You know, I've always wondered this. But it seems to be more of a try it before you bash it type of thing. I'm not going to shit all over the theory of it until I actually try it. But in theory, it should work. What I don't understand though is the anatomy of it all. I've read about it, and of course you're affecting the spongy tissue in the penis, but that isn't a muscle. Are you just breaking down the blood vessels, and causing a signal that more blood vessels are needed each time for healing, so that fills up the Coropora Cavernosa / Spongiosum more? I understand basic human anatomy, so please explain the healing process of this? Any other body parts like this so I can gain a better understanding? (only reason I ask is because I'm probably going to attempt this soon, and would like to go in to jelqing well informed)
People say that the penis isn't a muscle and so you can't build it up at all, because only muscles can be expanded upon. This isn't the truth, strictly speaking. There are three kinds of expansion you'd need to see visible gains in length and girth: ligaments, blood vessels/chambers, and skin.
First off, ligament growth in both lengthening and elasticity is necessary to see gains, because they keep the penis anchored at its base. The reason why penis surgery gives a length increase is because it severs these ligaments and allows more of the internal penis out. It is however very proven that ligaments can be expanded upon. If it couldn't, routine stretching wouldn't make you more flexible.
Second, skin growth is necessary to see visible gains, because if the flesh grows but the skin surrounding it does not, it would just be more tightly packed into the same package. Skin growth is likewise proven to work with routine stretching. You can see the results in those that have extreme piercings, and skin stretching over time is also commonly used as a medical alternative to skin grafting for burn victims, as well as in foreskin restoration.
Finally, the blood chambers/vessels must be expanded, because the penis must be capable of engorging with blood in order to inflate it to greater levels. Exercise has been proven to do that to other blood vessels in the body, as well as the penis itself. Blood vessels throughout the body are larger and more elastic in a fit person than in a couch potato. Similarly, lack of exercise has been shown to correlate with smaller, less elastic vessels. This has been attributed to the blood being pushed throughout the body at greater levels for regular intervals, and the body adjusting to make the cardiovascular system more efficient. This is one of the mechanics by which people become more fit.
So scientifically, there is a basis for saying jelqing works. Stretching exercises are usually a part of the warm up to stimulate ligament growth, and there are stretches that target the skin as well. Kegels are now touted as one of the best exercises to improve your sex life, because they improves the blood flow to your genitals and give you better orgasmic control, and they are usually included. Jelqing itself stretches the skin and forces the blood chambers to capacity to stimulate gains in length and girth.
I will say that even among those who have claimed no gains by jelqing, most have noticed an increase in erection firmness and responsiveness. Many have even claimed to have cured their erectile dysfunction. Like any exercise though, you get out of jelqing what you put into it.
