How to use a Penis Pump? PRO TIPS from a Sex Toy Tester!

Bigger, stronger, longer, wider, and HARDER is the penis all men wish we had. As far as I know, boys, there’s only one way to add a little more, and that’s with a penis pump. Ladies, pay attention, too, because it might just be what you’re looking for to achieve that eye-rolling, leg-shaking, back-arching, penetrative sex you desire.

So welcome to our ultimate guide on how to use a penis pump. We will tell you everything you need to know about getting the most out of the penis you were given. Let’s get started!

What Is a Penis Pump?

A penis pump is a device that draws more blood into your penis by creating a vacuum around it. The device was created in 1973 by a doctor searching for cures for ED (Erectile Dysfunction). Since then, they have been adopted by plenty of men and couples with or without Erectile Dysfunction, recognizing the many benefits of using one. The technology has evolved and so have the results of using them. They range from air-based to water-based (like HydroXtreme in the image below), hand-powered, or electric motors. I assure you there’s one for almost every penis.

How does a Penis Pump work?

Cock pumps work by vacuuming all of the air or water around your penis to create a pressure chamber to fill this void in pressure. More blood will be pulled from your body into your penis, resulting in a boner you can be proud of.

Many users report an instant change in the firmness and girth of their penis after their first use. The results for regular users have increased ability to have and maintain erections, improved stamina during sex, increased girth, and, in some cases, increased length.

Such penile changes are entirely due to increased blood flow to the penis and primarily the erectile tissue. Pumping your penis will fill it to the brim with blood, stretching these tissues and blood vessels and giving you the most immense erection your body can produce.

Regular use helps open the passageways, allowing for better erections without using the dick pump. Not only that, but specific pumps lead to instances in the growth of these tissues creating bigger dicks, albeit just temporarily.

How Often Should You Use a Penile Pump?

Using a penis pump is similar to doing exercise. Beginners should start slowly and use it no more than once a day. With experience comes the ability to use it more often, with frequent users stating the ability to use it several times a day. Listen to your body, and be sure not to do it over. You don’t want to put your wang out of commission.

What Does a Penis Pump Feel Like?

The first few times, maybe even the first few weeks, it feels weird to use a penis pump. As you would assume, it pulls on your penis with a rather intense pressure all around it. It takes some time to get used to, but once you do, it becomes a welcome sensation. Knowing you are about to have a rock-hard erection, the pressure is akin to a handjob before the main act, making it great for couples’ play.

Your penis is also more sensitive after using a penis pump, which makes sense after being under all that pressure and filled with much more blood. Sometimes it may be a little too sensitive to have sex, especially in the beginning. However, the extreme sensitivity tends to wear away after 15 minutes.

If you are not circumcised, it can pull on your foreskin and leave it swollen afterward, which is not uncommon. Some mild bruising is also common. However, bold bruising is not normal, and you should pump to lower levels or give your penis a break from the pump.

If you feel pain at any point while penis pumping, immediately release the pressure or remove your penis. It’s possible to rupture blood vessels or to hemorrhage.

Who Are They For?

Penis pumps are great toys for any man at any age to own. They will make your great dick even more wondrous by pumping it up beyond its natural potential. The stigma that a penis pump is for men with small penises or unable to get hard is a thing of the past.

Of course, a penis vacuum pump is a great way to battle Erectile Dysfunction and put some lead in your pencil or to beef up your man meat. They will give you more confidence in bed, improve your sexual stamina, and are incredibly fun to use with a partner. They also improve the sexual health of your penis and can help prevent occurrences of Erectile Dysfunction as you age.

The better question to ask is who a penis pump is not for. The answer is those who suffer from throbbing prolonged erections, blood clots, or any other blood disorder or take blood thinning medication. Consulting a physician first is necessary if you have any medical conditions.

What Different Types Can I Buy?

Air Pumps

Air-based penis pumps are the most common models. They work by pumping the air out of the vacuum chamber, which draws your penis into the tube, causing it to grow. Air pumps are the most bedroom-friendly and are the best option for having a quick pump before sex to ensure you have a great erection. (the image below shows the Tracey Cox EDGE air pump)

Manually Operated Air Pumps

Manually operated penis pumps are the best on a budget. They are practical and straightforward to use. There are a few different ways of pumping them, which we discuss below. All of them have an easy-to-use quick-release button found next to the pump.

