The Ultimate Penis Extender Guide (2022)
If you’ve ever worried that your penis is smaller than average, you’re not alone. According to the research, 45% of men are unsatisfied with the size of their penis.
If you’re one of them, don’t worry — there may be something you can do about it with the help of a penis extender. These nifty contraptions claim to be able to add inches to your pleasure stick and turn your chipolata into a meaty bratwurst.
Today, we’re going to be figuring out if they really deliver on their promises, or whether it’s all just one big marketing myth.
We’ll also be telling you all you need to know about penis extenders and how they work, sharing our top recommendations for the best products on the market, and answering all your other burning questions.
I’m willing to wager that even those of you who consider yourselves well-endowed wouldn’t say no to an extra inch or two down there, am I right? So make sure you stick around and find out how to make that a reality.
What is a Penis Extender?
An important foreword: Before we get into the meat of this article, I want to point out that we’re not doctors here. We’ve done our best to provide you with accurate information, but under no circumstances should you treat the information here as medical advice.
In a nutshell, a penis extender is a device that uses traction to stretch your penis. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes but are typically made up of four parts:
- A basal ring, which presses against your pelvis area (the base of your shaft)
- Two metal extension arms that run along the side of your shaft
- A headpiece that sits at the top
- Fasteners that attach to the headpiece to secure it to your penis.
They’re designed to be worn on your penis throughout the day in a flaccid state, with the springs in the extension arms adjusted to apply gentle tension to it.
The premise it works on is gloriously simple. The basic idea is that, over time, the extender will literally ‘stretch’ out your flaccid penis and add centimeters or inches to your length and girth. It might sound a little crazy, but this is one of the only methods that has been shown in some studies to legitimately increase the size of your penis.
Penile extender products were actually initially created for medical purposes to reduce penile curvature. As they’re medical devices, you won’t find them in most sex shops. However, there are tons of these kinds of products available online, some of which are more safe and effective than others.
Penis Extenders vs Penis Pumps
Before we move on, I want to clear something up real quick: penis extenders are NOT the same as penis pumps. A lot of people have the misconception that they are one and the same, but they’re very different.
Unlike penis expanders, there is no evidence that penis pumps lead to permanent size gains. They’re designed to help men get and maintain erections and are a treatment option for erectile dysfunction.
Penis pumps temporarily enlarge your penis with blood via a vacuum mechanism, which may temporarily cause it to appear larger than your usual erections, but this effect will wear off as soon as you stop using it.
A penis extender, on the other hand, is a mechanical traction device that is built to physically stretch the penis over time for permanent size gains.
Another important difference between the two is that penis expanders are meant to be worn for many hours each day, whereas penis pumps are meant to be used for no longer than 30 minutes at a time.
If you tried to use a penis pump for the same length of time as an extender, you’d end up injuring yourself and causing serious damage to your penis.
How They Work
Penis extenders claim to work based on a principle called ‘cell duplication.’ Cell duplication is a natural biological process that leads to muscular hypertrophy. It’s the same principle you follow when you work out at the gym.
In the gym, when we lift weights, we stretch our muscles and work them hard, which causes microscopic tears to appear in the muscle fiber. Our bodies then try to ‘repair’ those tears while we’re resting via cell duplication. During this repair process, our bodies build new muscle cells, which causes our muscles to get larger as they heal.
The same thing is happening when you use an extender. You’re applying traction to your penis, which is stretching it out and causing microtears, triggering that cell duplication and starting the growth process.
Most extenders have adjustable traction strength. The traction level is essentially the ‘stretching power’ of your penis extender and is given in units of weight.
Again, we can draw parallels with weightlifting here. As your muscles get stronger in the gym, you have to start increasing the weight that you lift if you want to keep growing. In the same way, you can adjust the traction level of your penis expander to the appropriate level for you.
Do They Really Work?
The short answer to this question is: yes, probably.
