Is There Really an Oil or Herb for Penis Enlargement?

No topical oil sold today has been definitively shown to enlarge the penis. Some oils, however, might improve aspects of sexual function like libido or erection firmness. Consult a physician before applying any oil to the penis.

“Penis enlargement oils” are nonprescription herbal preparations promoted to increase penile size, length, or girth. They’re most often used on the skin but are sometimes injected.

There is very little scientific evidence evaluating penis enlargement oils. In fact, they are more likely to cause adverse reactions or injury than to deliver the promised growth.

That said, penis enlargement can sometimes be achieved through other noninvasive or surgical approaches.

Continue reading to find out which oils to avoid, which might aid sexual function in other ways, and what safer alternatives exist.

What ingredients should I watch out for?

Dietary and herbal supplements are not regulated like prescription drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, manufacturers have considerable latitude in the claims they make about ingredients and benefits.

In 2021, the FDA issued a warning that certain penile enhancement and weight-loss products may contain dangerous undisclosed substances. These items were sold both in stores and on online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, and Walmart.

Some “natural male enhancement” formulas contain undeclared chemicals. These substances aren’t listed on labels but can cause unpleasant or even serious health consequences.

The FDA noted that some hidden ingredients found in such products include:

• sildenafil
• tadalafil
• vardenafil
• fluoxetine
• sibutramine
• desmethylsibutramine
• phenolphthalein

One review also found sildenafil in six male enhancement items marketed as 100% natural, despite it not being declared on their packaging. Sildenafil can cause temporary penile enlargement by dilating blood vessels.

Other compounds often claimed to help erectile dysfunction (ED) — and thus temporarily increase penile size by improving blood flow — may include:

• Eurycoma longifolia
• Panax ginseng
• L-arginine
• Corynanthe yohimbe
• Tribulus terrestris
• Pinus pinaster

Still, there’s no solid evidence these ingredients will enlarge the penis.

Some reports describe people injecting olive oil, cod liver oil, and other mineral oils into the penis based on anecdotal claims of enlargement. These injections led to complications such as severe pain, scarring, and ulcerations.

Because of these risks, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before using any topical or injectable oil for penile enlargement.

Can essential oils improve sexual function?

Certain ingredients might help aspects of sexual performance, such as erection firmness, libido, sperm parameters, and ED management.

They may also act by enhancing relaxation, mood, and self-assurance, factors that are linked to better sexual experiences.

If you’re seeking other potential benefits, consider products or supplements that contain:

• L-arginine
• Panax ginseng
• Ginkgo biloba
• citrulline
• L-carnitine
• cinnamon
• ylang-ylang
• rose oil

Most research on essential oils and sexual function has been performed in animals, such as rodents, so human effects are uncertain and more studies are necessary.

Keep in mind these substances might support sexual health but will not actually increase penile size.

Essential oils can be used in several ways — inhalation, diffusers, topical blends, and more. If applied to the skin, dilute them first with a carrier oil. Never ingest essential oils.

Talk with a healthcare professional before trying any oils or supplements marketed for penile enhancement or related claims.

»Learn more:Vitamins and supplements for ED

What should I do if I decide to use oil?

Always consult a physician before using any oils or supplements. Ingredients can interact with medications, provoke adverse reactions, or increase certain health risks.

If a clinician approves a penis-intended oil, perform a patch test on your skin first:

• Apply a small amount of the oil to your forearm.
• Cover it with a bandage.
• Wait 24 hours and inspect for irritation.

If there’s no discoloration, swelling, or irritation, it is likely safe to use on other body areas.

Bear in mind that penile skin is thinner and more sensitive than other skin, making it more susceptible to irritation and side effects.

Follow the product’s directions exactly. Use only the recommended amount and avoid contact with the urethral opening.

Do not introduce oils into sexual activity without your partner’s consent. Oils can cause allergic reactions or other side effects in partners. If possible, have them perform a patch test before full use.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, stop using the product and seek medical care.

Are there any possible side effects or risks?

Essential oils marketed for penile enlargement aren’t regulated, so their contents and concentrations can be uncertain. While not all supplements are dangerous, they can cause discomfort and sometimes permanent harm.

Topical essential oils may cause contact dermatitis — a skin reaction to an irritant.

Potential side effects include:

• skin irritation
• skin discoloration
• rash, bumps, or hives
• fluid-filled blisters that can break and leak
• itching or burning at the application site
• infection of broken skin from scratching, which may increase vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

These reactions may resolve in hours or days after stopping use, but if untreated they can result in permanent scarring or penile damage.

Injecting mineral oils carries a higher risk of severe complications. A 2017 review reported possible consequences such as:

• pain
• swelling
• firm, indurated lumps of tissue
• scarring
• pus or other discharges
• ulcers
• necrosis (death of skin and tissue)

In rare instances, topical or injected oils can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty, severe pain, or massive swelling.

A sexual partner allergic to any oil ingredient may also experience these adverse effects.

Side effects can become more severe or dangerous if oil enters the vagina, anus, or mouth.

Recommended alternatives for penis enlargement

Several approaches can potentially increase penile size, but permanent enlargement is achievable only through surgical means.

According to reviews, options for penile enlargement include:

• Penile traction devices: Also called penile stretchers, these devices apply gentle tension and may increase penile length by up to about 2 centimeters.
• Penile pumps: Vacuum pumps are available OTC and are typically used with constriction rings to assist erections. Regular use may modestly affect length and girth.
• Penile exercises: Certain stretches and exercises are promoted to enlarge the penis, though higher-quality research is needed to confirm which, if any, are effective.
• Penile injections: Injections of fat, hyaluronic acid, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres can increase size but carry notable risks.
• Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP): PRP is an emerging treatment that may improve penile length, girth, and rigidity, but more evidence is needed.
• Penile surgery: Various surgical techniques exist, including ligament release (ligamentolysis), skin grafting, and lipoplasty, among others; each has its own risks and outcomes (see review).

A physician can explain potential benefits, risks, and costs for these options.

If you’re considering enlargement procedures or worried about penis size, consider speaking with a doctor or licensed therapist. They can help address concerns, improve self-esteem, and guide decision-making.

The bottom line

Oils and supplements marketed for penile enlargement are usually applied to the skin.

Despite widespread claims, there is very limited evidence that penis enlargement oils are effective.

Furthermore, ingredients in many of these products can be harmful and lead to problems such as itching, irritation, burning, or ulcers.

Always consult a healthcare provider before trying any oil, herb, or supplement. They can review your individual risk for side effects and interactions and recommend safer alternatives for enlargement or sexual health.