No, bee stings do not increase the penile size

A claim circulating on social media that a bee sting will increase the size of one's penis is FALSE.

The claim widely shared in WhatsApp forums indicated that by one subjecting their genitalia to bee stings it will be enlarged in size permanently.

Using online search tools, the image shared is a screenshot of an article published in 2019 by an author known as Nistrator. The article is tittle 'Bee sting to the penis can permanently enlarge it'.

The original claim made on social media

This claim is drawn from the backdrop of fears that someone declared male at birth may have a penis that looks too small or is too small to satisfy their partner during sex.

Mayo Clinic however states that most men who think their penises are too small actually have penises that are considered typical size.

Such fears have seen an exaggerated idea of what men have considered a "typical" penis size.

"The length of a non-erect penis doesn't consistently predict length when the penis is erect. If your penis is about 5 inches (13 cm) or longer when erect, it's of typical size," quotes Mayo clinic.

A penis is considered small only if it measures less than 3 inches (about 7.5 centimeters) when erect. This is a condition called micropenis.

Doctor Dominic Gachoiro, a Urologist told The Standard thus there is no scientific evidence to back the claim that a bee sting works the magic.

According to him, a bee sting is an allergic reaction and causes inflammation which swelling is part of.

"The body depending on the way it handles these reactions will induce swelling of different magnitudes. However, the resolution of the reaction will return the penis to its original size," Dr Gachoiro said.

He said in childhood, penile size can be increased by administration of male hormonal creams, oral or injections but upon cessation of medication the penile grows back to its genetic pre-determined size.

His sentiments are echoed by fellow Urologist Dr Peter Mungai who said bee stings are just bee stings that swells due to inflammation.

Mr Mungai said the only way one can enlarge their penile size is through growth hormones.

"We have had such misguided theories for a while. I had a case where someone inserted silicon in their urethra trying to prove this theory and passing urine became a big problem that he had to undergo surgical procedure," said Dr Mungai.

He said there are however rare cases where someone might have a micro-penis and this can be attribute to testosterone deficiency which might cause erectile dysfunctions.

"What Kenyans should understand is what you have is your size because even if you opt for growth hormones, at the end of the day the penile will only enlarge to its original size," he said.

Do penis-enlargement products work?

According Mayo Clinic, advertisements for penis-enlargement products and procedures are everywhere. A vast number of pumps, pills, weights, exercises and surgeries claiming to increase the length and width of ones' penis.

the clinic says there's however little scientific support for nonsurgical methods to enlarge the penis. And no trusted medical organization endorses penis surgery for purely cosmetic reasons.

"Most of the techniques you see advertised don't work. And some can damage your penis. Think twice before trying any of them," the clinic advises.