A penis weight or penile weight is a device people attach to their penis in an attempt to enlarge it. There is no evidence to suggest penis weights work, and using them may result in genital damage.

Proponents of penis weights suggest they can lengthen the penis by applying a gradual, consistent stretch to the genitals with the help of weight and gravity.

Penis weights function on the premise that a person can build the length and girth of their penis in the same way that a person can enhance their muscles through weight training.

Many men are anxious about their penis size, which has led to a huge market for enlargement products and techniques. However, there is very little evidence to suggest that any of these methods are effective, and many can lead to severe complications.

Further, research suggests that most men seeking augmentation surgery for what they believe is a small penis likely have “normal penile dimensions.”

In this article, we discuss penis weights, their effectiveness, and their safety.

An image of kettlebells to symbolize penis weights.Share on Pinterest
Natalie JEFFCOTT/Stocksy

As the name implies, these devices are weights for the penis. These weights are available in many different variations, and all aim to stretch the penis to make it bigger and longer.

Some versions come as a ring that attaches to the end of the shaft before the head of the penis. Other versions may use a heavy ball or weight suspended from the end of the shaft with a cotton or silicone noose.

Attaching weights to the penis in an attempt to gain length is not a new practice. The Sadhus holy men of India and males of the Cholomec tribe in Peru have long used this technique to try to lengthen their penises.

Penis exercise is based on the microtear theory. The idea is that penis weights place tension on the penis, creating microtrauma. As the tissues heal and repair, penile tissue cells multiply and regenerate (hyperplasia), increasing girth and length.

Currently, there is no clinical evidence to indicate that penis weights work, and experts advise that this practice could potentially cause serious damage to the genitals.

The concept behind penis exercises is that a person can enhance their penis in the same way they would for other muscles around the body, such as those in the arms and legs.

While the penis increases in length and girth during an erection and becomes hard like a muscle, the penis is an organ and not a muscle. As it is not a muscle, exercises are unlikely to increase its size. Instead of muscle, the penis features columns of erectile tissue that fill with blood during arousal, leading to an erection. These columns include the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum.

While proponents of the weights may cite anecdotal evidence of their benefits, there is limited clinical research on the effectiveness of penis weights and other penile stretching exercises. A 2020 review states that the support for these methods is weak.

There are currently no studies or reports about the safety of using penis weights. However, anecdotal reviews frequently report cutting, discomfort, pain, pinching, and blood flow restriction. Evidence also notes that placing constricting devices or stiff objects on the penis can result in injury.

Other potential risks of using penis weights may include:

There is limited evidence to suggest that any penis enlargement methods are effective, and many methods carry significant risks. Despite this, various products and strategies are available that claim to enhance penis size:

Penis extenders

A person may consider a penis traction device, also called a penis extender. Unlike penis weights, these devices offer greater control over the level of tension placed on the penis. The fixed position of the penis may also reduce the risk of injury.

Several studies have investigated the effects of traction devices, with varying results. Some results indicate that this method can lengthen the penis by as much as 1–3 centimeters (cm). A 2019 study also notes that penile stretching through penile traction therapy and vacuum erection devices may help correct penile curvature and increase length in people with Peyronie’s disease.

A 2016 article on penile traction therapy also notes that it could help increase penile length. However, it adds that the research may be unreliable and more research is necessary to determine whether it is beneficial.

Other devices

Some devices, like vacuum pumps and penis rings, may help people achieve harder erections. These devices prevent blood from going out of the penis, which can help prolong a person’s erection. However, their effects are only temporary.

Exercise

Obesity can have a negative effect on sexual function. As such, regular physical activity may be beneficial for boosting a person’s health, confidence, and sexual functioning. Additionally, as exercise can help reduce belly fat, this may help to emphasize the penis and make it appear larger.

Conversely, gaining weight can cause an apparent shrinking of the penis due to the enlargement of the suprapubic fat pad. Ultimately, however, the penis stays the same size, and both weight loss and gain just reveal or conceal the true size.

Surgery

A person may also consider undergoing surgery to improve the appearance of the penis. This may involve placing a silicone implant under the skin and transferring fat to make the penis larger.

However, urologists should never recommend penis enlargement procedures, as they are not present in medical guidelines, and no evidence supports their efficacy or safety.

Additionally, people who are considering surgery may first consider sex therapy. A 2015 study found that many of those considering penile enhancement surgery actually have average-sized genitals.

Although experts do not advise using penis weights, a person considering the option should note these tips for reducing the risk of severe complications.

Check for fit and materials

It is important to ensure that the device is neither too tight nor too loose. Some people use lubricants or wear penis sleeves to ensure a comfortable fit. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the product is a suitable material and will not result in allergic reactions.

Regularly inspect the penis

Check for redness, bruising, and discoloration. It is also important to check for altered or loss of sensation in any part of the penis.

Read reviews and directions

Penis weights come in all shapes and forms. What works for one person may not work for another. A person may also want to also consider their penis type before buying a product. And they should follow the recommended use and duration stated by the manufacturer and use it as directed.

Go slow and low

Most penis weights come in weight stacks. A person starting with a heavy weight may potentially injure themselves. A person should slowly adjust their weight to provide a gradual, consistent stretch to the penile tissues without risking injuries. This gradual transition typically takes months.

Limit movements

It is essential to limit motion and avoid doing strenuous tasks, as these may cause excessive movement and lead to injury.

After using penis weights, a person should immediately contact a doctor if they notice any of the following:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • tears or lacerations
  • bleeding
  • lack of sensation
  • trouble peeing
  • discoloration
  • sudden loss of erection

There is currently little scientific evidence to suggest that penis weights or other penis enlargement methods provide any benefits. Instead, using these strategies may come with serious risks that could result in longstanding damage to the penis. Anyone concerned about the size of their penis may wish to contact a doctor or sex therapist.