The longer answer is that nobody’s completely sure. Various studies seem to suggest that penis extenders work, but doctors are quick to point out that more research is still needed to confirm how effective they are and what risks — if any — they come with.
For example, one study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found encouraging results when they looked at the effect of penis expanders in increasing penis size in men with shortened penises.
They measured the penis size of each of the participants before beginning, and again after three months of wearing an extender device for 4–6 hours per day. By the end of the study, they found the average length of the participants’ penises (flaccid) was 1.5 cm longer.
Other studies show similarly promising results, but results are variable. One seemingly consistent finding is that gains are usually just a few centimeters. Adding 3 inches or more is not likely to happen.
But again, I’d like to remind you that we’re not doctors. We’ve done our best to research this topic thoroughly, but we’re not qualified medical professionals and can’t tell you for certain how effective or any particular penile extender is.
Some studies suggest that these products can be effective, and this possible effectiveness is acknowledged by many urologists, but nobody knows for sure. Some extenders may not work at all, and some may even be dangerous.
The best advice I can give you is to make sure you research any product you plan on using thoroughly first and speak to your doctor.
Are They Safe?
Most penis extenders should be relatively safe if used correctly and with caution. However, there are some risks you should be aware of. Not all devices will be safe, and some can cause harm.
They can cause problems like bruising, nerve damage, blood clots, and even a fractured penis (ouch) if used incorrectly. They can also be uncomfortable to use, and some men report experiencing pain when using them.
Again, make sure you talk to your doctor before trying any extender products to make sure it’s suitable for your needs. Certain conditions (like hemophilia and incontinence) or a history of surgeries may increase your risk of injury.
The best way to minimize your risk is to:
- Avoid applying traction that you can’t handle.
- Don’t use it for longer/more frequently than specified in your manufacturer’s instructions.
- Listen to your body and stop using it if something doesn’t feel right.
- Don’t use it too aggressively or overnight.
You should also stop using it if you experience symptoms like:
- Bruising
- Pain or severe discomfort/sensitivity
- Skin irritation
- Numbness or cold flesh
When Will I Notice Results?
Not overnight, that’s for sure. Rome wasn’t built in a day. You’re unlikely to see any gains in the short term. Penile size gains should be measured in months, not days or weeks.
You may start seeing small gains (millimeters) within the first month, but you probably won’t notice a big difference for at least 2–3 months. There’s some evidence that gains of an inch or more are possible after 5–6 months of use.
Bear in mind that this can vary between individuals. Some guys might see quicker changes to their penis size; others might see no change at all. The only way to find out is to give it a go and see what happens. Just make sure you take frequent measurements and track your progress.
Who Needs a Penis Extender
Many men feel inadequate when the truth is, they’re not. While porn might have you believe that 9-inch monster cocks are average, the average erect penis length is actually a much more modest 5.16-inches long, while the average girth is a modest 4.59-inches.
I bet that’s lower than you were expecting, right? These averages are pretty consistent too. Only 5% of guys can claim to have a penis that’s longer than 6.3-inches, which makes 9.5/10 guys I went to college with liers.
The upshot of this is, if your penis is somewhere around the 5-inch mark, you really don’t need a penis extender. It’s much better to have body positivity and find a way to be happy with whatever size you’re naturally blessed with.
However, if you really struggle to feel adequate, or if you have a micropenis (3 inches or below) and it’s affecting your social confidence or sex life, an extender can be a worthwhile option to consider. It might be able to give you the confidence boost you need.
Other Benefits
Besides the obvious benefit of making your penis bigger, there are a few other benefits to using a penis extender worth knowing about. Let’s take a look at them.
Correct Peyronie’s Disease
The original function of a penis extender wasn’t actually to lengthen the penis; it was to correct Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease is a medical condition that causes the penis to curve for unknown reasons. It’s relatively rare and usually affects those in middle age.
Penis extenders offer a non-surgical way to treat Peyronie’s disease and straighten out those unwanted curves.
