Influencer promotes risky weighted-bag penis stretch, doctors warn of permanent harm

Clavicular, the online alias of 20-year-old Braden Peters, told Howie Mandel that he uses a “shopping bag hang” trick—placing a weighted bag around his penis while driving—to stretch the suspensory ligament and add length. He asserts that consistent use can yield roughly an inch of growth, though he notes a slight lowering of erection angle. Urologist Dr. Rajesh Patel, president of Associated Urological Specialists, warned that the practice lacks scientific support and poses serious risks, such as bruising, swelling, nerve injury, loss of sensation, erectile dysfunction, and possible development of Peyronie-like curvature.

Patel contrasted this do-it-yourself approach with medically approved traction devices that apply controlled tension and only modestly increase size. He emphasized that uncontrolled force can damage blood vessels and connective tissue, potentially leading to permanent impairment. The doctor advised men worried about penile size to consult a qualified urologist for evidence-based guidance.