If you want to increase the size of your penis, there are several herbs or other medicinal plants you can use that may stimulate blood flow to the area and temporarily help it get fully erect. More permanent natural solutions to increase its length and width include making dietary changes, getting more exercise , and losing weight around your midsection. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Steps
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Try ginseng . Korean red ginseng is said to give the nervous system a boost through ginsenosides, a natural component of the plant. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence that ginseng causes the penis to get bigger, cisgender men who took ginseng extract tablets as part of a study in South Korea experienced better sexual function after taking the supplements for several weeks. [2] X Research source
- Ginseng contraindicates with several medications, and it can have negative side effects for people with certain cancers, heart disease, insomnia , and other disorders. Be sure to talk with your doctor before you begin taking ginseng regularly. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you're considering taking ginseng supplements, look for a supplement labeled American, Asian, or Korean ginseng and take 500 mg per day. [4] X Research source
- Since herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there is always a risk when taking them. Be sure to purchase the supplements from a reputable company, and never take more than the recommended dosage.
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Consider ginkgo biloba. This herb is often taken to boost memory, but it also helps with blood circulation and may enhance blood flow to the penis. According to a study conducted at the University of California, ginkgo is most effective at helping cisgender men on antidepressants that can lead to sexual dysfunction. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Another study found that ginkgo had no effect. Scientific data is inconclusive, but since gingko enhances memory and has relatively few side effects, it might be worth a try. Side effects of prolonged use may include headache, dizziness, upset stomach, heart palpitations, or constipation. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Gingko can be consumed as a tea or a supplement in the form of a capsule. Both forms of the herb are widely available in health food stores.
- Do not take gingko supplements if you have a history of seizures or you're on blood-thinning medication. See your doctor to make sure this supplement is safe for you to take. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Look into taking maca supplements. This powder is said to be an aphrodisiac and may have a positive effect on your libido. [8] X Research source It contains the phytochemicals macamides and macaenes, which are said to boost energy and help men maintain erections . [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Because few conclusive scientific studies have been conducted on this substance, it's best to proceed with caution. Be sure to discuss it with your doctor before you start adding this supplement to your daily routine.
- One study found maca root improved sexual performance in men with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, as well as improved libido. [10] X Research source
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Consider taking L-arginine. This is an amino acid that leads to increased blood flow, helping the penis get larger during an erection. A study conducted at Tel Aviv University showed that some cisgender men experienced improvements after taking the supplement for 6 weeks. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It's available in natural food stores, and the recommended dose is between 6 and 30 grams per day, typically split across 3 doses. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- This supplement should not be taken if you're on nitroglycerin for your heart, because it can cause a drop in blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about whether you should take L-arginine. [13] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
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Eat watermelon . It's not an herb, but it has properties that might help increase the size and duration of erections in a similar way to L-arginine. Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source This gets converted into arginine and leads to the dilation of blood vessels. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source The fact that watermelon contains citrulline is a relatively new finding, so no studies have been conducted to find out how well it really works or how much watermelon you'd have to eat to see the benefits. However, since watermelon is considered a superfood when it comes to men's health, you can't go wrong by eating plenty of it while it's in season. [16] X Research source
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Stop smoking . The size of your penis, whether it's flaccid or erect, depends on how much blood it contains. Using tobacco products causes the body's arteries to become narrower, which in turn reduces blood flow to the penis. If you smoke, you're inhibiting your penis from being as large as it could be. [17] X Research source
- One study revealed improvements in penile health as soon as 24 to 36 hours after stopping smoking. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Exercise regularly. Moving your body enhances circulatory health, strengthening the arteries that carry blood to your penis. If you don't exercise at all, your penis may not be realizing its full potential. Aim to get 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity 4 times per week, whether you want to go for a swim, a walk, a jog, or a bike ride. Any type of exercise will help increase blood flow to your penis. [19] X Research source
- However, there's no way to exercise your penis itself in a way that will make it get bigger. The penis is composed of smooth muscle, which doesn't increase in mass with exercise. [20] X Research source
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Exercise your pelvic floor . You may not be able to build up the penis itself through exercise, but if you strengthen your pelvic floor, your body will be better able to hold blood in your penis. The pelvic floor presses on the vein that keeps blood from leaving the penis during erections. You can strengthen your pelvic floor using Kegel exercises. A trial conducted in Britain concluded that cisgender men who performed Kegel exercises experienced better sexual function than those who made other lifestyle changes but didn't perform the exercises. [21] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- Find your pelvic floor by tightening the same muscle you use to stop your urine flow.
- Tighten and release the muscle 8 times. Rest and do it 8 more times, and again until you've done 3 or 4 sets.
- Do the exercises once a day for the best results.
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Lose belly fat . Your penis may look smaller than it really is if it's partially obscured by skin that droops over the top. Losing belly fat is no simple task, but it can make a big difference when it comes to the perceived size of your penis. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Start taking measures to lose weight, and you'll likely see improvement in other areas as well. According to a report from Harvard, people with a 42 in (110 cm) waist are 50% more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) than people with a 32 in (81 cm) waist. [23] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- A regular exercise regimen will help you slim down . Aim to do cardio exercises as well as weight training.