Better Sexual Performance & Confidence
While worrying about the size of your manhood might not be healthy, it is totally normal because, let’s face it guys — bigger is better. Not only do women prefer larger-than-average penises, but our own penile perceptions can affect our performance in bed and self-esteem.
The fact is that societal pressures mean many men attach their self-worth to their penis size. Penis extenders give you back a sense of control over your penis size, which can help boost your confidence and, as a result, your sexual performance in the bedroom.
Preserve Length After Surgery
Another medical use for penis extenders is to help patients recover after certain surgical procedures that cause penile shrinkage. For example, surgery or radiation from prostate cancer treatment can affect your ability to erect and cause you to lose length.
You might want to discuss with a doctor whether or not an extender can help to recover some of that lost length.
Fix Micropenises
A micropenis is defined as any stretched penis shorter than 3.67-inches in adults. Living with a micropenis can be a psychological challenge. As your penis is well under the normal size, it can be difficult to accept it and have a healthy body image. In this case, an extender may be able to help, just make sure you discuss it as a potential treatment option with your doctor first.
Strengthen Erections
As we get older, our hard-ons often become not-so-hard-ons. A penis expander may be able to help you to achieve stronger, firmer, more powerful erections.
The Drawbacks of Extenders
All that being said, these devices aren’t without their drawbacks. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before you spend any money on an extender. Here are the main drawbacks you should be aware of:
Pain and Discomfort
Penis extenders look painful — and that’s because they are. After all, you’re stretching your penis out for hours on end. Imagine trying to hold a yoga pose for 4–6 hours at a time; that’s what your penis is basically doing all day.
We’re not talking about severe pain here, but it certainly isn’t comfortable. I guess whether or not the pain is worth it is up to you and how determined you are to see those gains. The saying ‘pain is beauty’ comes to mind.
Interference With Daily Life
While modern penis extenders have come a long way and are now more comfortable and discreet than ever, they’re still problematic to wear out and about. Wearing an extender throughout the day can disrupt your daily routine.
Routine tasks like getting in your car sitting down become a difficult maneuver — you have to be very careful to spread your legs, so you don’t hurt yourself.
Your wardrobe also becomes much more limited. Tight pants are totally off the table, and you’re going to want to wear loose sweatpants or shorts most of the time.
Of course, all these problems are totally manageable, but they can be irksome.
They Don’t Always Work
As I said, we don’t fully know whether or not penis extenders work just yet. There’s lots of evidence to say they do, but many doctors are still skeptical. Not everyone who uses one will see noticeable gains, so you could end up wasting your time.
Best Penis Extenders (2020)
If you still want to try a penis extender, I’d recommend one of the products below. We’ve picked out some of our favorite products on the market based on brand credibility, reviews, user testimonials, and more.
1. Andropenis
Andropenis is one of the biggest brands in the penis extender market. They claim that their discreet male enhancement traction device can increase your length by up to 1.6” and girth by up to 0.6”. They also claim to be able to reduce penile curvature by 60%.
The good news here is we actually have some studies to look at to verify those claims. There have also been several clinical studies done on the Andropenis traction device with positive results, including one from the American Urological Association and another by the European Association of Urology.
One study, which had 15 male participants use the device for 6 months, found results of 0.9-inch increases in average flaccid length. As you can see, there’s definitely at least a small amount of evidence that this product works, but more research is still needed to say anything definitive.
Andropenis also seems to have strong medical backing behind it as it’s both FDA-approved and recommended by more than 7,000 urologists.
2. Phallosan Forte
Next up, we have the Phallosan Forte, another leading extender that claims to be able to increase penis size, reduce penile retraction, and treat Peyronie’s.
Again, this device is backed by clinical research. One study into its effectiveness found flaccid and erect size increases of around 1.9” and girth increases of just under 1”.
It features adjustable traction to give you more control allergen-free and skin-friendly materials, and it even has its own mobile app that provides instructions, training routines, customer support, and more.
