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Penis size can be an area of pride for some men, while others may feel self-conscious about theirs. This may be due to the ‘bigger equals better’ pressure put on men by society. Unrealistic expectations created by outlets such as pornography and social media may lead many men to believe that their penis is lacking in size, even when it isn’t.
This results in some men exploring options for enhancing their penis size. A quick online search will tell you that there are plenty of them available. However, not all of these deliver on their promise.
Let’s face it, ineffective products that profit from targeting male insecurities are nothing new.
One particular product that may catch the attention of men is what’s known as ‘male enhancement creams’. But how do we know if they work? Rather than regurgitating claims from the manufacturers, we’ve explored the matter from a research-based perspective sharing our findings in this article.
What Are Male Enhancement Creams?
Male enhancement creams are also known as penis enlargement creams. As the name suggests, these creams claim to increase the size of a person’s penis. Some promise to deliver gains in penile length, girth, and the size of erections. Male enhancement creams are typically applied directly to the penis and contain a number of different ingredients.
Common Ingredients in Male Enhancement Creams
In order to understand whether male enhancement creams work, we’ve highlighted some of the ingredients that they use. We’ve explained what these ingredients are and explored whether they increase penis size or affect sexual activity below.
|
INGREDIENT |
DOES IT WORK? |
|
L-Arginine |
No |
|
Ginkgo Biloba |
Inconclusive |
|
Pomegranate Extract |
No |
|
Maca |
No |
|
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice |
No |
|
Menthyl Lactate |
No |
|
Panax ginseng |
No |
|
Citrulline |
No |
L-Arginine
L-arginine is a type of amino acid that’s found in certain food groups including red meat, fish and dairy. The body usually makes all the L-arginine it requires. Due to its properties for opening blood vessels, L-arginine may be used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Does it work?
Unfortunately, based on the existing research our verdict is no. Despite there being research that links L-arginine with penile tissue increases in rats, there is no research to suggest its effectiveness in humans. Most research is based on L-arginine's use in treating ED, not increasing overall penis size.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is also known by the names ginkgo or gingko. It is a type of gymnosperm tree that originates in China, known for its fan-shaped leaves. It is commonly associated with being a natural treatment for erectile dysfunction
Does it work?
There is currently no conclusive evidence that ginkgo is effective for enlarging penis size. However, research does.) make claims that ginkgo biloba is effective for improving sexual activity (genital blood flow) which is due to its contribution to the relaxation of smooth muscles. So, ginkgo may help with improving erections, but not increasing penis size.
Pomegranate Extract
The pomegranate shrub bears fruit that is well known for its pleasant taste and can be found in the Mediterranean. Pomegranates may make a delicious snack, but there has also been research into the fruit's benefits on sexual activity.
Does it work?
The short answer is no. There isn’t any conclusive evidence to suggest that pomegranate extract can increase penis size. Some existing research looks into pomegranate extract's effectiveness on sexual activity, specifically ED. Even so, research found that pomegranate extract was not effective in improving erectile function.
Maca
Maca is also known as lepidium meyenii or Peruvian ginseng. Maca is an edible plant that is related to broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. It’s native to Peru (Andes mountains) as well as Bolivia. Maca is associated with numerous benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue and neuroprotective properties.
Does it work?
No, it doesn’t appear so. There is currently no conclusive research to support Maca’s effectiveness in enlarging penis size. Despite it being associated with several other desirable properties, research suggests that there is limited evidence to support Maca’s effectiveness in improving sexual function.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Aloe Barbadenis Miller is the botanical name for Aloe Vera. The plant grows in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, America and Europe. Aloe vera has a number of desirable characteristics, these include (but are not limited to) anti-inflammatory, skin protection and anti-bacterial properties.
Does it work?
No, it doesn’t look like it. There isn’t any research that proves aloe vera increases a person’s penis size. There has been some research into the aphrodisiac properties of aloe barbadensis mill among rats. However, there is little conclusive research that aloe vera has positive sexual effects on humans.
Menthyl Lactate
Menthyl lactate is an ingredient that is used in a number of skincare products including sunscreen, facial scrubs and shaving cream. It is thought to be used for its cooling and flavoring properties, but there is very little research into its effects.
Does it work?
No, there is no research that suggests menthyl lactate has the ability to increase an individual’s penis size. There is very little research into the effect of menthyl lactate itself, let alone in a penile enlargement or sexual activity context.
Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng may also be called Asian, Chinese, Japanese or Korean ginseng. Ginseng is known as a plant, specifically a root that grows in the mountains of Eastern Asia. The root is thought to have numerous desirable functions, some of which include anticancer and anti-diabetic properties as well as positive effects on memory and learning.
Does it work?
No, unfortunately ginseng does not appear to increase a person’s penis size. There is no conclusive research to support ginseng’s role in penile growth to date. When researched for sexual function, it’s said that based on low certainty evidence, ginseng’s effect on erectile function or intercourse satisfaction may be trivial at best.
