What is jelqing? Will it make my penis bigger?

Jelqing is an alleged penis enlargement technique that proponents claim involves repeatedly stretching penile tissue by hand. Despite claims you may see online, there is no solid, high-quality evidence that jelqing actually increases penis size. In fact, jelqing too aggressively or frequently may lead to side effects such as pain, bruising, scarring, or other injuries. Read on to learn if there is a way to jelq safely, what the research says about this technique, and alternatives to consider.

Jelqing is a penis stretching technique that proponents claim involves stretching and pulling the penis with the hand or a device to create micro-tears in penile tissue. As those micro-tears heal, these areas are said to thicken and expand, with the hope of increasing penis size.

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It is unlikely that jelqing works, especially when it comes to delivering significant results. 

Available research on increasing penile length has focused on traction devices, which involve wearing a device for hours per day for months at a time before results may be seen. For example:

• A 2009 study enrolled 15 participants who used the "Andro-Penis" device for at least four hours a day for six months, resulting in an average flaccid length increase of 2.3 cm.

• A 2011 study enrolled 23 participants who used the "Golden Erect" device for 4–6 hours a day at the outset and up to nine hours a day by the end of the three-month trial, leading to an average length increase of about 1.2 cm.

• A 2013 review of older studies suggests that wearing penis-stretching devices for hours a day over several months may result in length gains of 0.5–3 cm. However, the higher figures were reported mostly among people with Peyronie's disease who had also undergone surgery.

• A 2016 literature review concluded that penile traction therapy may be considered a noninvasive treatment option for people seeking to increase penile length, but acknowledged that existing studies were poorly designed and more research is needed.

There are several important considerations regarding these studies:

• They focus on traction devices, not manual jelqing performed by hand.

• The sample sizes were small, which limits confidence in the results.

• Participants often self-selected into treatment groups, meaning motivation or willingness to comply may have influenced outcomes.

• Results depended heavily on how consistently and correctly people used the device, which is difficult to measure or control.

• Devices and protocols varied widely across studies, making results difficult to compare or generalize.

• Long-term follow-up studies are lacking, so it is unclear whether the results were sustained.

But again, these studies are on penile traction devices and aren’t even about jelqing. To determine if jelqing by hand really is effective, we would need formal randomized clinical trials with large enough sample sizes. Much of the information we have is from anecdotal reports and, frankly, is not that impressive.

Jelqing is not a practice healthcare providers typically recommend, given concerns about both safety and efficacy.

"If it actually worked, don't you think everyone would be walking around with the biggest penis?" says Justin Dubin, MD, a board-certified urologist and men's health specialist.

Because of the limited research on jelqing, the safety of the practice is difficult to assess. A notable downside is that jelqing poses a risk of injury.

Dr. Dubin notes that the more frequently jelqing is performed, the higher the risk of injury — though he adds that patients have been injured after jelqing just once. In general, he advises against the practice.

Some potential side effects of jelqing include:

• Bruising

• Swelling

• Numbness

• Pain

• Irritation

There are also long-term risks associated with jelqing and penis stretching exercises more broadly.

Jelqing may increase the risk of developing Peyronie's disease, according to Dr. Dubin. This is a condition in which scar tissue forms under the skin, causing painful erections and a curve in the penis.

Developing these symptoms may also affect sexual satisfaction. Peyronie's disease may also lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).

“By jelqing, you’re not only potentially causing harm, but you’re also potentially doing the opposite of what your goal is, by creating ED or shortening of the penis,” Dr. Dubin says. 

Because there is no clinical research on jelqing, there are no official, science-backed instructions. Based on techniques available online and a review article that mentions the topic, the following is a general idea of how to jelq as safely as possible, though side effects may still occur:

1. Start with a semi-erect penis, and apply lubricant. (This should help reduce friction and prevent chafing.)  

2. Wrap your index finger and thumb around the base of your penis until they touch, forming a circle — the "okay" hand sign around the penile shaft.

3. Tighten the circle slightly to create pressure on the shaft. Avoid squeezing too tightly, as this should not be painful.

4. Slowly move your hand from the base to the head of the penis, applying light, consistent pressure.

5. When reaching the tip, slide your thumb and index finger back to the base and repeat for 5–20 minutes.

Be sure to stop jelqing if:

• Arousal leads to a full erection

• Any pain or discomfort develops

These jelqing steps are not backed by medical professionals. In fact, many (if not most) healthcare providers do not recommend the practice, Dr. Dubin says, which makes sense because there is no proof that it works.

The following tips may help reduce the risk of side effects while jelqing.

• Lubricate the penis. Lubricant is not strictly required, but using something to prevent chafing and irritation is advisable. Options include Vaseline, unscented lotion, or oil.

