Jelqing

Jelqing is a practice of manipulating the penis tissues in a such a way to encourage growth. This is accomplished via massage, stretching the skin, or gentle impact.

One way to jelq is to encircle the shaft at the base with thumb and forefinger with enough pressure that there's some resistance then slowly slide up the shaft to the tip then repeating for about 20 minutes (no more than two times a day). This should be done when flaccid or semi-hard, not fully erect, so that the blood can be massaged through the tissue and the skin can be more easily manipulated.

There have not been any studies to prove or disprove the effectiveness of jelqing, though as long as it's not practiced too aggressively it should not cause damage.

Origins of the Term Jelqing

The term jelqing is derived from the Persian "jalq," meaning masturbation, sometimes traced to the phrase "jalq zadan." The practice is frequently described online as an ancient Middle Eastern or Sudanese penis-stretching tradition, but its early history is unclear. A 2023 historical review found no primary sources confirming the commonly repeated claim that jelqing originated among ancient Sudanese tribes.

The technique is much easier to document in its modern form, where it spread through penis-enlargement forums and websites around the late 1990s and early 2000s. Medical literature was referring to “jelqing” by the 2000s/2010s.

Related Terms

• Ball Stretching