How A Penis Pump Works

How A Penis Pump Works

Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on June 28, 2021
A penis pump is a vacuum device that can help your penis get hard and stay hard for penetrative sex. You might use one if you have erectile dysfunction (ED), or trouble getting or keeping an erection. You can also use it for pleasure. You might hear it called a penis enlarger or vacuum pump.
A penis pump is made up of a plastic tube that fits over your penis, a pump attached to the tube, and a ring that fits around the base of the penis once it’s erect to keep the erection.
If you have ED, your doctor can give you a prescription for a penis pump. They’re also sold in sex toy stores as a novelty item.
A penis pump can help someone with erectile dysfunction maintain an erection long enough to have sex. Penis pumps can be a help with ED because they:
People use them for nonmedical reasons because they make the penis larger. It may temporarily grow up to an inch both in length and girth.
There are some common misconceptions about penis pumps, including:
They make your penis larger permanently
The effects of using a penis pump only last for 10 to 15 minutes. They can last longer if you use a rubber ring to maintain the erection. However, they don’t make your penis larger in the long term.
Penis Pumps are only for people with ED
While people with ED do benefit from using penis pumps, many people use them just for fun. Some partners enjoy watching the growth of the penis in the pump. Others use a penis pump as part of a dominance and submission game. Still others enjoy the larger size the suction creates.
Penis pumps sold in sex toy stores aren’t regulated. They may lead to injury if used incorrectly. A penis pump prescribed by a doctor is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medical device. However, even these can cause injury if you don’t use them properly. If you try one, always pay attention to how your penis feels. If something hurts or doesn't feel quite right, stop using it.
According to sex educators, using a pump too often can break the blood vessels in your penis and permanently affect the tissue. They suggest using a product that has a pressure gauge so you can check the pressure and keep it at a safe level.
Take these steps to properly use a penis pump:
Put some lube on the base of your penis. This helps create a seal between your skin and the pump. Some experts suggest shaving your pubic hair in that area to help with the seal.
Each pump is different. Follow the directions on the package for how to put the suction device over your penis.
There are three main types of pumping mechanisms:
Go slowly to make sure the pump stays comfortable. Depending on the device, it will take between 30 seconds and three minutes to finish pumping. If anything hurts, release the pressure.
Most penis pumps have a release valve to help you remove them. Follow the instructions on the box for how to do it properly.
Slip a rubber ring onto the base of your penis to help the effects of the pump last longer.
Cosmopolitan: "A complete beginner's guide to penis pumps."
Cosmopolitan: "Want to Make Sex *So* Much Better? Tell Your Man to Try a Penis Pump."
EDCure.org: “What Are Penis Pumps? Are Penis Pumps Safe for Treating ED?”
GQ: "Health Myth: Can You Really Increase the Size of Your Manhood?"
© 2005 - 2022 WebMD LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Read the manual or instructions from your pump before using it. There are lots of different penis pumps available. Most of them have similar steps, but you should always read the manual and confirm the instructions before using it. [1]
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If you don’t know which pump to use, ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Quality penis pumps usually cost $300-500. You don’t need a prescription for most, but your insurance still may cover part of the cost. [2]
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Slip the constriction ring down to the base of the tube. Pumps come with a constriction ring that fits around the base of your penis to help you keep an erection. Take the constriction ring and slip it over the thin end of the penis tube. Slide it back to the base of the tube, where you’ll put your penis in. [3]
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If you’re having trouble with the constriction ring, you can lubricate it with water-based lubricant to help get it onto the tube.
Penis pumps might come with a few different constriction rings. To find the right size, slip them over your penis when you're not aroused. Use the one that fits snuggly, but is not tight enough to cut off circulation.

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Lubricate your penis so it doesn’t stick to the tube. Use a water-based lubricant and rub it onto your penis. This makes putting on and removing the tube a lot easier and more comfortable. [4]
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You could also lubricate the base of the tube to make sliding your penis in easier.

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Slip the tube around your penis. Hold the tube so the opening is facing your penis. Then slide it entirely over your penis. [5]
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Push it against your body so the base of the tube creates a seal.

Generally, you’ll be more comfortable if you stand while using the pump. However, you can also sit on the edge of a chair or bed. [6]
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If you’re with a partner, they can help and make this easier for you.

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Pump until you get an erection. Once the tube is snug with your body, slowly start squeezing the pump. The pump is usually on the tip of the tube, opposite from your body. You should start gradually getting an erection. Keep pumping until you have a full erection, then stop so you don't over-pump. [7]
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Pump very slowly to lower your risk for bruising or pain. Don’t pump it more once you have an erection, or you could hurt yourself.
Some pumps use battery power instead of a hand pump. In this case, switch the pump on to create a vacuum seal.

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Fit the constriction ring around the base of your penis. Once you get an erection, keep the tube pressed against your body. Then slide the constriction ring off the tube and around the base of your penis. [8]
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This helps you maintain the erection while having sex.

The ring will be tight since you fitted it to your penis while it was soft. This is okay, and it’s supposed to be tight so the blood stays in your penis.
The ring shouldn’t be painful. If it hurts when you put it on, then it’s probably too small. [9]
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Remove the pump. Once the constriction ring is in place, then you can take the pump off. [10]
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Hit the release button to let the pressure out of the tube, then slide the tube off your penis. Now you're ready to go!

Different pumps might have different steps to release the pressure. Always follow the directions for the pump you’re using.
Good pumps have a vacuum release, meaning the pressure will drain if you pump them too much. This is so you don't hurt yourself.

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Put on a condom after you take off the pump. If you’re using a condom, put it on after using the pump, not before. This way, it won’t be damaged while you’re using the pump. [11]
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Take off the constriction ring within 30 minutes. While keeping the constriction on is what helps you maintain an erection, leaving it on too long can cause damage. The ring actually cuts off circulation to your penis, so take it off within 30 minutes. [12]
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If you don’t have severe ED, then you might be able to maintain an erection without keeping the ring on.

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Talk to your doctor before using a pump. While penis pumps are generally safe to use, there are still some health conditions that might not make it the best choice in your situation. It’s best to be safe and talk to your doctor before getting one to make sure this is right for you. [13]
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It’s also a good idea to see your doctor so they can recommend a penis pump model for you. There are a lot of choices, so you might not know where to start.

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Don’t use a penis pump if you have any bleeding disorders. The pressure from a penis pump could raise your risk for bleeding or clotting if you have a blood disorder. If you have sickle-cell anemia or another clotting disorder, or if you take blood thinners like warfarin, your doctor will probably recommend that you don’t use a pump. [14]
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You might also be at a higher risk for bleeding if you take health supplements that thin your blood. Always tell your doctor about any supplements you take before using the pump.

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Stop pumping and release the pressure if you feel any pain. Even if using a penis pump is safe for you, you could still run into some problems. For instance, you might feel some pain when you start pumping. This isn’t supposed to happen, so stop pumping and take the tube off right away. If the pain doesn’t go away, call your doctor. [15]
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You’re more likely to hurt yourself if you pump fast, so always go slowly. You can also hurt yourself if you pump too much, so only pump enough to get an erection.
If you can, get a pump with a vacuum limiter. This is a safety valve that releases the pressure if it gets too high, which helps you avoid injuries. [16]
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