Ads for penis enhancement are all over the internet, from pop ups on dodgy websites to emails that go straight into your spam folder.

These ads claim that everything from pumps to pills to weights can increase the size of your penis - but there isn't much scientific evidence to support any non-surgical methods.

Some of them are just a waste of money, while others can actually cause damage to your penis.

Here's what's known about various methods of "penis enlargement".


Penis enlargement pills usually contain vitamins, minerals, hormones or herbs that the manufacturers claim will enlarge the penis.

These have not been proven to work and may be harmful to your health.


Stretching involves attaching an extender device to the penis to put gentle tension on it.

Some studies have reported length increases of half an inch to almost 2 inches with these devices, but more research is needed.


Some people try using a hand-over-hand motion to push blood from the base of the penis to the head. There is no scientific proof that it works and it can lead to scarring and pain.


Vacuum pumps draw blood into the penis and can make it swell, so they are sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

However, using a pump too often or for too long can damage the elastic tissue in the penis and lead to less firm erections.


Surgeries have had mixed results in terms of safety, effectiveness and patient satisfaction, and medical organisations do not endorse penis enlargement for cosmetic reasons.

The best-case scenario is surgery adding half an inch to the appearance of the flaccid penis, but it does not change the actual length of the penis. Complications can include infection, surgery and loss of sensation or function.