Stretching up = guaranteed turtling

So I noticed after stretching sometimes my penis would turtle, and become a bit harder and smaller in the flaccid state, sometimes for a couple of days depending on the intensity.

After trial and error I realised this was only from stretching up (stretching down towards the floor was fine even with force), so thats my tunica right? Turns out pretty much even the gentlest of stretching up makes it turtle, to prevent turtling i can barely do more than just hold it straight upwards.

So what does this mean? Does this mean i have a weak tunica that should be strengthened? If so how? I dont have the best EQ especially at the base so i’m looking to improve any weak points.

Does this mean I should stop stretchin the tunica entirely or should i work through the turtling? Don’t really wanna do that, turtling always seems like a bad sign to me

I think you may be right. I did major up stretches today and now I am turtled much more than usual. Maybe too much trauma for it and it’s saying “I’m done no more”.

Don’t stretch so hard.

Good observation. When I think about it now I notice that I did get more turtling when I finished a session with upward stretching. I think the main reason is that downward stretching places the force mainly on the corpus cavernosum which are strong. Upward stretching places tension mainly on the corpus spongiosum, the underside, which is not as tough tissue. So I think the same force when directed up places a lot of strain on the spongiosum part which is attached to the glans where the neve endings are and triggers turtling. I would probably use less force stretching up because of that. In terms of gains I don’t know if it’s good or bad. Maybe the really experienced hangers will weigh in.

Yeah, upward stretching is important too. Just take sta-kool’s advice and put firm but gentle pressure.

Stretching upwards puts more tension through the perineal area, and creates tension on the pudendal nerve, which innervates the penis, scrotum, rectum, anus, utethra, and perineal area. In cases where people suffer from ‘hard flaccid’, I believe there is almost always an involvement of the the pudendal nerve.

For many people, stretching upwards causes no problem, but for some it does. If you get an especially tight feeling over the perineum, between your legs when you stretch up, take it very slowly and carefully, or avoid stretching upwards.

Great explanation firegoat. I’ve always wondered why upward stretching felt so different from stretching in any other direction.

I’ve never had a problem with stretching straight up. Straight down for me affects my EQ and erection level.

Strange how everyone reacts differently.

Firegoat, do you think how an individual expresses (can’t think of a better word) the tissues during the stretch could make a difference. ie are the tissues in the crutch contracted to pull against the stretch, are the tissues relaxed or even expanded. Hope I’m clear in what I’m trying to get at.

For many people I expect it is an automatic protective reaction for the perineal area to contract when they stretch upward, and they have to consciously relax into the stretch. No stretch can be effective unless you are able to relax into it.
However, the structures there are not naturally stretched in everyday activities, so they’re not designed to take a heavy stretch.
I think problems occur when people try to stretch up with the same sort of force as they would use stretching down.
If you do contract against it, the muscles are going to get very tired and possibly strained. If you don’t, the delicate tissues and pudendal nerve are not being protected by the natural protective contraction.

For a long time I have recommended that the majority of stretching be done straight down and to either side of straight down, with some done to the sides, and only a little done upwards, (just to make sure there is no limiting factor). The tissues that benefit most from stretching are hit by mostly downward stretches. Other tissues are best hit by jelqing. Of course, all these are just my preferences based on my knowledge and experience; others will disagree and do things differently, which is fine.

WOW. I’ve noticed the exact same problem with the upward stretch. I just did a session of stretching and two things happened when I stretched upwards. 1) I did not feel the stretch at all like I did at other angles, and 2) Major turtling. Does turtling limit the potential for growth or will it pass by tomorrow when I stretch again? Also, considering what is going on, should I stop stretching upwards?

Good advice, Firegoat.

Glad to know that we’re still learning things here!

I find that I feel a deeper pull when I stretch upward than any other way, and that would explain why.

I always wrap with saran wrap after stretching or clamping and I never turtle.

Thanks for replying.

I’m interested because I hang OTS, which is essentially the same thing (just heavier and longer). I try to/do relax completely, and any movement I make comes from rocking the pelvis rather than the groin. I also do this lying down, which I think makes it easier to relax the vulnerable tissues. I have no real issues, but I do wear an ADS to counter the small amount of retraction that occurs after a series of sets.

Sorry to ask but what is “turtling”