Same with PE - the key is stretching the tunica which allows for more “soft tissue” expansion.Once that stretch becomes “cemented”, then PE guys dont go back to their original size either.
You are on target as well. Expansion of the tunica by tension-induced (either pressure or stretch) connective tissue remodeling is the key.
However, like in body building, disuse atrophy can occur. I don’t know if that means not stopping at least some type of minimal PE. Maybe erections, masturbation and intercourse are enough range-of-motion to keep cemented gains over the long term. Even cement can crumble.
Someone posted about rest periods allowing the penis to become “weaker.”.One takes rest periods to allow the body to catch up from an over-training standpoint, and I truly think that most PE’ers SEVERELY over-train.
I think weaker is a bad word. The disuse decreases collagen fiber diameter in connective tissue so that tensile strength is reduced. This makes it easier to stretch again and hopefully allow for tension-induced growth.
I think we’re all guilty of over doing it at some time or another.
You are very right regarding rest. If PI’s point to overtraining, rest is key to allow tissue repair/remodeling, particularly if the PE induces injury.
The second kind of rest, deconditioning rest, also seems important in PE to overcome plateaus. This remodeling involves decreased collagen fiber size, and if the break is not too long (or gains are “locked”), hopefully not decreased fiber length; longitudinal or circumferential.
By the way could someone explain to me the concept of “locking” or “cementing” gains. How do cold packs and/or a 3 - 4 week PE taper cement gains? How does this work on a connective tissue basis? I personally have no idea.