Is There Really an Oil or Herb for Penis Enlargement?
No oils on the market are proven to enlarge the penis. But some may help enhance sexual function, such as libido and erection hardness. Speak with a doctor before applying any oils to your penis.
Penis enlargement oils are over-the-counter (OTC) herbal oils that are marketed for increasing the size, length, or girth of your penis. These are usually applied topically, but are sometimes administered by injection.
Very limited research has examined the effects of penis enlargement oils. In fact, they're much more likely to result in unwanted side effects or injury.
However, penis enlargement may be possible through other measures, including nonsurgical and surgical options.
Read on to learn which oils you should avoid, which oils could improve your sexual function in other ways, and more.
What ingredients should I watch out for?
Dietary and herbal supplements aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means manufacturers are largely free to say whatever they want about their ingredients and supposed benefits.
In 2021, the FDA released a statement noting that some penile enhancement and weight loss products may contain dangerous ingredients. These products included those sold in stores and online from places like eBay, Amazon, and Walmart.
Some 'natural male enhancement' or penile enlargement products contain hidden ingredients. These ingredients are not included on the product packaging, but they could cause unpleasant side effects or serious complications.
According to the FDA, some of these ingredients may include:
sildenafil
tadalafil
vardenafil
fluoxetine
sibutramine
desmethylsibutramine
phenolphthalein
A 2021 study also reported that sildenafil was found in six male enhancement products that claimed to be 100% natural, and they didn't have this ingredient listed on their labels. Sildenafil causes temporary penile enlargement by producing blood vessel dilation.
Some other compounds and ingredients are commonly purported to help manage erectile dysfunction (ED), so they might temporarily increase penis size by promoting blood flow to the penis. These ingredients may include:
Eurycoma longifolia
Panax ginseng
L-arginine
Corynanthe yohimbe
Tribulus terrestris
Pinus pinaster
However, no research supports the claims that these ingredients may help increase the size of your penis.
Some research found that people injected olive oil, cod liver oil, and other mineral oils into their penis due to anecdotal evidence claiming that these oils can increase penis size. But these injections led to side effects and more serious complications like severe pain, scarring, and ulcerations.
As such, it's important to speak with a pharmacist or a healthcare professional before trying any topical or injection oils for penis enlargement.
Can essential oils help improve sexual function?
Some ingredients may help improve several aspects of your sexual function. These may include increasing erection hardness and libido (sex drive), improving sperm count, and managing ED.
They may also work by enhancing your sense of relaxation, well-being, and confidence, which are associated with improved sexual experiences.
If you're open to other benefits, consider looking for an oil or supplement containing:
Most of the studies examining the effects of essential oils on sexual function are done in animals like rats and mice. Therefore, the effects on humans may be inconclusive, so more research is needed.
Remember, these may positively affect your overall sexual health, but they will not boost your penis size.
There are also several ways to use essential oils, including inhalation, diffusers, and more. If you apply essential oil to your skin, you'll need to mix it with a carrier oil first. Never ingest essential oils.
Speak with a healthcare professional before trying any oils or supplements marketed for penile enlargement and other purported benefits.
»Learn more: Vitamins and supplements for ED
What should I do if I decide to use oil?
Always talk with a doctor before using any oils or other supplements. Oil ingredients can interact with medications, have uncomfortable side effects, or increase your risk of certain conditions.
If you find an oil that is intended for use on the penis and a doctor clears you to use it, do a skin patch test. To do this:
Rub a small amount of oil into your forearm.
Cover the area with a bandage.
Wait 24 hours and check for irritation.
If you don't experience any skin discoloration, swelling, or other irritation, it should be safe to apply elsewhere on the body.
That said, the skin on your penis is much thinner and more sensitive than that on other body parts. So it's more prone to irritation and side effects.
Follow the oil's application instructions closely. Only apply as much as the label advises, and keep the substance away from your urinary opening.
Most importantly, don't introduce oils into your sex life without asking the other person for consent first. The oil can expose them to potential allergies and side effects, too. If possible, have them do a patch test before you decide to do a full application.
If you begin experiencing any unusual symptoms, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
Are there any possible side effects or risks?
Essential oils for penis enlargement aren't regulated, so you never really know what ingredients they contain and in what quantities. Not all supplements are unsafe, but they can be uncomfortable and even cause permanent complications.
The topical application of essential oils may cause mild symptoms of contact dermatitis, a condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant.
Some side effects may include:
skin irritation
skin discoloration
rash, bumps, or hives
fluid-filled blisters that may crack and ooze liquid
itching or burning at the application site
infections in broken skin from scratching, which can also make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
These effects may go away a few hours or days after you stop using oils. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to permanent scarring or damage to your penis.
Mineral oil injections may lead to more severe side effects and complications. According to a 2017 review, these may include:
pain
swelling
hard, thick masses of tissue
scarring
pus and other discharge
ulcers
necrosis (death of skin cells and tissue)
In rare cases, topical and injection essential oils may lead to anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction. You should seek emergency medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, severe pain, or severe swelling.
A sexual partner who is allergic to any of the oil's ingredients can also experience these side effects.
Side effects can become even more painful or life threatening if the oil gets directly into the vagina, anus, or mouth.
Several options are available to possibly help increase the size of your penis. But it's important to note that the only way to permanently increase penis size is with surgery.
According to a 2023 review, some options for penile enlargement may include:
Penis traction devices: These devices, known as penile stretchers, may help stretch or pull on the penis to reshape it. It may increase penile length by up to 2 centimeters.
Penile pumps: These vacuum (penis) pumps are available without a prescription. They're typically used with cock rings to help people with ED maintain an erection. When used regularly, they may help increase the length and girth of your penis.
Penis exercises: Some penile stretches and exercises may help increase the size of the penis, though more research is needed to understand which specific ones work.
Penis injections: Injections of fat, hyaluronic acid, or polymethylmethacrolate microspheres (PMMA) may help increase penis size, though side effects are likely.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP): PRP is a novel treatment that may help increase the length, girth, and rigidity of the penis, but more research is needed.
Penile surgery: Several types of penis enlargement surgery are available, including ligamentolysis, skin graft, and lipoplasty, among others.
A doctor can help you better understand the possible benefits, risks, and costs of these penis enlargement options.
If you're thinking of penis enlargement therapy or are anxious about the size of your penis, consider speaking with a doctor or licensed therapist. They can help you identify, understand, and manage your feelings to help improve your self-esteem and confidence.
The bottom line
Oils and supplements for penile enlargement are usually applied topically, directly to the skin.
Although several companies and people claim that penis enlargement oils are effective, very limited research supports these purported claims.
What's more, several of the ingredients in these products may be harmful and cause side effects like itching, irritation, burning, or ulcers.
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