TREND – Doctors have warned that a bizarre penis-enlarging TikTok trend known as ‘jelqing’ could actually make your genitals smaller.
What Jelqing is all About
The supposedly ‘ancient’ technique involves repeatedly stretching a semi-erect penis over time in the hopes that it will enlarge the organ.
In theory, each tug gradually rips the penile tissue, allowing space for scar tissue to fill it out, making it look bigger.
Its Reverse Effects
But the practice puts men at risk of Peyronie’s Disease, which is when scar tissues forms in the deeper tissue under the skin of penis, causing curved, painful erections.
It can also make the penis shorter while erect.
There is particular buzz around jelqing online in Reddit forums of incels – involuntary celibate men who form their identity around their perceived inability to have romantic relationships with women.
They strive to be beautiful, irresistible, and well-endowed.
Meanwhile on TikTok, thousands of videos posted by young men demonstrate how to do the technique, and claim it adds ‘an inch and a half’ in length and ‘an inch’ in girth.
What Doctors say About the Technique
‘Those repeated, traumatic movements can translate into scarring, but that can then translate into Peyronie’s Disease, where you form a plaque, that can be associated with erectile dysfunction and pain as well,’ Dr Jamin Brahmbhatt, a board-certified urologist at Orlando Health, previously explained.
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Specifically, that scarring can start to shape the penis into a curve, causing uncomfortable erections, making penetration difficult and sometimes impossible.
Some Discomforts Associated With it
But the discomfort associated with Peyronie’s, during sex or not, isn’t worth it, said Dr Brahmbhatt.
‘It’s a complete waste of guys’ time,’ he said.
‘It can be very painful, and sometimes the scarring can take three to six months or even a year to build up for you to even notice the change. So you may think you haven’t seen any negative side effects, but it may just take some time.’
Dr Premal Patel, a urology fellow at the University of Miami, agreed.
Speak to a Physician
‘Any men with concerns about this needs to speak to a physician in primary care or sexual health because there is no scientific basis for jelqing,’ Dr Patel said.
‘It may not do anything, and it may not be safe. Penile curvatures can cause a lot of trauma to the penis. It’s dangerous and pointless.’
Both have seen more jelq-curious patients in the past year, usually younger men, as has Dr Justin Dubin, a urologist from Florida.
‘I’m seeing it mostly in young white dudes now, both in the office and in the questions I get asked online and from people in my personal life,’ Dr Dubin told PsychologyToday.
