ErectionScience

Evidence-based male sexual health

Product Reviews — Evidence-Based Ratings

Every product rated by clinical evidence, not marketing claims

RestoreX Traction Device (Medical-Grade Traction Device)

Evidence: Strong | Rating: 4.5/5 | Price: $300-$400

Developed at Mayo Clinic. Originally designed for Peyronie's disease, with clinical evidence for length gains.

Mechanism: Controlled traction induces cellular proliferation (cytokinesis)

Clinical data: randomized controlled trial: +1.5cm length at 3 months, 94% achieved gains, -11.7° curvature improvement

Usage: 30-90 minutes/day

Pros: Mayo Clinic developed, randomized controlled trial evidence, FDA registered device, Also treats Peyronie's

Cons: Requires daily commitment, Modest gains (1-2cm typical), Prescription recommended

Phallosan Forte (Vacuum-Traction Hybrid Device)

Evidence: Moderate | Rating: 4/5 | Price: $300-$500

Combines vacuum suction cup with belt-based traction. Can be worn under clothing. CE certified medical device.

Mechanism: Gentle vacuum holds glans while belt provides sustained traction

Clinical data: Study showed +1.9cm in patients with Peyronie's over 6 months; user reports suggest 0.5-2cm for healthy men

Usage: 6-8 hours/day (can be worn at night)

Pros: Can be worn while sleeping, More comfortable than rod extenders, CE certified, Clinical studies (Peyronie's)

Cons: Expensive, Suction cup can be finicky, Clinical data mainly for Peyronie's, not augmentation

SizeGenetics / Andropenis (Rod-Based Traction Device)

Evidence: Moderate | Rating: 3.8/5 | Price: $150-$400

Traditional rod-based penile extender. Andropenis was used in the original Gontero 2009 clinical study.

Mechanism: Calibrated traction via adjustable rods

Clinical data: Gontero 2009: +1.7cm BPFL at 6 months; Multiple smaller studies support gains

Usage: 4-8 hours/day for 3-6 months

Pros: Used in clinical studies, Adjustable tension, Long track record, Multiple comfort accessories

Cons: Difficult to conceal, Uncomfortable for extended wear, Requires sitting/lying positions

Bathmate HydroMax/HydroXtreme (Hydro Vacuum Pump)

Evidence: Weak | Rating: 3/5 | Price: $100-$350

Water-based vacuum pump for use in the shower/bath. Popular consumer product with large user community.

Mechanism: Warm water + vacuum creates negative pressure, drawing blood into penis

Clinical data: No peer-reviewed studies. Company surveys: 88% satisfaction, 81% reported improvement

Usage: 15-20 minutes, 3-5x per week

Pros: Easy to use, Immediate temporary results, May improve erection quality, Large community/support

Cons: No scientific evidence for permanent gains, Temporary effects, Risk of overuse injury, Overpromises in marketing

Medical-Grade VED (Pos-T-Vac, Encore) (Vacuum Erection Device)

Evidence: Strong (for ED) | Rating: 4/5 | Price: $150-$500 (often insurance-covered)

FDA-cleared vacuum erection devices primarily for erectile dysfunction treatment and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Mechanism: Negative pressure draws blood into corpora cavernosa; constriction ring maintains erection

Clinical data: Extensively studied for ED treatment. 90%+ success rate for achieving erection. Post-prostatectomy rehab data strong.

Usage: As needed for ED; some use daily for "rehabilitation"

Pros: FDA-cleared, Strong ED evidence, Insurance may cover, Non-invasive

Cons: Not proven for permanent size gains, Erection feels different (less natural), Bruising possible

L-Arginine + L-Citrulline (Supplement)

Evidence: Moderate (erections only) | Rating: 3.5/5 | Price: $10-$30/month

Amino acids that are precursors to nitric oxide, the key molecule in erection physiology.

Mechanism: L-arginine → NO via nitric oxide synthase. L-citrulline → L-arginine (better absorption)

Clinical data: randomized controlled trial: 1500-5000mg L-arginine improved erectile function scores. L-citrulline 1.5g/day improved EHS in mild ED.

Usage: 1500-5000mg L-arginine OR 1-1.5g L-citrulline daily

Pros: Affordable, Good safety profile, May improve erection quality, Supports cardiovascular health

Cons: Does NOT increase size, Less effective than PDE5 inhibitors, GI side effects possible, Interacts with blood pressure meds

Korean Red Ginseng (Panax) (Supplement)

Evidence: Moderate (erections only) | Rating: 3.5/5 | Price: $15-$40/month

Traditional herbal remedy with actual clinical evidence for improving erectile function.

Mechanism: Ginsenosides promote NO release, improve endothelial function, and have adaptogenic properties

Clinical data: Meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials (216 ED patients): statistically significant improvement in erectile function

Usage: 2000-3000mg/day for 8-12 weeks

Pros: Multiple randomized controlled trials support it, Good safety profile, Additional energy/stress benefits, Long traditional use

Cons: Does NOT increase size, Modest effect vs prescription ED drugs, Quality varies between brands

Penuma Implant (Surgical Implant)

Evidence: Strong | Rating: 3.8/5 | Price: $13,000-$18,000

FDA-cleared subcutaneous silicone sleeve surgically placed around the penile shaft. Only available through certified surgeons.

Mechanism: Custom-fitted silicone implant adds girth and flaccid length permanently

Clinical data: +2.5-3.8cm length, +3.1-3.4cm girth. 82% satisfaction. Multi-institutional data.

Usage: One-time surgery + 4-6 week recovery

Pros: FDA-cleared, Largest permanent gains available, Strong clinical data, Permanent results

Cons: Very expensive, Surgical risks (seroma, infection, erosion), Revision rate 2-13%, Removal rate 6-21%, Recovery period

Red Flags — How to Spot Scams