Citrulline
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that occurs naturally, is available as a supplement, and can be found in foods such as cucumbers, melons, and watermelons. Its supplementation may be used for ED treatment, sickle cell anemia, cancer chemotherapy, Alzheimer's disease, and more.
Does it work?
Like many of the other ingredients in enhancement creams, the answer is no. There is no research that alludes to citrulline playing a role in increasing penis size. However, a research study suggests that oral L-citrulline may have a positive effect on men suffering from mild erectile dysfunction.
Are Male Enhancement Creams Effective?
The short answer is no, male enhancement creams don’t appear to be effective. We arrived at this conclusion after spending some time exploring research into the ingredients of the creams. It seems while some ingredients may be linked to improvements in ED, none show conclusive evidence of being effective in increasing an individual's penis size.
The short answer is no, male enhancement creams don’t appear to be effective.
We explored the experiences of those who tried penis enlargement creams. After examining forums and product reviews, it seems that the creams don’t deliver on their promise. An example is this Reddit post, in which the user asked if enlargement pills/creams work (after being bombarded with advertisements for them). Among a number of light-hearted responses, the widely agreed consensus was that these products do not work.
How to Use Them
While it’s been established that penile enhancement creams don’t work, many men still attempt to use them. However, some men may find themselves confused in respect to how often to use the cream and how long the cream lasts.
How often can you use them?
The frequency of use will depend on a manufacturer's specific guidelines. Creams may contain different ingredients, making it hard to provide a general recommendation for their usage. Individuals who insist on using the cream should consult their manufacturers for guidance on the frequency of application.
How long do they usually last?
It’s impossible to give a generic answer. This is because the sizes of creams may vary and each may have different recommendations for use. However, one product we saw recommended using the cream for a prolonged length of time for the best results. This indicates that manufacturers may encourage people to use the product on an ongoing or even continual basis.
Safety Considerations When Using Male Enhancement Creams
For the men who do decide to use male enhancement creams, it’s important to make safety considerations before doing so. Examples of such considerations may include but are not limited to the following:
-
Avoid creams that contain allergens
Before you consider using a male enhancement cream you should familiarize yourself with the ingredients. If the cream contains any ingredients that you or your partner may be allergic to you should refrain from using the product. -
Don’t use them if they cause irritation in your penis
Despite men using these creams with good intentions, they may have undesirable effects. If the cream causes any irritation or pain you should stop using it immediately and consult a doctor for a professional opinion or treatment. -
These creams do not replace the use of lubricant
Penile enhancement creams should not be confused with lubrication. These are two separate products that contain different ingredients. If you require a lubricant for sexual activity you cannot consider a male enhancement cream a direct replacement. -
Follow manufacturer instructions
Male enhancement creams are particularly sensitive products given that they applied to a person’s genitalia. You should always follow your manufacturer's guidelines to ensure that you’re using the product as it’s intended. If you don’t follow the manufacturer's instructions you may put yourself at risk.
What to do if you are unhappy with your penis size
If you’re unsatisfied with your penis size, it’s important to accept that it’s not something you can change. The good news is that things probably aren’t as bad as you think. We’ve highlighted some useful pointers for help with penis dissatisfaction below.
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Reconsider your partner's perspective
If you worry about your partner's view of your penis, you might be pleased to hear that it probably also matters less than you’d think. Research references that despite many men being unsatisfied with their penis size, up to 84% of women are satisfied with the size of their partner's penis. -
Learn what average really means
The average penis size is substantially smaller than many men expect. Your penis may actually be closer to the average size than you realize. In fact, most men may believe that the average penis size is over 6 inches, in reality it's between 5.1 and 5.5 inches. -
Stop watching pornography
Research claims that watching pornography may be linked to dissatisfaction with your own penis size. Adult movie actors are typically selected for being well-endowed. This may set unrealistic expectations amongst male porn consumers. It’s important to remember that what you watch on a screen does not reflect real life. -
Consider whether you have a micropenis
People are diagnosed with a micropenis (an atypically small penis) when their penis is under two and a half standard deviations of the mean for their age. While this may sound confusing, If you believe you have a micropenis, consult a medical professional. They may offer a physical examination and possible treatment options.
Summary
Although the idea of male enhancement creams might seem appealing, the unfortunate truth is that they aren’t effective. Don’t be fooled by good marketing, the research we’ve examined found no conclusive evidence that penile enlargement creams work. Furthermore, the accounts from people who’ve actually used the products are consistent with our findings.
Although the idea of male enhancement creams might seem appealing, the unfortunate truth is that they aren’t effective
During our research, we found that some of the ingredients in the creams may be used for erectile dysfunction. With that said, if you have concerns about your erectile function you should also turn to a qualified professional for advice on treatment, not a male enhancement cream. Although the information in this article is intended to be informative, it cannot be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.
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