All About Penis Pumps

Penis pumps have seen a growing surge in popularity. Not only are they a cost effective medical alternative, they can also be used to intensify your sex life. Keep on reading to reap the benefits of using a water penis pump correctly.

What do penis pumps do?

Penis pumps are a sexual wellness device that assist in forming longer, harder and stronger erections by encouraging blood to flow into the penis. They can be purchased through sex toy stores, either online or in person, or a prescription can be provided by a doctor for erectile dysfunction (ED).

 

How do penis pumps work?

Before explaining how penis pumps work, it’s important to understand how erections occur. The penis becomes erect when blood flows into the penis, causing it to become more firm and increase in length. The process typically starts when your brain senses a sexual urge but can also be caused by touch or interacting with sexual imagery. When this happens, nerve signals are sent to relax the muscles in the penis and let blood flow into the spongy tissue found there. Once the tissue has filled with blood, the veins close off to trap the blood and maintain the erection. This typically lasts until an orgasm is reached or arousal is lost, which is when the veins open up again to let blood flow back into the body.

Now that we know the fundamentals of forming and maintaining an erection, we can talk about how penis pumps work. The cylinder is placed over the penis and a pump removes the air to form a vacuum. The vacuum in the cylinder draws blood into the penis to assist in forming an erection. Once an erection has been achieved, a cock ring (or tension ring) is worn around the base of the penis to trap the blood in the penis and assist in maintaining the erection.

 

Benefits of using a penis pump

There are two main reasons to use a penis pump:

  • Men with ED can use a penis pump in conjunction with a cock ring to form and maintain an erection. They are a noninvasive option to help manage ED, and cost less than other treatment options.
  • Penis pumps can be used recreationally to enhance an erection, increasing sensitivity and potentially the length and/or girth of the penis. This varies from person to person, and is only a temporary increase in size.

Different types of penis pumps

Manual penis pumps

Manual pumps feature a rubber bulb or something similar, requiring the user to pump the device by hand to create a vacuum.

Electric penis pumps

Electric pumps are typically battery powered, but function the same. They can have different features integrated into them such as LED screens, different suction modes and customised pressure control. This all depends on the model, however.

Water penis pumps

Hydro pumps utilise water to create a vacuum which provides new benefits over traditional air pumps, and they can be either manual or electric.

 

Benefits of using a water penis pump

Besides the utilisation of water to create a vacuum, some people don’t understand that using a water penis pump provides unique benefits over regular air pumps.

Even pressure

Water cannot be compressed, meaning that it doesn’t expand or shrink when force is exerted upon it. The water in the cylinder then provides consistent and even pressure to the penis, preventing potential discomfort and inconsistent results.

Enhanced efficacy

Hydro pumps typically recommend using warm water, which helps to relax penile tissue and promote blood flow.

Reduced risk

The water in the cylinder helps protect the penis during pumping. This reduces the risk of bruising, tissue damage, and injury from over-pumping accidentally.

Stronger seal

Water creates a better seal at the base of the pump, maintaining pressure and reducing the chance of a leak. A secure seal will maintain consistent pressure while you pump, which ensures more predictable results from your session.

 

Risks of using a penis pump

While the use of penis pumps are generally safe, there are some side effects to keep in mind:

  • Small red dots (petechiae), caused by bleeding under the skin.
  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Penis feeling cold; Gently warming up the penis can help
  • Ejaculation issues; This can be caused by the cock ring if it’s too tight, making it feel like semen is trapped in the penis

Should I not use a penis pump?

Certain people are strongly recommended to consult a doctor before using a penis pump:

  • If you take blood thinning medication, using a penis pump has a higher risk of causing bleeding
  • If you have a blood disease like sickle cell disease, using a penis pump may not be safe

How to safely use a penis pump

Here are some steps to follow to use a penis pump correctly::

  1. Shave (optional): Pubic hair around the base of the penis can create issues when trying to form a secure seal. Shave it off if you find that the pump isn’t properly forming a seal.
  2. Apply lubrication: Lubricating the base of your penis helps to create a seal between your body and the pump.
  3. Put on the pump: As each pump is different, you should follow the instructions provided with the pump for this step.
  4. Start pumping: Whether you’re using an electric or manual pump, start slowly to ensure that your session is comfortable. This can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, make sure to release the pressure at any time if discomfort or pain occurs.
  5. Take it off: The manufacturer should provide instructions on how to safely remove the pump. Most pumps have a release valve to make this step easier.
  6. Put on a cock ring: Make sure it’s firmly worn around the base of the penis to help maintain your erection. Be mindful of how long you wear the ring for, as extended wear can lead to injury.

 

Maintaining your penis pump

Taking care of your penis pump is important, and thankfully quite easy too! Cleaning it minimises risk of infection, as well as removing things such as dirt and dead skin that could potentially scratch your penis during a pumping session. If you are using an electric pump, remove the batteries or detach the electronic component; Follow the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer if possible.

 

How much does a penis pump cost?

Penis pumps can range from anywhere between $40 to $300, depending on the type of pump as well as any other features it has. If you have ED, insurance may cover some of the cost but you will need to confirm this with your insurance provider. Similarly, veterans may also have some of the cost covered by their benefits.

 

Summary

Penis pumps are a great device to have, whether you need the help in forming an erection or want to enhance your sex life. They provide men with ED an alternative to medicine and invasive treatments at a fraction of the price. Whether you opt for a manual, electric, or hydro penis pump, make sure you moderate your pumping sessions and use them responsibly to avoid injury.