There’s so much secrecy and stigma around intimate health. Yet there are several questions. One such stigma revolves around how men feel about their bodies, especially when it comes to the size and performance of their genitalia. What many don’t realise is that these feelings can go far beyond just their sex life, often impacting self-esteem, relationships, and overall emotional well-being. While most men fall within a normal range of penis size, the desire for enhancement has become increasingly common, often driven by social pressure or personal insecurities.
Penile enhancement is a medical approach to changing the size, shape, or performance of the penis. But before making any decisions, it’s crucial to understand the available options, what they can and cannot do, and the risks involved. The OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Giriraja Velayutham, Consultant – Urology and Renal Transplant, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, to shed light on this sensitive but important topic.
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What Are Penile Enhancement Procedures?
Dr Velayutham describes penile enhancement procedures as chosen by men who wish to improve size, shape, or performance.
They consist of a range of surgical and non-surgical techniques aimed at increasing penile length and/or girth, often for cosmetic reasons.
According to the Urology Care Foundation (UCF), the "only legitimate reason for surgery" is a condition called "micropenis", which refers to a penis that is 7.5 centimetres or shorter when stretched.
What Are The Most Common Surgical And Non-Surgical Penile Enhancement Procedures?
Non-surgical options include vacuum pumps, penile traction devices, and injectable fillers like hyaluronic acid for temporary girth increase.
Surgical procedures include penile lengthening (cutting the suspensory ligament) and girth enhancement (using fat grafts or implants).
According to Dr Velayuthan, some men also opt for penile prostheses for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). These procedures carry risks like infection, scarring, or changes in sensation. "It's important to have honest conversations with a urologist, understand expectations, and consider emotional well-being before deciding on any enhancement method," he notes.
Who Is Considered An Appropriate Candidate For Penile Enhancement?
“An appropriate candidate for penile enhancement is usually a man who feels deeply unhappy or insecure about his penis size, even if it’s within a normal range. He should be physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and ideally, not seek the procedure due to pressure from a partner,” says Dr Velayutham.
He adds, “Men with a condition called micropenis or those with erectile dysfunction not helped by other treatments may also be candidates. Mental health is important too, as doctors often check for body image issues before surgery. A good candidate is someone making the decision for himself, not because of shame or social pressure.”
Effectiveness Of Penile Enhancement Procedures
It’s important to understand that if the penis functions normally, meaning it can perform sexual activity and urinate, surgery is usually not necessary. However, a 2020 review of 17 studies published in the Sexual Medicine Reviews found that most men seeking penis enlargement actually had a normal size.
Non-surgical methods like extenders showed minimal results, injectables increased girth but came with risks, and vacuum devices didn’t help. Surgical options offered some size gains but often led to complications and lacked solid evidence.
In fact, researchers noted that many men changed their minds after proper counselling, realising they didn’t need treatment. The study suggests that enhancement procedures should be a last resort, with counselling as the first and most effective step.
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Are There Risks And Safety Concerns?
Penile enhancement procedures come with risks.
Surgical methods may cause infection, bleeding, scarring, or pain. “Some men experience loss of sensation, difficulty with erections, or changes in penis shape,” warns Dr Velayutham, adding that non-surgical options, like fillers, can lead to lumps, swelling, or uneven results.
In some cases, the procedure may not give the desired results or may even make things worse. Emotional stress or regret is also common if expectations were unrealistic. That’s why it’s important to speak honestly with a urologist and fully understand the pros and cons before deciding to move forward.
Things To Consider
There are several psychological and emotional factors to consider before opting for penile enlargement. Some men feel pressure from unrealistic media images or fear they don’t “measure up”, even when their size is normal. This can lead to low self-esteem or body image issues. Sometimes, the problem isn’t physical but emotional.
Dr Velayutham points towards a condition called body dysmorphic disorder, which can cause men to focus too much on minor or imagined flaws. “That's why mental health support or counselling is often recommended before surgery,” he shares, saying that a good doctor will check if the desire for enhancement comes from personal confidence or outside pressure and help guide the best next steps.
Additionally, men considering penile enhancement should have realistic expectations. Most procedures offer modest size changes, not dramatic results. Moreover, recovery from surgery may take several weeks, with swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. Non-surgical options have shorter recovery, but effects may be temporary. Sexual activity often needs to be avoided for a few weeks after surgery. Some men feel more confident after the procedure, while others may not be fully satisfied. That’s why talking to a skilled, honest doctor is important before deciding on treatment.
[Disclaimer: This article includes expert insights and is intended for informational purposes only. Penile enhancement procedures involve medical and psychological considerations, and results may vary from person to person. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified urologist or healthcare professional before pursuing any treatment to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.]