Penis Weights and Stretching Devices: What’s Safe, What’s Not

Penis enlargement has long been a topic of curiosity among men. And there are definitely plenty of gadgets and products out there — like penis weights — promising to increase penis size.

But do penis weights work? And is it possible to lengthen the penis through traction or gravity-based techniques?

Short answer: There’s little evidence to back the safety and effectiveness of these penile stretching devices.

In this article, we’ll discuss penile weights in more detail and outline the research on these devices.

Penis weights are devices designed to stretch penile tissue by applying gentle pressure, typically using hanging weights or a heavy ball.

The goal? To gradually encourage elongation over time.

These devices attach to the penis with a strap or harness. You can position them near the head (glans) or along the penis shaft.

Because there’s no formal research on penis weights, there’s no clear guidance on how long you should wear them.

The idea of stretching to achieve a bigger penis isn’t exactly new. Cultures around the world have experimented with penis enlargement and traction devices for thousands of years.

Some historical accounts suggest that Egyptian pharaohs experimented with penile stretching methods for cultural or ritual reasons.

Going back almost 2,000 years, people in India used penile and foreskin stretching.

Additionally, a technique called jelqing dates back to ancient Sudanese tribes in the Middle East. Some people still practice it today. The technique involves applying repeated pressure along the length of a semi-erect penis, stopping short of climax, with the goal of promoting tissue expansion.

There’s no proven scientific evidence that jelqing is effective, but some people believe it works like weightlifting — repeated tissue damage causes the body to create new tissue.

Penis weights supposedly work by tissue expansion. Tissue expansion is how doctors treat severe burns.

The thinking goes like this:

• Apply gentle, consistent force to the penis.

• Over time, the tissues stretch and grow.

The goal is to increase size by stretching the erectile tissue inside the penis (called the corpora cavernosa), though this outcome hasn’t been scientifically confirmed.

There’s no evidence that penis weights can increase penis length.

And they may actually be dangerous if you use them incorrectly.

A 2023 case study reports the situation of a 24-year-old man who inserted his penis into a 3-kilogram (6.6-pound) weight plate, hoping it would enhance his penile appearance or strength. Instead, he lost blood flow to the area and needed surgery to remove the weight.

Penile stretching with traction devices might be a potential treatment for Peyronie’s disease, a condition that causes a curvature of the penis. But you should consult a medical professional before trying anything on your own.

What About Testicular Stretching Devices?

Testicle stretching has become a popular online trend, with some claiming it boosts testosterone. But there’s no evidence to back this up.

Older research on rats suggests testicle stretching could damage the spermatic cord and even cause testicle shrinkage.

The evidence behind penis weights is slim, but can you stretch your penis to achieve greater length with traction devices?

Traction devices or “penis extenders” apply penile traction, a stretching force. It works similarly to the tension applied when separating two connected objects — a steady, consistent pull over time.

Traction might have a small impact on penile length in men with Peyronie’s disease.

In one recent study, researchers found that the RestoreX traction device increased penis length in 95 percent of men with Peyronie’s disease. Sixty-one percent of the study participants had curvature improvements. Those treated for 6 months saw an average increase of 2.0–2.2 centimeters (a little under an inch).

Another 2022 study suggests stretching devices may be able to increase penis length in men who have recently undergone prostate removal (slight shortening of the penis is a potential complication of this surgery).

But it’s not safe to stretch your penis with traction devices or penis weights without the supervision of a medical professional. And there’s no research to show these devices can help people without specific medical conditions.

The risks of using penis weights definitely outweigh the benefits. Let’s go over a few potential side effects.

Tissue Damage

There’s little to no reliable research focused specifically on the use and safety of penile weights. But based on medical case studies and basic principles of anatomy, excessive stretching of any organ can potentially cause damage and lead to complications.

Overuse or improper use of penis weights can damage penile tissue, resulting in scarring that could negatively affect your sexual health or ability to achieve an erection.

Applying a large force to the end of your penis could also potentially damage the ligaments at the base of the penis.

Pain and Discomfort

Unsurprisingly, penile weights can lead to pain and discomfort, ranging from mild soreness to more severe pain if you wear the device for too long.

A complete loss of blood flow due to weights getting stuck on your penis can be painful, and is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.

Erectile Dysfunction

Improperly using penis weights or traction devices could cause nerve damage or circulation problems, which could lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).

Learn how to keep your penis healthy.

Your genetics largely determine penis size. While there aren’t many reliable ways to increase in size, there are options to boost your sexual health and enhance pleasure.

Here are some of these alternatives.

Penis Pumps

Penis pumps are devices that use vacuum pressure to temporarily help you achieve and maintain an erection. In the short term, they may make your erection firmer and bigger than usual, but they can’t permanently lengthen your penis.

Surgery

Some men opt for surgical procedures like penis enlargement surgery to increase penis size. But like many other types of surgery, these procedures come with risks, including:

• Scarring

• Loss of sensation

• Trouble with erectile function

Surgery is usually a last resort option.

Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

Kegels are exercises for strengthening pelvic floor muscles. They can potentially help improve bladder and bowel function, and some research suggests they may help treat ED or premature ejaculation.

But these exercises can’t make your penis longer.

Penis Fillers

Penile fillers, just like facial fillers, involve injecting substances like hyaluronic acid into the penis. They don’t increase length, but can make your penis look thicker when it’s both flaccid and erect. Possible risks include swelling, lumps, pain, and changes in appearance.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to manage expectations and determine if fillers are suitable for you.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle probably won’t make your penis bigger. But the following lifestyle changes may help you support your overall sexual health:

• Exercising regularly

• Eating a balanced diet

• Getting adequate sleep

• Taking steps to reduce stress

• Getting help for psychological issues, such as performance anxiety or body dysmorphia disorder

• Seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction

Consultation with a Professional

Concerned about the size of your penis or worried about your sexual function? It’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional like a urologist.

They can provide reassurance that your penis is a typical size and tell you if you may benefit from medical treatment.

They can also recommend safe and effective treatment options for other sexual function issues, like ED.

Many herbal products and supplements market themselves as “penis enhancers,” but there’s no evidence that any penis pills can make your penis larger.

There’s no reason to believe penis weights can increase penis size, length, or girth. Let’s recap what we know about penis weights:

• These devices can be harmful. Using penile weights or unsupervised traction devices can increase the risk of tissue damage, especially without medical guidance.

• Trendy products or methods are everywhere. Despite there being no research to back up their use, plenty of companies will try to sell you potentially dangerous penis enlargement products.

• Penis traction may help people with Peyronie’s disease. But even then, it’s important to use the devices under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

If you’re concerned about the length of your penis, consider talking to a healthcare provider. You might be surprised to learn that you fall into the typical size range.

Looking for help with other sexual function issues like ED? Connect with a healthcare provider today.