Penile girth enhancement procedures are on the rise. These procedures include everything from surgical to non-surgical methods. But why the increasing surge in penis enhancements?
Males have been obsessed with penis size for centuries, it seems. The Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Indian medical text dating back to the 6th century BCE, details rubbing insect bristles and oils on the penis (possibly engorging it by introducing infections and inflammatory reactions).
Many cultures chronicle some form of historical stretching technique, such as hanging stones from the penis or using woven plant fiber devices to elongate it. Ouch.
It seems an obsession with penis size is as old as time. The reasons behind it could have more to do with mentality than physicality. And the rise in penis enhancements could have a lot to do with improved processes for doing so.
Put those traction devices down, fellas! Get comfy and keep reading to learn more about this fixation with having giant junk.
Would you like to grow larger safely—no surgeries, weights, or standing times required? You’ll learn more about that, too.
Huge Influences
One study aimed at finding the sociocultural effects on penile augmentation rates found three of the top influencers1. Here’s what they discovered:
Media Body-Shaming
Many men recall seeing jokes in movies, TV shows, or music that mock penis size. Even if the comments aren’t directed at them personally, the repeated messaging can make size feel like a standard for masculinity.
Peer Comparison
Locker rooms, gyms, or other communal spaces can foster comparison. Some men are more comfortable displaying themselves, which can heighten feelings of inadequacy in others.
Pornographic Impacts
Porn often features actors chosen for appearance, as well as camera angles, lighting, and editing designed to exaggerate size. Even when viewers know it’s staged, the images can shape expectations and fuel unhealthy comparisons.
What Can You Do?
Fixating on penis length can lead to mental health issues, including penile dysmorphic disorder (PDD). Consider the following interventions if you:
- Understand that your penis size falls into a normal range, but obsessively worry about it, anyway.
- Spend long hours scouring the internet for medical intervention.
- Buy various topical or oral treatments to grow bigger.
- Feel shame and distress over your size.
- Avoid intimacy, the locker room, or the pool.
- Rely on porn or prostitution to satisfy your libido.
Interventions:
Try these strategies for overcoming obsessive thoughts over the size of your manhood.
Step Away from Porn
Porn can be habit-forming. Though it may be difficult to quit cold turkey, do it knowing you’re making the best decision for your mental health.
Talk to others you know who consume porn and find at least one other person who also wants to quit. Reaching goals as a community helps you stay accountable for your decisions. Alternatively, research virtual or in-person groups whose goal aligns with yours. Join them for motivation and accountability.
Seek Mental Health Therapy
A trained mental health therapist can give you strategies for overcoming everything from porn addictions to body shame and dysmorphia disorders. Finding a mental health therapist can be like finding the right candidate for a job. You may go through several before you find one that clicks with you. Don’t give up. The right one for you is out there.
Try Penile Augmentation
People undergo cosmetic procedures to change everything from breast size to eye shape. Some men also pursue procedures intended to alter penis size. These can range from surgical operations to injectable fillers and other approaches.
One option that has become more visible in recent years is the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. HA is a substance found naturally in the body, and in this context, it is used as a filler material. Unlike surgery, injections are minimally invasive and temporary, since the body gradually breaks down HA over time.
Those interested in procedures like this usually consult with a licensed medical professional who specializes in cosmetic treatments. Experiences, costs, and outcomes can vary widely, and people often weigh these factors carefully before deciding if penile augmentation feels right for them.
A Quick Summary of Influences and Interventions
Penis enhancement procedures are increasing. The reasons may be very nuanced and just a fact of life for men to compare the “angle of their dangle.” However, three clear influences emerged from the study1:
- Media that perpetuates penis-shaming
- Peer comparisons
- Pornography
If you find yourself worried about size, there are several strategies to consider:
- Reducing porn consumption and connecting with supportive peers.
- Exploring mental health therapy to address body image concerns.
- Researching cosmetic procedures (such as penile augmentation) with caution and only through qualified professionals if you choose to pursue them.
1https://academic.oup.com/asj/article-abstract/39/11/1253/5492379?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Video
Infographic
Men have long been preoccupied with penis size, which can lead to mental health issues like penile dysmorphic disorder (PDD). This infographic offers strategies to overcome obsessive thoughts about your manhood’s size.
1https://academic.oup.com/asj/article-abstract/39/11/1253/5492379?redirectedFrom=fulltext
