Penis Enhancement: Myth, Fact, and Science.
Is it possible?
In recent years, discussions surrounding penis enlargement have become increasingly prevalent, fueled by societal pressures and personal desires for enhanced physical attributes. With the advancement of medical technology, guys are often curious about the latest innovations in this field. However, it's crucial to approach this topic with care, prioritizing accurate information and the physical and financial well-being of my patients and prospective patients.
Before delving into the latest technological advancements, it's essential to understand the current landscape of penis enlargement options. Traditional methods, such as pumps, exercises, and supplements, have been around for decades, but their effectiveness and safety may vary. Most of them are completely useless, yet the market is valued at over 5 billion dollars per year! Surgical procedures, including penile implants, collagen, and fat transfer, offer more permanent results but also come with risks and potential complications. I recently took care of a gentleman struggling with complications from a surgical procedure. The procedure was very out-dated, very expensive for what it was, and did not have a great outcome. Even more concerning, if we had not acted in time, he could have lost his penis from the inflammation and smoldering infection.
For a long time, I was very reluctant to publicize that I offer penile enhancement. Nothing says QUACK like a doctor promising to make your penis bigger. It is a delicate subject that I prefer to engage with one-on-one with my patients. However, this experience has inspired me to officially offer this service in a safe and effective manner, and to educate the public about what works, what is promising, and what to avoid. I am often called the “Dick Doc” by my patients, something 16 your old me would cringe to hear, but I would rather people come to me for real-talk, realistic expectations, and safe procedures than to jump into harm’s way in the wild west of the sexual health industry.
Treatments that work:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets derived from the patient's blood into the penis. This approach aims to stimulate tissue regeneration and increase blood flow, potentially leading to improved size and function. The process leads to gradual gains and can take 4-6 injections, usually done once per month. It works best when combined with pinning and stretching. In the current market there is a huge variety of PRP services being offered. PRP quality varies based on the amount of blood used and the type of kit used. I recommend using a concentrating system using at least 120 ml of whole blood. Avoid providers that use gel tube systems. These are quick, easy, and much cheaper, but you get about 8x less PRP per treatment.
Penis Extender Devices: Modern penis extender devices utilize traction technology to gradually stretch the penile tissue over time. These devices are designed to be worn discreetly under clothing and are often used in conjunction with other treatments for enhanced results. These, combined with PRP, are my most evidence based treatment and have surprised me with consistent results. These are best for achieving length. You must be very careful to only buy devices that do not pull too hard (6 pounds of pressure is the max for most). I usually give my a patients a very specific device that best suits there needs.
Pumping Devices: on their own, pumps do not work that well, but when combined with PRP, it significantly increases size over months of dedicated use. These are best for increasing girth. Short pulses of 1-2 minutes are better than long sessions at high pressure. High pressures can cause scarring and reduced size, so these are best when medically managed.
Topical Verapamil: this cream increases blood flow to the tissue and works well to restore size, especially in those that are experiencing Peyronie’s disease, which is a form of fibrosis that causes a shortening curve of the penis.
What Doesn’t Work Well:
Aggressive stretching, pinning, and pumping: doing any of these things too much can cause scarring, which can lead to loss of size rather than an increase
Collagen or Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: these plumping agents are injected under the skin to enlarge the girth of the penis. These procedures are the most common causes of complications that I have seen in my practice. So much so that I will not offer them. The results are often lumpy, uneven, and short-lived.
Over the counter pills and creams: these are very common and not a single one has been shown to induce lasting penile enhancement. These are almost always a scam.
Hormone therapy: Applying testosterone or DHT is unlikely to provide any benefit. The window for hormonal assisted growth closed after puberty. These methods do work for adolescents are are usually started prior to or at the onset of puberty.
Red Light Therapy or any other electric stimulation: these only temporarily increase blood flow (for a few minutes)
Implants: these work very well for size but often cause loss of sensation, ED, scarring, and other unwanted side effects.
Promising Treatments:
Stem Cell Therapy: harvesting and using your own stem cells is very promising and would likely be effective. However, in the USA, true stem cell therapy is not allow. Medically speaking, we are one of the least free and democratic nations on the planet. Doctors are allowed to do minimally manipulated grafts of stem cell rich tissue, usually from fat or bone marrow, but these tissues are not appropriate for use in the erectile tissue due to concerns about the other cells and how they may negatively impact that delicate space. I do not recommend these at this time.
Exosomes and Placental Matrix products: these are signaling molecules that are harvested from around stem cells. These show great promise, but more research is needed to fully understand their optimal use and safety. I am sometimes called on to consult as a expert witness to defend doctors who have caused harm with these products. Most cases, I am not willing to defend because their use was not appropriate or given with appropriate consent.
What are some realistic outcomes? Every patient I have treated has had an increase in length and girth. Outcomes can not be guaranteed, but here are some recent examples:
Patient 1: Goal was to increase length and girth
Start size 5.25 inches x 3.2 inches
Ending size 6.0 inches x 4.2 inches
Treatment: 3 total PRP injections, shockwave therapy (for ED), and daily pumping (pulsed for 10 minutes)
Total time since starting treatment: 1 year
Patient 2: Goal was to increase length as quickly as possible to for better compatibility with their sexual partner.
Starting size: 5.125 inches
Current Length: 5.85 inches
Treatment: 1 PRP injection per month for 3 months, every other day pinning for 4-5 hours, every other day pumping for 10-20 minutes (pulsed).
Total time since starting treatment: 4 months.
What is the maximum possible?
This depend on how much you are starting with since growth is usually a percentage of what you already have
For most men 4-5 inches in length, we see a 1 to 1.5 inch increase as the likely maximum improvement with a realistic amount of time and investment
Girth increase is usually similar, and easier to obtain than length.
While the latest technological advancements offer promising possibilities for penis enlargement, it's essential to approach these options with caution. Potential risks and limitations exist with any medical procedure, and individuals should thoroughly research and consult with qualified medical professionals before making any decisions.
Furthermore, it's crucial to recognize that self-esteem and body image issues are complex and multifaceted. While physical enhancements may provide temporary satisfaction, true confidence and fulfillment often stem from self-acceptance and personal growth. It is important to understand if your desire for a larger penis comes from a healthy place or not.
As technology continues to advance, new options for penis enlargement emerge, offering potential benefits for individuals seeking enhancement. However, it's essential to approach these options with careful consideration, prioritizing safety, and informed decision-making. Consulting with qualified medical professionals and addressing underlying psychological factors are crucial steps in achieving satisfaction and well-being.
If you are considering penis enlargement therapy of any kind, I would be glad to offer you a free consult and point you in the right direction. You can schedule online at sagemed.co or call my patient care coordinator team at 425-679-6056.