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How to Use a Penis Pump
When you think of penis pumps, does the Austin Powers scene with the Swedish Made Penis Enlarger spring to mind? No? Well, Powers says to Vanessa at Customs, “I’m telling you, Baby, that’s not mine!”
Mr Powers: It’s not groovy to find penis pumps embarrassing. These impressive devices can make your dick look and feel bigger so you’re ready for action whether playing solo or with a partner.
Read on to learn what a penis pump does; discover how to use a penis pump; the different types of pump; and insider tips for pleasurable and safe pumping.
Only got time for a quickie?
Reading this surreptitiously on the tube or don’t have time for the full article? Here’s the lowdown on penis pumps:
- Penis pumps won’t actually make your penis bigger; just larger-looking
- Developing a routine can improve sexual health and wellness
- Penis pumps use air or water pressure to increase bloodflow to your schlong
- There are different types of pumps: bulb pump, trigger pump, water pump, battery-operated pump and vibrating pump
- Follow the instructions included with your penis pump to avoid injury
- Seek medical advice before using a pump if you take blood-thinners, have a blood disorder (or are prone to blood clots), or have ever had illnesses or surgery affecting your penis
Penis pumps (sometimes called vacuum erection devices) help you maintain a larger-looking, stronger and prolonged erection – for sex and solo play. Regular and long-term use of penis pumps can enhance your sex life by increasing your confidence in your performance.
All penis pumps have an airtight cylinder which is placed over the shaft of the penis. A mechanism increases the suction inside the cylindrical chamber, encouraging bloodflow to the shaft and head of your penis. This expands the erectile tissue to accommodate the influx of blood, making your schlong look bigger and more engorged.
If you struggle with erectile dysfunction, using a penis pump can help strengthen and maintain an erection without pills. Try using your pump as a precursor to your partner giving you head. The effects of blood being pumped into your penis will make your dick more sensitive to every touch and lick.
Regular use over time can help your penis feel bigger and harder but penis pumps won’t make your dick larger. When you stop using the pump, your penis returns to its normal size.
These toys might help maintain your erection
How you use a penis pumps varies with the design, but below you’ll find some helpful guidance on getting started. (For more general toy advice, check out our guide: How to Use Sex Toys)
If you’ve ever had any illnesses or surgeries affecting your penis, prostate or balls, speak with a healthcare professional before using a penis pump. They’ve heard it all before, so don’t feel embarrassed.
Read the instructions!
This isn’t IKEA furniture. With improper use, penis pumps can cause pain or damage so read the instructions that come with your penis pump before starting. Each type of pump is slightly different, so take the time to become acquainted with your new pleasure device.
Following the instructions will help you use the pump correctly and safely, so pumping feels great.
Consider trimming
While it’s not essential to trim your pubic hair before using a penis pump, it can enhance the seal and make your pumping sesh more comfortable.
Lubricate
Apply water-based lube to the base of your penis and the rim of the cylinder. This will create a tight seal and make the pump more comfortable and effective.
Start slow
- Place the plastic tube over your penis.
- Pump out the air from the cylinder to create a vacuum in the tube. If you have a battery-powered pump, turn it on, using the lowest setting. If your pump is manual, use the hand pump.
- If you want to increase the pressure, do it gradually to avoid injury.
- You should start to develop an erection within a few minutes. Only use your vacuum pump for about 15 minutes before taking a break.
- Release the pressure, remove the tube and enjoy your freshly-pumped penis.
- You can also position a cock ring at the base of your penis to sustain all your hard work. (Learn how to use a cock ring here). Or try a cock sleeve or penis extender to boost your length and girth.
Use before sex
Following a pumping sesh, your schlong will feel super sensitive. Treat yourself to a heady wank or pump yourself up for extra-incredible oral sex – or any sexual activity, for that matter.
Stop if you feel pain
Pay attention to how it feels. If you experience any pain, stop – yes, even if you “only managed” to use the pump for 1 minute.
Before you begin pumping, practise releasing your penis from the cylinder.
Build a routine
Develop a pumping routine to help your erections look and feel larger (as more blood flows into your penis).
Sex expert Tracey Cox says, “Using a penis pump regularly may help to ensure your erections are firm and healthy and reliable. You go to the gym to keep your body healthy and looking good. This is the equivalent for the penis.” Think of penis training as a way of teaching your dick how to be better at sex.
Depending on your experience level, we’d recommend the following routine:
- Beginners: Start with 2-3 sessions a week, maximum of 15 minutes a session
- Pumping pros: Try 4-5 sessions a week, maximum of 30 minutes a session
Just like when you’re hitting the gym, give your body (penis) rest days to recover. No one wants a dry dick, so if you’re pumping regularly, soothe your schlong with moisturiser after every sesh.
