Search for how to make your penis bigger and you’ll find endless ‘exercises’ — jelqing, stretching, kegels and more. The honest answer is that most don’t enlarge the penis, and some can cause harm. Here’s what the evidence actually says, method by method.
Jelqing: does it work?
Jelqing is a repetitive squeezing-and-stroking technique promoted online for size. There is no reliable evidence that it permanently increases length or girth, and done forcefully it can cause bruising, pain, scarring and even erectile problems. We don’t recommend it.
Kegels (pelvic floor exercises)
Kegels are worth understanding because the claim is half-right. They do not make the penis bigger — but they do strengthen the pelvic floor, which can genuinely help erections and premature ejaculation. So they’re useful for function, just not for size.
Penis stretching and traction devices (extenders)
Mechanical traction is the one ‘stretching’ approach with some evidence. Wearing a medically designed extender for several hours a day over months can produce modest length gains in committed users.³ ‘Hanging’ weights, by contrast, is risky and not recommended. Traction is slow and modest — not a quick fix.
What about pumps?
Vacuum pumps create a temporary erection and short-lived engorgement, but they do not permanently increase size — see do penis pumps work?.
What actually works
- For length: traction (modest, with sustained use) and, for suitable men, surgery — see can surgery increase penis size? and how to make your penis bigger, safely.
- For girth: hyaluronic acid fillers or fat transfer.
- What doesn’t: pills, creams and ‘enlargement medicine’.
Get honest advice
Before spending time or money on ‘exercises’, a short assessment can tell you what’s realistic and safe for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does jelqing work?
No reliable evidence shows jelqing permanently increases size, and it can cause injury. We don’t recommend it.
Do kegels increase penis size?
No — but they strengthen the pelvic floor and can help erections and premature ejaculation, so they’re useful for function.
Do penis stretching devices (extenders) work?
Medically designed traction devices can give modest length gains with several hours’ daily use over months. Results are slow and vary between individuals.
What actually increases penis size?
Traction or surgery for length, and fillers or fat for girth — for the right candidate. Book a free phone call, or message us on WhatsApp at +44 7457 404374.
References
- Gontero P, et al. A pilot phase-II study of a penile-extender device in the treatment of ‘short penis’. BJU Int. 2009;103(6):793–797.
- European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines — penile augmentation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personal medical advice. All treatment decisions should follow consultation with a qualified professional.
Reviewed by the Clinical Team at London Andrology · Last reviewed: 2026
