Penis pump – How to use a penis pump

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They’re a great sex toy for couples... Boiler Gauge

As a penis pump user (and fan!) I can tell you, they’re a lot of fun. Penis pumps do exactly what you think they do – they pump penises. Shocker! This particular type of sex toy surrounds the penis in a cylinder and allows you to pump out the air, creating a vacuum. This engorges the penis, resulting in increased sensitivity and temporary penis enlargement.

Penis pumps were originally created to help people suffering from erectile dysfunction and as an alternative to ED medication. Although they’re also often called "penis enlargers", there isn’t much evidence of them permanently increasing erection size. Sorry! But this doesn’t stop them from being a staple in sex shops.

I asked some experts why penis pumps are so popular, how they can improve your sex life and how to use them safely. Plus, where to find the best ones to suit your situation.

Regardless of your gender identity or sexual orientation, if you have a penis – or your partner does – you can pump it! I love a judgement-free sex toy.

Penis pumps are most commonly used during solo play and masturbation, but they are a fun couples sex toy to bring into your partnered playtime and often used in dominant and submissive BDSM role play (with safe words, of course).

There are a few reasons that people use penis pumps, but they’re primarily used to increase the length and quality of an erection. “A penis pump uses negative pressure to suction blood into the blood vessels around your penis,” explains Zachary Zane, Cosmo columnist and author of Boyslut. “This can result in a firm erection, which is particularly helpful for those who struggle to maintain an erection during sex.”

This makes penis pumps the go-to choice for those suffering with erectile dysfunction who want a cost-effective, non-invasive treatment, or who are looking to regain function after a medical procedure.

Once you’ve pumped, your swollen erection can be maintained by putting on a cock ring (which helps to hold the blood and pressure in). They’re a fun and quick way to boost performance confidence, sensitivity, and the effect makes everything feel a little bigger.

As a sex toy, they’re often used for the visual of the penis growing, or as part of dominance and submission play. What’s more, as adult performer James Bennett says, “there’s also a kinky-fetish-play feel about them because when your dick is in it you really want to touch it, but it’s in the chamber so it’s impossible”.

The most popular reason people use them is for penis enlargement. There are arguments for and against using penis pumps for permanent results but the best results are often credited to water-operated ‘hydro pumps’.

You can take or leave this first piece of advice, but some experts suggest shaving your public hair a little before using a penis pump to make the seal between your skin and the device more effective. It also helps to stop hair from getting caught.

Once you’ve done that – or not, as the case may be – then you can apply a thin layer of water-based lubricant over the base of the penis to prevent irritation. If you didn’t shave before, you’re in luck: the lube actually helps to sweep your pubic hair back and out of the way.

Then, place the cylinder over the penis (you don’t need to be erect). If the cylinder has a pump sleeve, slide this over the shaft.

There are many different ways to operate pumps. Hand-pumps are fairly self-explanatory: you squeeze the pump to create the vacuum. Trigger-action pumps work in the same way, only they come with a little pull-trigger to help you along. And, finally, battery-powered pumps do it all for you.

No matter which kind you’re using, they all work in essentially the same way – you’ll just need to squeeze, pull, or press the button to get the device (and your penis) pumping.

Once you’re in, don’t be afraid to readjust until you’re comfortable.

Although it may be novel using a penis pump, particularly the first time, don’t get overexcited. For the best and most comfy results, build up the pressure slowly while feeling it out.

Most people tend to get an erection between 30 seconds and three minutes, depending on their bodies, as well as the device they’re using. Once you’re erect, you can stop (more on that in a minute).

Importantly, you should listen to your body; if anything begins to hurt or feel uncomfortable, stop immediately.

Congratulations, you’ve got an erection! Now you’re ready to stop pumping and, er, start humping.

To finish, hold the base of your penis while pressing the penis pump’s release valve. This will stop suction and enable you to remove the tube. To maintain the developed size, slide a cock ring around the base of your penis.

One key rule is to not use the device for more than 30 minutes. If in doubt, follow the instructions on your pump’s manual.

The results really depend on what you’re expecting, so you have to be realistic. If you’re looking for help getting erections – then yes, they work, and fast. If you’re looking to increase sensitivity and enjoy the visual of it growing, then you’re definitely going to be satisfied.

However, a penis pump is not going to give you a bigger erection, contrary to popular belief. There are varied reviews out there but there’s no evidence to back up these claims. Sex toy influencer Dick Baker claims, “I noticed once I’d been pumping for a month or so that flaccid my penis had increased in length and girth by a small amount.” But if this was widely true, I think most of the penis-owning population would be permanently connected to one.

Although they’re safe to use, like with anything, there are some potential risks with using penis pumps. “This includes blood clots and scarring,” explains Zane, “but this is rare and only tends to happen with improper use.” He points to a 1989 study which found that, out of 1,500 penis pump users, not a single person reported any serious adverse effects.

A fantastic entry-level and simple-to-use penis pump is the Tracey Cox EDGE Performance Pump. This affordable, hand pump, with a quick-release valve, is easy to clean, and even comes with an accessible step-by-step how-to guide, so you can get the most out of it (as well as the toys that enhance it).

Lovehoney’s Basics Textured Penis Pump does exactly what it says on the tin – and easily. With a squeezy hand pump that fits easily into your hand, a quick-release button, and a very reasonable price tag, this is the perfect device for those at the start of their pumping journey. It also has a textured interior for extra pleasure.

For beginners who don’t want to pump by hand, Bondara’s Helping Hand is a good go-to. Simply press the button and off you go – instant suction. As well as a handy quick-release valve, there’s also a measurement gauge, so you can start tracking your progress.

If you’re looking to indulge in penis pumping as part of a routine for penile engorgement, then look no further than the Hydromax7 from Bathmate. This hydro-powered device has garnered rave-reviews over the years, with many crediting it for their improved erectile function and increased (flaccid) penis size.

If you want a higher-end, but still easy-to-use regular option, go with Pipedream’s Pump Worx Max Precision. The hand-pump has a pistol grip that can easily be used one-handed, making the pumping process as simple as it can be. You can also track your progress with the device’s precision pressure gauge and cylinder. It’s also an especially comfortable option, and comes with a cock ring – winner!

With Zero Tolerance Toys’ Pump It Up, you can slide your penis in through a soft TPE entry (which removes for easy cleaning), before watching its pumping progress through the transparent chamber. As well as being able to measure in real time, there’s four suction modes for personalised pumping.

The LA PUMP Basic Pump is known for its quick results and easy-to-use design, including a pressure gauge. LA Pumps are probably the best-known penis pump brand in the world, and they’re worth the extra cash.

Although it requires a bit of setting up (and getting used to), Cal Exotics’ Optimum Series Advanced Automatic Smart Pump is a great investment. You can either use it manually, or programme it to establish a 20-minute workout, during which it’ll pump then release, and repeat. You can just lay back and let the device do the hard(ening) work.

NS Novelties’ Renegade IQ also allows you to pre-set your pumping preferences, choosing from three unique options. It’s easy to use, too, with just three buttons, including the option for quick-release. You can use it manually as well, but if you go for the automatic, it’ll remember your preferences for next time. Smart!

Always clean your pump after use and store it in a cool, dry place, ideally out of direct sunlight. If you're unsure how to clean your sex toys, refer to our handy guide here.

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