• Tracey Cox EDGE is the cheapest and most effective pump on the market, getting the most out of your penis for the dollar (image above). With its minimalist design and easy-to-use ball pump, a few firm fist squeezes are all you need to give your partner more to hold onto. It even comes with a detailed exercise routine written by Tracey Cox herself. It costs $49.99. ( Our Tracey Cox review is here.)
• BASICS Trigger Penis Pump – another good budget pump at $24.99. The most significant difference between the EDGE and BASICS is the pumping mechanism. BASICS has a trigger-operated pump. It’s a cheaper feeling than the EDGE, creates a weaker vacuum, and does not come with detailed exercise routines specific to it. Hence we recommend Tracey Cox.

Automatic Penis Pumps

Getting your cock pumped to the max takes no more than clicking a button while using an automatic penis pump. A battery-powered penis pump makes pumping even more effortless, which can help you keep up with your regular pumping routine. Some can double as a blow job machine or remember your favorite settings. Here are some of our favorites.

• The Fleshlight Fleshpump is a great introductory product for a reasonable price of $99.99. The Fleshlight Fleshpump has a minimalistic design featuring a two-button interface, pump, and release. It is easy to operate and relatively silent compared to other pumps.
• The Excelsior Smart Automatic Penis Pump is the Rolls Royce of automated penis pumps (image below). Excelsior can do it all with the click of a button. Its LCD screen and smart memory mode allow you to achieve the correct pressure effortlessly every time. It comes with two sleeves, one for pumping and the other for pleasuring yourself. The RealSkin stroker sleeve turns the Excelsior into an automatic blowjob machine, with built-in exercise routines that maximize your gains. It is excellent value for its price, $125.99. (Our Excelsior penis pump review is here.)

Hydro Penis Pumps

Hydro/water-based penis pumps achieve the most significant gains the quickest. Unlike air pumps, they create a uniform amount of pressure around your penis, drawing more blood throughout your penis and pumping it to the max. There are also fewer occurrences of bruising from water pressure. The two downsides of hydro models are that you will need to use them in the bath or shower, and they are more expensive than air pumps. Here are a couple of our favorite and most effective ones from Bathmate.

The Bathmate Hydro pumps come in sizes that accommodate penises from three inches or less up to eleven inches and have extra wide models. Their unique sizing creates a better pumping experience for the user. Check their website to find out which is suitable for you.

• Bathmate HydroMax – The Hydromax series (image below) is Bathmate’s entry-level hydro pump, with prices ranging from $129-199. Hydromax is a simple yet effective construct. Jump in the bath or shower, fill the chamber with water, and insert yourself. To pump it, you compress the silicone bellows against your pelvis, creating suction. (Bathmate Hydromax review here).
• Bathmate HydroXtreme – The HydroXtreme product line is one of the most powerful hydro pumps on the market. The bottom half of the pump looks almost the same as the HydroMax, but the ball pump is a big difference. Using a ball pump is far easier to operate, making it great to use with your partner and creating much more powerful suction. The HydroXtreme is costly, and prices range from $219 to $349. (Bathmate HydroXtreme review here).

What To Think About When Buying A Product

There is a vast array of different penis pumps available on the market. That doesn’t mean it has to be an overwhelming task when broken down by budget and types of pumps. It can be easy and fun. Here we will discuss all that is available. Once you know what kind of pump you want or your budget, you must do your homework and read up on the pump and user reviews to ensure you get the best one.

Material

The most common materials are ABS plastic, silicone, and rubber, like the Hydromax opening (shown in the image below). Some products have a latex opening on the sleeve. All the penis pumps discussed in this article are 100% body-safe and phthalate free. Most penis pumps on the market are but always double-check the materials before buying if you are concerned.

Sizing

While many penis pumps advertise one size fits all, it’s always best to first measure yourself to ensure the pump you choose gives you the room you need to grow. A general rule of thumb is that you want two extra inches in length and 0.5 inches in width, whatever your erect penis size may be. Specific models come in various sizes, so grab a ruler in one hand and cock in the other and get to work.

