Does Masturbation Affect Penis Size? (And 9 Other Myths Your Brain Won't Let Go)

Myth 1: Masturbation Shrinks Your Penis

Verdict: Completely false.

There is no mechanism by which masturbation could reduce penis size. The erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum) is not damaged or worn away by normal use. This myth likely stems from the temporary post-ejaculation refractory period, where the penis returns to its flaccid state — but it's the same size it always was. You could masturbate daily for 50 years and your penis would measure exactly the same.

Myth 2: Not Masturbating Makes It Bigger (NoFap)

Verdict: False.

The NoFap community makes many claims, some with merit (improved motivation, reduced porn dependency), but penis enlargement isn't one of them. Abstaining from ejaculation does cause a temporary testosterone spike around day 7 (about 45% increase), which returns to baseline shortly after. This small, temporary hormonal fluctuation does not affect penile tissue growth in adults.

What NoFap can do is improve erection quality by reducing dopamine desensitization from porn. A harder erection might measure slightly larger — but that's an EQ improvement, not a size increase.

Myth 3: You Can "Use It or Lose It"

Verdict: Mostly false, with a nuance.

Regular erections do help maintain erectile tissue health by oxygenating the tissue. Men who go extended periods without erections (e.g., after prostate surgery) can experience some tissue changes. But normal variation in sexual activity — whether you have sex daily or monthly — has no measurable effect on size. Your penis doesn't atrophy from disuse the way a muscle does.

Myth 4: Certain Foods Make It Bigger

Verdict: False.

No food increases penis size. Full stop. Watermelon, oysters, bananas, and every other "natural enhancer" you've seen on clickbait articles do absolutely nothing for penile dimensions. Some foods (beets, leafy greens) do support nitric oxide production, which can improve erection quality — but that's hardness, not length.

Myth 5: Testosterone Supplements Increase Size After Puberty

Verdict: False for adults.

Testosterone drives penile growth during puberty. After puberty is complete (typically by age 18-21), additional testosterone does not cause further growth. Men on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) do not experience penis enlargement — though they may see improved erection quality if they were previously deficient.

The exception: boys with clinically low testosterone during puberty may experience delayed or incomplete development, which hormone therapy can address. This is a medical condition treated by endocrinologists, not a DIY supplement situation.

Myth 6: Wearing Tight Underwear Shrinks It

Verdict: False for size. Possibly relevant for fertility.

Tight underwear does not compress or reduce penis size. However, tight underwear does increase scrotal temperature, which can temporarily reduce sperm production. If you're trying to conceive, boxers are better than briefs — but your penis size is unaffected either way.

Myth 7: Size Is Determined by Race

Verdict: Mostly false. See our full breakdown.

The largest and most rigorous studies (Veale 2015 meta-analysis of 15,521 men) show that racial differences in penis size are either nonexistent or far smaller than stereotypes suggest. Most studies claiming large racial differences suffer from small sample sizes, self-reported measurements, and selection bias. The normal distribution within any racial group is far wider than the average difference between groups.

Myth 8: Penis Pumps Cause Permanent Growth

Verdict: False. Full scam breakdown here.

Vacuum pumps create temporary engorgement lasting 15-30 minutes. There is zero evidence of permanent gains from pump use. They are FDA-approved for treating ED (helping achieve erections), not for enlargement.

Myth 9: Your Penis Stops Growing at 18

Verdict: Approximately true, but nuanced. Full timeline here.

Most penile growth occurs during puberty (ages 12-16) and is largely complete by 18. However, some men experience minor growth through age 21. After that, dimensions are fixed. No amount of exercise, diet, or supplements will change adult penis size — the growth plates are closed and the tissue has reached its genetically determined size.

Myth 10: A Bigger Penis Means Better Sex

Verdict: False. The data is overwhelming.

Only 18% of women orgasm from penetration alone. Confidence, communication, oral sex, and attentiveness consistently rank above size in every partner satisfaction study ever conducted. The orgasm gap between heterosexual and lesbian women (65% vs 86%) proves that the best sex doesn't require a penis at all — let alone a big one.