This extender feels a little more comfortable than some other devices. It’s much easier to wear continuously for longer periods without pain. It also works with a stretch belt that is a little more discreet and almost invisible beneath clothing.
3. PeniMaster Pro
The PeniMaster Pro is another medical extender with a strong brand name behind it. Like the others, it claims to add over an inch to your penis length and to help with corrective enlargement and straightening. A large-scale study published in the British Journal of Urology supposedly proved its effectiveness.
There are lots of different PeniMaster options to choose from. You can opt for the basic comfort system, belt expander, weight expander, or rod expander system. The rod expander system is the classic system most similar to what we’ve talked about so far in this article, whereas the weight expander system is more like bodybuilding for your penis.
According to the website, the PeniMaster PRO can also safely be used overnight, which is a huge bonus. You can pop it on before you go to sleep instead of wearing it during the day, so you don’t have to worry about it getting in the way.
4. X4 Labs Penis Extender
And finally, we have the X4 Labs Penis Extender, a product that claims to be the number one doctor-trusted penis extender device.
They’ve been in the business for over 15 years and have garnered a reputation for excellence over that time. Their penis expanders are more comfortable than most thanks to their unique triple-option fastener design, which ensures minimum discomfort regardless of whether you’re circumcised or not.
Their extenders support all kinds of straps, and they’re super customizable with adjustable traction. They use a patent-pending 8-slot InfiniteFit Quad Support system to increase results and stability, and their devices are built with medical-grade materials.
How to Use a Penis Extender (Step By Step Guide)
Note: While most penis extenders have similar usage instructions, each product is slightly different. It’s best to follow your specific product’s manufacturer’s instructions to the letter to make sure you use it correctly.
Below are some general guidelines on how to use an X4 Labs extender. The method should be similar to other penis expander products too.
Measure Your Penis
Before you begin, it’s worth measuring your current penis size (both length and girth; flaccid and erect). By recording this now, you’ll be able to compare it to your size later down the line to see what kind of gains you’ve made. Here’s how you do it.
First off, grab a flexible tape measure and a ruler. Start by measuring the length. Place the ruler firmly against your pelvic bone at the base of your shaft, making sure to compress any fat down there. Hold the ruler straight and mark the point where the tip of your penis ends (don’t count for foreskin). This is your length.
Next, grab the tape measure and wrap it around the widest point of your shaft. This will give you the girth. Again, mark the point on a ruler.
Make Sure it Fits
Grab your extender, open it up, and assemble it. The next thing you need to do is ensure the tension bars are the correct size for your penis. The entire length of the unit should be slightly longer than the length of your flaccid, gently-stretched penis.
Depending on the type of device you’re using, you may be able to adjust the length of your extender by turning the hand screws on the extension arms. Increase or decrease the length so that it fits correctly. As your penis gets bigger over time, you may need to adjust this again.
Slide it On
Next, you want to slide the device over your shaft so that the support piece sits on the bottom. Make sure it fits snugly around the base.
Put the Padding On
If your penis extender comes with foam padding, stretch it out with your fingers first to loosen it up, then slide it on, so it sits just below the head of your penis.
Attach the Comfort Strap
Grab the comfort strap and thread it through the support piece, making sure it curves away from the penis head. After that, guide your penis through the comfort strap gently.
Tighten the Strap
Now it’s time to lock everything in place so that it sits nice and snug. Compress the device using one hand and pull the strap gently to tighten it with the other. It might feel a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. If it is, stop using it.
Wear it Every Day
Congratulations, you’ve got it on. Now you just need to leave it on there for around 4–8 hours per day (or whatever your manufacturer recommends), taking short breaks every 2 hours.
Check your instruction manual for the exact length of time/frequency that you should wear it. It’ll probably be recommended that you wear it every day, with the exception of one rest day per week. I’d recommend wearing a pair of loose-fitting shorts with it for comfortability.