• Avoid jelqing when fully erect. Jelqing may work best (if it works at all) when the penis is not yet fully engorged. When fully erect, the penis is already filled with blood. Jelqing when partially aroused — but not fully erect — may be preferable.

• Stop if pain or discomfort develops. Jelqing should not be painful. If pain or irritation occurs, stopping immediately and allowing the penis to rest is recommended. Signs of penis injury, including bruising, red spots, or, in more severe instances, ruptured veins, or persistent pain, numbness, or irritation, warrant stopping jelqing and consulting a healthcare provider.

• Avoid overdoing it. If jelqing at all, it should be done no more than once or twice a day for 20 minutes at most. Jelqing has not been proven to help and frequent jelqing may lead to side effects, possibly including permanent damage or ED. Avoid applying too much pressure or force.

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In addition to the traditional jelqing technique, there are a couple of alternative approaches:

1. Alternative grip. Instead of making a circle with the fingers, the index finger can be placed on top of the shaft with the thumb below, in a pinching shape. Light pressure is applied while pulling from the base to the head.

2. Minimal lubrication technique. An alternative approach involves using minimal lubrication for more friction and control. Just enough lubricant should be used to protect the skin; light pressure is applied while moving slowly from base to head. Using too much lubrication may reduce friction and make pressure harder to control.

Neither of these approaches have any scientific evidence to support them. 

Penile traction devices 

Stretching devices, also known as traction devices, and sometimes called Jelqing tools, have more evidence behind them than manual jelqing. These should usually only be used if a healthcare provider prescribes them for a specific penile health-related reason, Dr. Dubin says.

Research suggests these devices may help treat a condition such as Peyronie's disease, caused by abnormal curvature of the penis, which can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider. These tools may also help those without Peyronie’s disease mildly increase penile length if used consistently over the course of months.

 These devices are often expensive and may appear intimidating. Examples include the"Andro-Penis" and"Golden Erect." They are typically made of metal rods and plastic rings and worn for several hours a day, applying stretching force to the penis with the aim of increasing penile length.

Noticeable results from jelqing are unlikely. Currently, there is no peer-reviewed research that supports the claim that manual jelqing is effective.

While research has not been conducted on jelqing, studies have examined whether penile traction therapy using devices could help increase penile length. The outcomes suggested that significant time and effort are required to see results from traction devices. 

Studies involving devices generally report outcomes after at least three months, during which participants may increase penis length (but not girth) by about 1–2 cm with consistent use of the device for several hours daily.

For those jelqing by hand for up to 20 minutes per day, results are unlikely — if they occur at all.

While jelqing is most likely ineffective at increasing penile length, there may be other options. Dr. Dubin suggests forgoing jelqing and instead consulting a urologist to discuss more evidence-based strategies, which include the following.

Surgery

In terms of permanent results, penis enlargement surgery is generally the most effective option. Several procedures are available that may increase length (or at least the appearance of length) and girth. 

Examples include severing the penis's internal ligament so the penis hangs lower, or inserting a permanent implant. All surgeries carry risks and benefits; consulting a healthcare provider to discuss the options is recommended.

Traction devices

Research on traction devices, or penis extenders, suggests potential for modestly increasing penile length when used consistently over time. These devices work by applying gentle, sustained traction to the penis and are typically worn for several hours per day over the course of months. They are commonly used for people with Peyronie's disease. However, Dr. Dubin notes these devices may also benefit people who have lost penile length due to a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or radiation therapy. Potential side effects include skin redness, minor discomfort, and temporary numbness.

Penis pumps 

Also called vacuum erection devices (VED), penis pumps work by using suction to increase blood flow to the penis, resulting in firmer erections. 

For those who experience weak erections or erectile dysfunction, a stronger erection during sex may create the perception of increased size. Penis pumps do not change the structure or length of the penis, however, and should not be used excessively, as overuse may cause injury.

Penis sleeves

A penis sleeve does not change the size of the penis. Rather, it is a sheath worn over the penis to increase length and girth. Some people find this approach enhances confidence during sex.

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The promise of a larger penis can be appealing, especially in a society that promotes the often-false idea that bigger is always better. For those interested in jelqing, the following is worth considering:

• There is no evidence that jelqing increases penis size. Research that is available on penile extender devices shows potential for slight improvements in penile length but requires wearing the device consistently for hours per day, over the course of months. 

• Jelqing may be dangerous, potentially causing short-term harm (e.g., bruising, irritation) and long-term harm (e.g., scarring). Over time, it may also increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.

• Many healthcare providers do not recommend jelqing because of its risks and lack of evidence. 

• If you are concerned about your penis size, speak with a healthcare provider, who can discuss alternatives to jelqing.