Jelqing: What Is It and How Does It Work? (with FAQs)

For many years, the question, "does penis size matter?" has been up for debate.

Though there is such a thing as penis enlargement surgery, not all men are willing to undergo such an invasive treatment to change the size and girth of their most private parts.

One of the longest-standing penis enlargement techniques is jelqing. This stretching exercise dates back to ancient times in the Middle East.

This article explores the methods of jelqing, how to perform this exercise properly, and what experts have to say about its effectiveness in increasing penis size.

The question is, does it work?

Read on to learn more.

What Is Jelqing and How Does It Work

This technique is supposed to cause micro-tears in the penile tissue, which look engorged when healed. 

Jelqing, or "milking", is a penile stretching technique to help increase penis size and girth.

It involves using two fingers to squeeze and stretch the penis in a semi-erect state gently. This technique is supposed to cause micro-tears in the penile tissue, which look engorged when healed. As a result, you'll supposedly have a longer, thicker penis.

While there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, the technique has grown in popularity over the past few decades for helping to improve penile size and, in some cases, sexual performance.

Penis Length: What Is Normal?

Before we go into the jelqing technique, it's important to cover what it even means to have a normal penis length.

Like most other parts of the human body, penises come in all shapes and sizes. For this reason, it becomes challenging to define what "normal" looks like from one person to the next.

A study published in the Journal of Urology looked at eighty men and found that the average flaccid penis length is 3.5 inches, while the average erect penis length is 5.1 inches.

How to Perform Jelqing Exercises (The Right Way)

Before getting started with the jelqing technique, warming the penis using a hot compress or hopping into a warm bath is helpful.

There are a variety of ways people perform jelqing penis stretching exercises.

That said, we are here to explore the safest methods of jelqing to help you avoid pain or injury.

Here is a step-by-step guide to jelqing (the right way).

Step 1: Warm the penis

Before getting started with the jelqing technique, warming the penis using a hot compress or hopping into a warm bath is helpful.

It will boost blood flow to the penis and help you achieve a partial erection.

Ideally, you'll want your penis to be only slightly erect but not enough for penetration.

Step 2: Apply lubricant

Next, you'll want to apply lubricant to your penis to minimize friction. It will help reduce your pain and skin irritation risk while making it easier to perform the jelqing motion.

Step 3: Make the 'OK sign 

Now, it's time to get into it.

Start by making the 'OK' sign 👌  with your index finger and thumb, holding the base of your penis in this position.

Step 4: Move from base to tip

Slowly move your hand from the base to the head of your penis in one smooth motion using light, down-pulling pressure.

This should be done while applying light and consistent force to help increase blood circulation in the penis.

If it's causing you any pain, you are likely using too much pressure.

Step 5: Repeat

Once you reach the head of your penis, reset by enclosing the base of your penis with your thumb and finger, repeat this movement daily for 10-20 minutes.

Jelqing Results

Some men claim to see adequate penis growth results after 1 to 2 weeks and others after several months.

Based on the lack of scientific evidence, it's difficult to confirm whether or not penis size increases as a direct result of jelqing.

Some men claim to see adequate penis growth results after 1 to 2 weeks and others after several months. With regular practice using the right technique, it may be possible to increase the size up a quarter of an inch.

Of course, results may vary!

Potential Side Effects

Disregarding proper jelqing techniques can put your sexual health at risk. For instance, applying too much force or making brisk movements can increase your risk of injury. It can also permanently affect your ability to achieve an erection.

Some potential side effects include:

• Bruising
• Numbness
• Pain or soreness
• Skin irritation
• Scar tissue
• Erectile dysfunction

Alternative Penis Stretching Methods

You'll experience a rush of blood flooding into your penis to give you an erection.

When it comes to making your penis bigger, longer, harder, or more erect, there are a couple of alternative penis stretching methods.

Penis Pump

A penis pump device draws blood into the penis, making it swell and temporarily appear larger.

Place your penis into the long tube and begin pumping out the air. As you do this, you'll experience a rush of blood flooding into your penis to give you an erection.

Once fully erect, it's best to fit yourself with a cock ring or clamp at the base of the penis to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.

Penis Extender

Penis extenders are a popular device used to help increase penile length in some men. Also referred to as a penis traction device (or penile traction therapy), it's often recommended as a safer non-surgical treatment option.

This technique is accomplished by placing the penis traction device over the shaft and securing either end to the base and tip of the penis. The device is then extended to help stretch the penis out for a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is jelqing?

Jelqing is a stretching exercise used to increase penis length and girth. It involves massaging or "milking" the penis shaft to cause micro-tears in the surrounding tissue to help boost blood flow and cause the penis to look longer or thicker after it heals.

How to perform penis stretching exercises?

To perform a jelqing penis stretching exercise, make an O shape with your index finger and thumb and place it at the base of your penis. Move your fingers up towards the head of the penis while applying mild pressure.

Are there any side effects of jelqing?

So long as jelqing is performed using the right technique, it is safe. However, being too aggressive can tear the penile tissue, causing permanent damage to the nerves, arteries, or veins.

Common side effects include:

• Bruising
• Pain or soreness
• Skin irritation
• Scar tissue
• Erectile dysfunction