- Eat whole foods, like lean meat, fish, whole grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and healthy oils.
- Avoid refined and processed foods, excessive sugar and starch, and hydrogenated oils.
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Try penis-enhancing devices. There are a few simple, non-invasive devices you can use to help your penis grow and stay enlarged long enough to have sex. If your aim is to have a bigger, firmer erection without using drugs or invasive treatments, try one of these devices:
- A penis ring. This works by holding blood in the penis when it becomes engorged during an erection. Your penis will temporarily be larger and stiffer. [24] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- A penis pump . It's a vacuum device that fits around the penis. When you operate a hand pump, it draws blood into the penis and keeps it erect temporarily. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Stay away from products claiming to increase penis size. Since wanting a larger penis is such a common desire, there are a lot of scammers out there making promises they can't back up. There is no magic potion that will make your penis grow, so don't waste your money or jeopardize your health by falling prey to a company that promises to permanently give you a bigger penis with its product. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Not only are these products unlikely to be an effective way to enhance your penis size, but they may also be unsafe.
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Be wary of “herbal Viagra” products. These are cocktails of the herbs known to increase blood flow to the penis, but since they aren't regulated by the FDA, it's difficult to know what the side effects might be. Some may also contain non-herbal or non-natural ingredients, potentially leading to severe side effects and complications. [27] X Research source It's better to try herbs one at a time, controlling your dosage so that you don't accidentally take too much.
- Avoid ordering products online, even if the site selling them looks legitimate.
- If you do end up buying such a product, be cautious. Be sure not to try any type of penis-enhancement product until you check with your doctor.
- Some of these “herbal Viagra” products actually do contain sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), but in unknown and potentially unsafe dosages. Sildenafil is FDA-approved only when prescribed by a medical professional or used under medical supervision. [28] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
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Don't bother with stretching or weight-hanging. These two techniques are said to lengthen the penis, and in some cases, they do. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source However, stretching hasn’t yet been shown to increase the girth of the shaft or glans of the penis, potentially leading to a thinner-looking penis as it gets longer. [30] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source The only time to use a penis stretcher is after having surgery, when it's necessary to prevent the accumulation of scar tissue.
- If you need to stretch your penis for medical reasons, your doctor can show you how to do it safely using special traction devices.
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Think it through carefully before getting surgery. Surgical penis enlargement, or phalloplasty, has unfortunate side effects. With this surgical procedure, the penis is extended in length, but at the likely sacrifice of function. Side effects of enlargement procedures may include erectile dysfunction, scarring, a bend or kink in the new penis shape, a loss of sensation in the penis, or infection. [31] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Looking into natural solutions is a much better bet.
- Phalloplasty is used to build up a very small penis, also called a “micropenis,” and in these cases, the surgery is beneficial. However, phalloplasty performed on an average-length penis can lead to erectile dysfunction, scarring, and deformity.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- If you struggle with anxiety or low self-esteem related to the size of your penis, talk to your doctor or a therapist. They may be able to suggest emotional coping skills along with possible medical solutions.Thanks
- There's nothing wrong with having a smaller penis. The size and shape of your body do not determine your individual worth.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/penis/art-20045363
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3861174/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19105-ginseng-capsules-or-tablets
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3861174/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9611693/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-ginkgo/art-20362032
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046488
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6494062/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38440178/
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6494062/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10233492/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22536-l-arginine
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623031322
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-watermelon/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/citrulline-benefits
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10718552/
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3235242/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17270641/
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5960035/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-about-sex/201101/the-rare-truth-about-penis-size
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/5-natural-ways-to-overcome-erectile-dysfunction
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/penis/art-20045363
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/5-natural-ways-to-overcome-erectile-dysfunction
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/files/org/urology-kidney/fact-sheets/erectile-dysfunction-fact-sheet.ashx
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/penis/art-20045363
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/penis/art-20045363
- ↑ https://www.livescience.com/52508-lamar-odom-herbal-viagra.html
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/public-notification-herb-viagra-male-sexual-stimulant-contains-hidden-drug-ingredient-0
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/penis/art-20045363
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20102448/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23530-penis-enlargement-surgery
About This Article
While there’s not a lot of evidence that herbs can actually increase your penis size, some herbs may promote better blood flow and help you achieve stronger erections. To boost your erections, try taking ginkgo in capsule or tea form, since it may help increase blood flow to your penis. You could also take 1 gram of L-arginine supplements 3 times a day, which may help you get an erection after taking it for several weeks. Alternatively, try 500 milligrams of Korean ginseng root per day, which has been shown in one study to improve sexual performance. Remember to consult with your doctor before using any supplements if you are taking medications or have a history of medical disorders, since they can sometimes have negative side effects. If you’d rather try another non-invasive treatment, consider using a penis ring, which fits over your penis and helps retain blood so it stays hard. For tips on how to make your penis look bigger with diet and exercise, read on!