressively larger earrings, or how shortened tendons are rehabilitated through physiotherapy to become longer.
- Cellular Response:
- Mechanotransduction: Embedded within the collagen matrix are fibroblasts, cells responsible for producing collagen and maintaining tissue integrity. When stretched, fibroblasts undergo mechanotransduction, a process where mechanical signals are converted into cellular responses. This triggers the production of more collagen and other extracellular matrix components, reinforcing and expanding the tunica albuginea. Cell-stretch events also trigger the release of compounds which temporarily make the tunica more malleable.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PE devices. For instance, the “P-Long” pilot study (Brandeis, 2023 ) showed significant increases in penile length and girth using a combination of traction and vacuum devices over a six-month period. Although the study had a small sample size, the results indicated that such mechanical methods could be effective without adverse effects. Link
Another study explored the effects of vacuum erectile devices (VEDs) in a rat model with cavernous nerve injuries. This study focused on the therapeutic potential of VEDs to enhance penile length and improve erectile function, supporting the concept that mechanical devices can facilitate penile enlargement through cellular and tissue remodelling. Link
P-Long study final outcome
Beyond the scientific evidence, we have the “wisdom of the ancients” - practical knowledge accumulated over more than thirty years of internet-based PE communities. The routines we recommend are all based on both an understanding of the science and the wisdom of the many men who have successfully grown their penises.
Practical Considerations
While the science supports the potential of PE devices, success depends on consistent and correct application. It’s vitally important to follow recommended protocols to avoid injury and achieve desired results. Overuse or improper use of these devices can damage sensitive penile tissues, so caution and adherence to guidelines are paramount. With Fenrir’s products, you get not only safe and effective devices, but also great customer support and advice about routines for beginners and advanced PE'ers alike.
Conclusion
In summary, mechanical PE devices like pumps, clamps, traction devices and our attachment mechanisms do have a basis in scientific principles and can grow your penis when used properly. They operate by inducing plastic deformation in the collagen fibres of the tunica albuginea and triggering cellular responses that promote tissue growth. While these methods are not overnight solutions, they lead to significant and safe enlargement with sustained use over time.
For those considering PE devices, understanding the underlying science can help in making informed decisions. Proper use, consistency, patience, and realistic expectations are key to achieving successful outcomes.
For an even deeper dive
If you want to delve even deeper into the science of penis enlargement or learn more about tips and tricks, such as the use of infrared heat or combining clamping with pumping, or pumping with vibration, please have a look at Karl Wikman’s PE blog, hosted here. His blog covers a wide range of topics - both scientific and practical - all about growing a bigger and better penis.
Urologists Share Their Perspectives on Penis Extension and Traction Techniques
Expert Insights
Many renowned doctors and urologists have publicly expressed their outlook on penile extenders and traction devices as a treatment for penile curvature and for enlargement/lengthening. Some of the renowned names in this field shed some light on this topic as follows:
Dr. Matthew Ziegelmann
Urologist at Mayo Clinic
“Penile traction is the only treatment that has been clinically shown to increase penile length. It may also improve penile curvature and indentation. It is relatively inexpensive, has few side effects and can be done at home. This is much useful in Peyroni’s disease but also very helpful in increasing length.” (source)
Dr. Stefan Buntrock
Urologist, Germany
“Duration of traction is important in considering. Initially 3 hours and then up to 6-8 hours. Need commitment in wearing the devices for a long duration. Penile girth has not shown reduction in traction. Traction has been successfully used for thousands of years by humans for different body parts like earlobes, lips, necks, etc, so there’s reason to believe that it also works for the penis as well.” (source)
Dr. Rena Malik
M.D. Maryland
“You can gain a small amount of length with penile traction therapy and that has been shown in the literature. ” (source)
Dr. Neil Baum
Urologist. New Orleans
“The benefits from using a penis extender include an improvement in penile curvature, and you can also expect an increase in size and length of the penis.” (source)
Dr. Robert Chan
Urologist, California
“the results of penile traction as a treatment for penile curvature are pretty good” (source)
Research Work on Penis Extenders
Let’s look at some of the publicly available studies covering penis extenders and what their outcomes were:
University of Turin, Italy - 2011
Non-invasive methods of penile lengthening: fact or fiction?
Condition(s) Tested For: Treating men who are affected by 'short penis syndrome'.
Outcome of the Study: Results achieved do not seem to be inferior to surgery, making these traction devices an ideal first-line treatment option for patients seeking a penile lengthening procedure.
(source)
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA - 2019
Outcomes of a Novel Penile Traction Device in Men with Peyronie's Disease.
Condition(s) Tested For:Treating penile curvature.
Outcome of the Study: Significant and clinically meaningful improvements in penile curvature and length in men with Peyronie's disease.
(source)
University of Turin, Italy - 2008
Use of penile extender device in the treatment of penile curvature as a result of Peyronie's disease. Results of a phase II prospective study.
Condition(s) Tested For: Treating penile curvature, also called Peyronie’s disease.
Outcome of the Study: In our study, the use of a penile extender device provided only minimal improvements in penile curvature but a reasonable level of patient satisfaction, probably attributable to increased penile length.
(source)
University of Tehran, Iran - 2010
Effect of penile-extender devices in increasing penile size in men with a shortened penis: preliminary results.
Condition(s) Tested For: Increasing penile length and/or circumference.
Outcome of the Study: Our findings supported the efficacy of the device in increasing penile length. Our result also suggested the possibility of glans penis girth enhancement using a penile extender. Performing more studies is recommended.
(source)
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA - 2008
Penile traction therapy for the treatment of Peyronie's disease: a single-center pilot study.
Condition(s) Tested For: To evaluate prolonged external penile traction as a nonsurgical treatment for PD.
Outcome of the Study: Prolonged daily external penile traction therapy is a new approach for the nonsurgical treatment of PD. Further study appears warranted given the response noted in this pilot study
(source)