Pro Tip: Bathmate has a handy tool to help you pick a suitable size.

Safety

As stated, always read the user manual before operating your penis pump. All serious products should feature a quick-release valve (image below), and it’s essential to know where and how to release it. If the pressure becomes too much or you feel pain, release the pressure immediately, and removing the pressure will prevent injuries.

Never use your pump, or keep your penis inside the pressurized chamber for longer than the recommended time. Take breaks between pumps when doing your exercise. Do not pump more than you need to achieve an erection.

If you have blood disorders, a history of blood clots, or take blood thinners, penis pumps can be hazardous. Please consult a doctor before using them.

Budget

There is a penis pump for every budget. Manually operated models are the cheapest and still yield great results; you can purchase them for as cheap as $24.99. When you explore the realm of automatic penis pumps, the cost is around $100. Water pumps are the most expensive, costing anywhere from $150 to $350, depending on the size and design.

Read Reviews

Read plenty of reviews to determine which pump is best for your situation. There are many different pumps to choose from; some are better when used alone, while others may be more couple-friendly. Do your research, find out what you want, and don’t forget to measure your penis to check if it will accommodate you.

If you want more information about penis pumps, I recommend our extensive penis pump review article.

How To Use A Vacuum Penis Pump?

Here is our rough guide on how to use an air penis pump. Most work on the same premise, but always read the manufacturers’ instructions first. We can not stress this enough as everyone is different, creates different pressure levels, and may have other exercise routines that go with them. Not following the instructions can leave you with a damaged cock (ouch!)

Note: Penis pumps are advanced sex toys, and you must take great care when using them. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses, injuries, and damages. Learn more.

1.  READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Trust the manufacturers’ guidance and stay safe.
2. Please keep it clean, boys and girls. Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s clean. Wash every sex toy before getting down and dirty.
3. Good-bye bush. Trim or shave your pubic hair before pumping. Not only does a lack of jungle create an airtight seal for your pump, but it will also prevent painful hair pulling.
4. Lube time, that’s right, it’s finally time to reach for the lube and let the fun begin. We recommend using water-based lubes as they will not deteriorate silicone or any other fine finishes. Apply lube not just to yourself but to the penis pump’s opening. Lube not only makes it feel better and easier to get into but also helps to create an airtight seal.
5. Play with your balls; it’s always good to massage them first, so they descend away from your body, ensuring they are not sucked into the vacuum chamber by accident.
6. Insert penis, that’s right, slide your junk in there, and get ready to show us what you’re working with. After inserting yourself, you must create an airtight seal (demonstrated in the image above). Most often, you can achieve this with a few minor initial pumps. Every pump is different, so once again, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
7. Pump yourself to the point of creating an erection. You do not want to add more pressure than that. Remain inside the pressurized chamber for the recommended time of your pump.
8. Releasing the pressure; every pump has a quick-release valve. The quick-release valve will let the pressure out of the chamber so you can remove it yourself. If you ever experience pain or discomfort, release the valve immediately and take a break.
9. Repeat these steps as guided by the manufacturer to achieve the best results.
10. Put a ring on it. If you wish to stay as hard as the pump made you, a cock ring is just the trick. A cock ring will keep the blood in your penis but do not wear a cock ring for more than twenty minutes at a time.

How To Use A Water Penis Pump?

Water/hydro pumps work differently and require different steps. You should be in the bath or shower using a water-based penis pump. Once again, all manufacturers have other procedures for using them.

1. Follow the first three steps from above.
2. Let’s get wet, jump into the bath or shower, and loosen ourselves up under the warm water. Try to get your balls to descend away from yourself, so there is no risk of them being vacuumed up like a couple of marbles.
3. Fill the chamber with warm, not hot, water, and slide yourself into the warmth. Some pumps may have an open or closed position trapping the water. Check if yours does.
4. Create a seal as instructed by the manufacturer, which will most likely involve compressing the bellows at the bottom of the plastic tube against yourself.
5. Slowly start pumping yourself. Water pumps are more powerful than air pumps, so proceed with caution once you have pumped to the point of creating an erection stop here.
6. Stay inside the pressurized water for 2-5 minutes at a time, but no more. Release the pressure with the quick-release valve and take a break.
7. You can repeat these steps twice to gain the most from your pump.
8. If you ever feel pain, instantly release the pressure with the quick-release valve.
9. Go and enjoy your erection. If it is too sensitive to enjoy, don’t worry; that happens. The sensitivity will die off within 10-15 minutes.
10. Don’t forget your cock ring if you want to keep that raging hard-on.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Penis pumps are no different from any other sex toy; regular cleaning is necessary so please clean yours after each use. Most models can be easily disassembled, allowing deep cleaning. You can clean your vacuum erection device with a sex toy cleaner or a mild anti-bacterial hand soap.