Avoid overuse
While penis pumps are generally safe to use, side effects can occur during, or shortly after, use. These include pinpoint red dots (called petechiae); discomfort or mild pain in your penis; and bruising or discolouration of the skin on and around your penis.
Using your pump too much can result in more serious injuries or penile damage, so give your penis a few days off pumping a week.
If you regularly struggle to maintain an erection that’s firm enough for sex, you might have erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s a common condition that affects millions, but it’s totally treatable. To explore ED treatments and get a consultation with a UK-licensed expert, check out Lovehoney Prescriptions.
No matter how experienced you are with pumping, only use a penis pump from a trusted brand. This’ll ensure it’s safe to use and high quality.
There should be a pressure gauge and quick release valve to minimise the risk of over-pumping, and so you don’t hurt yourself. Beyond this, choosing a penis pump is largely (sorry) down to personal preference. Below, we’ve detailed the different types of penis pumps and factors to help you decide which pump is right for you.
Types of pump
| Type | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulb pump | Squeeze a bulb using your hand to add air to the pump chamber. | Easy to use and control the pressure. | A sore hand from pumping. |
| Trigger pump | Squeeze a trigger rather than a bulb to add air to the pump chamber. | Gives more precise control over the strength of each pump. | Some people find the grip uncomfortable. |
| Water pumps | Uses water (not air) to create a vacuum. | Some people find them more comfortable than an air-evacuating penis pump. | Can be pricey. |
| Automated pumps | Battery-powered to pump your penis. | Hands-free. | Easy to over-pump. |
| Vibrating pumps | Delivers vibrations to your pumping session. | Feel new sensations when using your pump. | Can be too intense for beginners. |
Size of pump
Does penis size matter? No, but the size of your pump does. Check the details of your chosen penis pump before you buy it, to ensure that it’s the right size for you. The opening of the cylinder will sit around the base of the penis. It needs to be tight enough to create a secure seal, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable.
New to penis pumps? Choose a pump that has a smaller cylinder and narrower diameter for easier entry and greater comfort. Once you’ve got used to the pumping sensation, you could try a larger cylinder pump that will offer stronger pressure.
We’ve scoured through countless detailed, honest reviews from Lovehoney testers of some of our bestselling penis pumps. The pumps below were selected because they have the highest number of reviews and the highest ratings. If you’re looking for a brilliant penis pump, these three are a good place start.
Best for automatic suction
Offering three levels of suction, this pump does all the work for you. It’s designed with comfort in mind, as the stretchy silicone sleeve openings optimise the chamber’s pressure while keeping your member comfortably in place. You can also monitor your progress through the transparent cylinder. This penis pump is USB rechargeable – just remember to charge it up when you’re finished so it’s as raring to go as you’ll be next time the urge calls. Tester tip: Use with a magic wand vibrator and wand attachment (to prevent damage to the penis pump) for vibrating play.
What customers say: "This is an awesome bit of kit, and it’s nice and quiet."
Best budget penis pump
For those embarking on their penis pump pilgrimage, choosing a pump that’s budget-friendly, easy-to-use and that delivers results is probably important. Presenting: the Lovehoney Basics Textured Penis Pump. You’ll find the easy-press bulb pump simple to use, and the flexible hose allows you to pump in any position. Unlike many other penis pumps, the textured inner canal adds fun new sensations to your shaft with each pump. And, thanks to the clear chamber, you can watch your member swell. Tester tip: Slather your shaft in lube to maximise pleasure from the nodules.
What customers say: "Very easy and straightforward to use, and super strong suction with just a few pumps."
Best for water-based suction
Love to jerk off in the bathroom and, like most guys, your penis is under seven inches when erect? This water pump is for you. The Bathmate HYDROMAX 7 Penis Pump comes in three different sizes (this is the smallest but most popular) and relies on water rather than air pressure. Plus, it boasts 35% more suction power than the OG Bathmate HYDRO7 pump! Enjoy watching and tracking your gains with the measurement gauge on the transparent cylinder, and feel completely in control thanks to the quick-release valve. For added comfort, there’s an insertable and removable pad for an extra-tight seal around the base. Tester tip: If you’re planning on using it in the shower, get a penis pump strap.
What customers say: "After the first use of the product, I was pleased with the results! I’m now 9 days in, and the results keep coming!"
Before you use a pump...
Penis pumps can be a safe and relatively easy way to enhance the look and feel of your penis, helping you maintain stronger-looking erections. Follow the instructions included with the pump (and resist any temptation to pump through any pain!) to enhance your experience.
There’s absolutely no need to feel embarrassed about buying or using a penis pump. Think of it as your newest penis pal and enjoy experimenting to find the suction and pressure that works for you!