I also wouldn’t recommend wearing it at night as you’ll be less able to monitor your body and risk injuring yourself. You also might end up with night-time erections, or rolling over in your sleep, both of which can cause pain if you’re wearing the device. Nobody wants to wake up at 3 AM with a sore dick, right?
Track the Results
I’d recommend measuring the length and girth of your penis at least once a month to monitor your gains. It might take a few months for you to see any significant changes. If you see none at all after 6 months, it’s either a sign that you’re doing something wrong or an indication that penis extenders aren’t going to work for you.
Video Instructions
In case you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a video that demonstrates exactly how to put on your penis extender.
What Are The Alternatives?
If you don’t like the sound of wearing a penis extender every day, but you really want to increase your penis size, you might be tempted to turn to other methods.
With that in mind, we’ve listed some other popular methods for enlarging penises below and analyzed how likely they are to work.
Jelqing
The idea behind jelqing is the same as that behind extenders. It involves stretching your penis to cause micro-tears in your penis that lead to growth. The difference is, this time, we’re doing it the old fashioned way — with our hands.
With an extender, the device stretches your penis for you. With Jelqing, you stretch it yourself by gently massaging the tissue in your penis over and over again.
The concept sounds sane enough, but in reality, there’s little hard evidence that this actually works. Most reports of jelqing increasing penis size are anecdotal at best and downright deceptive at worst.
Pills
The internet is jam-packed with ads for pills and potions that claim to increase your penis size dramatically. Again, I’m afraid that there’s little evidence to prove that these products work. Mostly, they’re ineffective pills peddled by snake oil salesmen that just want to part you with your hard-earned cash.
What’s worse is that some of these pills have been investigated by the FDA and found to contain potentially harmful hidden chemicals and drugs. With little proof and lots of potential risks, the risks outweigh the benefits.
Surgery
Doctors sometimes recommend surgery for people with penile defects or micropenises, but penis surgery purely for cosmetic reasons to increase length/girth is both rare and controversial. As with most forms of surgery, it comes with lots of risks, including infection, scarring, and nerve damage.
That being said, effective penis enlargement surgical procedures do exist. The Penuma implant is the only one currently approved by the FDA and involves inserting a crescent-shaped piece of silicone under the skin in your penis to increase the length and width.
Vacuum pumps
As I mentioned earlier, penis pumps are designed to treat erectile dysfunction. They work by putting vacuum pressure on your dick, which pulls blood into it and causes you to get an erection.
They won’t lead to permanent size gains. However, they can cause temporary size gains. If you use a >penis pump before sex, you might find that your penis appears larger than your usual erection as it’s more engorged than usual.
Just bear in mind that overusing in the pursuit of a bigger dick can lead to tissue damage, and the effects will always be short-lived, so I wouldn’t recommend it. If you do go down this route, never use it for longer than 30 minutes at a time and exercise caution. As always, it’s worth speaking to your doctor before you use a vacuum pump.
Make the Most of What You Have
You might also be able to make your penis look larger by losing weight or shaving your public hair. Sometimes, fatty deposits around your midsection can cover up some of your shaft and make your penis appear smaller. Similarly, it can appear smaller if it’s covered by lots of hair.
Try and maintain a healthy weight and keep things nice and trim down there, and it might seem a lot bigger. If you’re worried about not being big enough to satisfy your partner, you can also use sex toys like penis sleeves, dildos, and strap-ons to help out in bed.
Final Thoughts
That concludes this ultimate guide to penis extenders. We hope we answered all your questions — let us know if we missed anything in the comments!
And remember, a better solution than a penis extender is to simply accept your body as it is. Your penis probably isn’t as small as you think it is anyway, and as the saying goes, it’s not the size of the army that matters; it’s the force of the attack.
Your sexual partners probably aren’t as concerned about the size of your penis as you are. Confidence, energy, and technique are all much more important at making you good in bed.
Good luck!
