When it comes about the truth on penis enlargement, people think about spam email and credit card scams and fraud. It's true that there are marketers who'd stop at nothing just to make more money and then some, but that's probably not the case for a handful of honest companies, dedicated to helping us gain those extra inches we need!

There are only a few methods for penis enlargement. Some of them are dangerous, some of them are ineffective. So here's the deal on penis enlargement, what works and what not:

- Vacuum Pumps - They don't work!
Vacuum pumps work by sealing the penis in an airtight tube and removing the surrounding air. The negative pressure then pulls blood (and lymphatic fluid) into the penis and inflates it. The process takes about a minute and the results can be very impressive.

The trouble is, as soon as you remove the tube, the penis wants to revert back to its normal size. You can staunch the outflow of blood and lymphatic fluid by fitting a constriction ring around the base of your penis. This generally allows the penis to maintain its expanded girth for a few minutes, sufficient for insertion and at least one change of position before you have to pump it up again.

Because pumps draw blood into the penis and make it swell, they're useful in the treatment of impotence (erectile dysfunction). This may create an illusion of a larger penis, but the results are seldom permanent. Repeated use can damage elastic tissues in the penis, leading to less-firm erections.

- Pills, Patches, Lotions, Oils, Creams - They don't work!
These usually contain vitamins, minerals, herbs or hormones such as testosterone that claim to enlarge the penis. None of these products has been shown to be effective. Worst case scenario: you can suffer from an allergic reaction to vitamins or you can overdose. In both cases, call the nearest Poison Control Center, show them the bottle and be very specific on the amount of substance you have ingested or rubbed into your skin.

- Surgery - It does work, but it's very risky!
Surgery is the preferred method for any urologist. If you'll ever go to a medical doctor for advice, surgery is the first and the last thing you'll hear about. Some surgeons have developed several different enlargement techniques, none of them endorsed by medical organizations. The American Urological Association, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons(ASPS) have all issued policy statements against cosmetic surgical procedures to enhance the penis.

Studies have shown that the majority of men who undergo penis enlargement surgery aren't satisfied with the results. Surgery may at best add an average of half an inch to the length of the flaccid penis. Surgery may not add any length to the erect penis.

Following various types of cosmetic penile enhancement surgery, some men have had to undergo additional operations to correct deformities caused by the original procedure. The ill effects include scarring, a shorter penis, hair on the base of the penis, a low-hanging penis, loss of sensitivity and abnormal fat lumps. Other complaints include impotence (erectile dysfunction), urinary incontinence and persistent pain.

Then there's the cost: as much as $10,000 for a typical penis-enlargement surgery that doesn't require additional corrective surgery. Because cosmetic surgery is seldom covered by insurance, you'll likely have to bear the entire expense.

- Penis Exercises - They do work, but it will take quite some time to show results!
Penis exercises are a very inexpensive, safe and effective way to enlarge your penis. It is very possible that this method has been used for hundreds or thousand of years for penis enlargement, but no real research has been attempted to shed light on this subject.

Penis exercises work brilliantly and they come with the added bonus of giving you a lot more than a longer, thicker penis: you will also get to understand your body and its reactions better, which will greatly enhance your sex life.

- Traction Devices and Jelqing Devices - They are a way of taking the guess work out of penis exercises! They are a lot more expensive than just an exercise program membership, but they do have better results.

Traction devices and jelqing devices are the deluxe version of penis exercises. By applying the same controlled force and pressure each time you exercises, you will get faster results. If you know you need to see something happening to motivate you to continue, than this is what you need.

And this is the whole truth about penis enlargement methods. If you were wondering about penis enlargement, what works and what's the best way to go about it, now you know and you can make your choice easier!