Some have a storage case (circled in red below) but if your doesn’t we suggest using a fabric bag to prevent dust build-up. Only store your penis pump once completely dry. Trust us, you do not want fungi where you put your wang; your wiener and mushrooms are not a delicacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do penis pumps work For ED?

Yes, a penis pump can be an effective non-medicinal way to treat ED. A penis pump combined with a cock ring can give you the rigidity needed to do the job. If you suffer from severe ED, it’s best to consult a physician first to see if it is right for you.

What other ED treatments are available?

There are specific medicines that can treat ED, but that’s the job of a medical professional. The two non-medical techniques for dealing with Erectile Dysfunction that we can recommend are cock rings and penis sleeves:

• If you can achieve an erection but struggle to maintain one, a cock ring could be all you need. A penis ring is as easy to put on as a condom and keeps you rock hard while you rock your partner’s world.
• A penis sleeve is like a stunt cock for your penis. It’s a prosthetic penis you put over your own that adds length, girth, textures, colors, and even vibrations. Some penis sleeves have internal textures for pleasure, and others dampen the sensation to keep you from blowing your load too soon.

Do they extend the length and girth?

Any penis enlargement you acquire from a penis pump is temporary. Using a penis pump regularly over time will add girth and maybe even length to your penis. However, when you stop pumping, these gains will slowly fade away.

Are there any risks with penis pumps?

Yes, unfortunately, there are risks to using a penis pump. However, if you follow the directions closely, you drastically eliminate these risks. The most common risk is bruising, and the worst-case scenario can lead to hemorrhaging of your penis. All risks are due to over-pumping your penis, so you must follow the safety instructions and be sure not to over-pump.

Do they hurt?

No, penis pumps do not hurt. They feel weird to use the first few times, and you may be extra-sensitive after using one, but the pain should never be a sensation. If you feel pain, you are pumping it too much, creating too much air pressure. Stop immediately and release the pressure. If it continues to hurt, consider switching to a different pump.

How long does a penile pump last?

Your penis pump can last for years or even a lifetime with proper care. Some penis pumps, such as the ones from Bathmate, have lifetime warranties. Do your research to find out which one is right for you.

Are penis pumps safe?

Yes, they are generally safe as long as you follow the guidelines that they come with. Never pump them to the point of pain, and never use them for more than 15-20 minutes daily. If you go beyond the guided instructions, you do risk harming yourself.

Can I purchase a penis pump without a prescription?

Yes, you absolutely can buy a penis pump without a prescription. You can purchase them from websites like lovehoney.com or your local sex shop.

Primary Sources

1. Mayo Clinic, Penis-enlargement products: Do they work? June 10, 2022

2. Bathmate Direct, Bathmate Size Guide

3. Drogo K Montague, Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction, 2002

4. Morris, J. Male Enhancement: Your Options to Penis Enlargement. (2016).

5. Lehmiller, J. How Men Feel About Their Own Penises (Infographic). Sex and Psychology. (2021, October 4).

6. Tim Larson, Permanent Gains From Pumping? A Sex Toy Tester Reveals The Secret, May 16, 2022

Thanks for reading my guide on how to use a penis pump safely!

Tim

Do you have any questions? Ask us on X.

PS, if you’re on a budget, you could look into homemade penis pumps.

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Tim Larson

Tim is our male sex toy expert, and he has reviewed close to a hundred products. He also worked as an English teacher in Japan throughout his twenties, where he gained extensive knowledge of Japanese sex toys and Shibari. He has been featured in Vice.com, among other things.
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