What Does a Penis Pump Do? Do They Make Your Penis Bigger?

In most cases, people get ideas from pop culture regarding what a hot, steamy sex scene really looks like. They assume that it’s just as easy to create the same scenario. However, if you have erectile dysfunction, this can easily put a wrench in your vision. Thankfully, there are ways to build and develop a hot sex life with the use of a penis pump.

Though there’s a stigma attached to erectile dysfunction, there are ways to move through it and find solutions. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a one-night stand or add some spice to your intimate experiences with a long-time partner, a vacuum pump can help you get an erection that’s firm enough for sex. Ultimately, it takes a willingness to get educated in your exploration of how to incorporate the penis pump into your sex life. It’s wise to start by learning more about what the penis pump actually is.

What is a Penis Pump?

If you’ve never heard of a penis pump, don’t be ashamed. It’s a tool that’s not talked about enough. A penis pump is a plastic tube that goes over the male penis.

Once it’s used correctly, it draws blood into the penis so a man can gain an erection, and a ring at the base helps him maintain it. Typically, there are two ways to add power to a penis pump. You can either use a battery-operated option or a manually-operated option.

Doctors described vacuum devices as early as the 1860s, including Dr. John King. While it was possible to get an erection with the first penis pump, the erection faded as soon as a man took the pump off, which limited how useful it was. Thankfully, an Austrian gentleman by the name of Otto Lederer opted to add a compression ring in the early 1900s. Once the ring was placed at the base of the penis, it made it a lot easier for a man to remain erect after removing the penis pump.

Eventually, in 1982, the FDA allowed one design to be marketed as a prescription device, and vacuum devices made to treat erectile dysfunction are still regulated as medical devices today. Since erectile dysfunction is considered a medical issue, the penis pump became validated as a viable solution. Medicare even covered penis pumps for years, but it stopped paying for vacuum erection devices in July 2015.

What is a Penis Pump Used For?

When a man suffers from erectile dysfunction, he typically needs some assistance in getting an erect penis when it’s time for intercourse. Thankfully, the penis pump is a great tool that can provide the stimulus needed to get an erection. A penis pump is an effective way to get the blood flowing through the shaft. Once that happens, a ring at the base of the penis keeps the blood in place so a man can stay erect throughout intercourse.

How Does a Penis Pump Work?

While there are plenty of penis pumps that promise many experiences, they typically work in similar ways. Using a penis pump is a pretty straight-forward process. There’s usually a tubular component of the penis pump that goes directly over the penis.

Whether the pump is powered by water, manual operation or an electric feature, it’s important to use the pump to increase the flow of blood into the penis. This pumping sensation will naturally cause the penis to become erect. Once it’s erect, it’s a wise idea to apply a cock ring to the base of the penis. Then you can take the cylinder off. From there, it’s the cock ring that keeps you hard.

Be careful with the ring, though. Take it off within 30 minutes, and right away if you feel pain, numbness or coldness or the penis looks blue. Don’t use metal rings, and if a ring won’t come off, get emergency care.

Do Penis Pumps Really Work?

There are plenty of myths surrounding the effectiveness of penis pumps. Whether it’s because of the narrative within the popular culture or a simple rumor, many men question the validity of penis pumps as an effective way to combat the effects of erectile dysfunction. Yes, penis pumps can actually work: studies report erections firm enough for sex in up to 90% of users, whatever is causing their erectile dysfunction. Granted, once the ring comes off, the penis will go back down to its normal size.

Do They Make Your Penis Bigger?

No. It doesn’t matter which type of penis pump you use or how often you use it: there’s no scientific evidence that pumps, or any other non-surgical method, permanently increase length or girth. The extra fullness while you pump is just blood, and it fades. Pumping can also cause pain, bruising and tiny red spots, so take it slow.

Penis Pump Benefits

1. Respected Option in the Medical Field

In the medical field, the penis pump is acknowledged as a viable option for treating erectile dysfunction. This is important if you can’t take ED pills, for example because you take nitrate medicines for your heart, or if you’d simply rather go drug-free. ED pills work well and are safe for most men when prescribed, but you should never mix them with poppers or other nitrates. Your doctor can help you compare the two.

2. Increased Blood Flow

The penis pump uses a vacuum to draw blood throughout the length and girth of the penis. This is what leads to an erection. However, it doesn’t improve circulation elsewhere in your body or fix whatever is causing your erectile dysfunction, which is why a checkup still matters.

3. Inexpensive

Healthcare expenses are exorbitant. If people don't have the funds to cover the costs involved with insurance, medication, and procedures, they’re completely out of luck. When a man is dealing with erectile dysfunction, there are surgical procedures and medications available. However, those treatments and procedures are costly. Thankfully, there is a wide range of penis pumps on the market at a range of price points. Most importantly, a penis pump is a one-time purchase rather than an ongoing prescription. Just keep in mind that Medicare stopped covering vacuum devices in 2015, so check your plan if you’re buying one for erectile dysfunction.

4. Intimacy

Erectile dysfunction can do some damage to a couple’s ability to feel physically connected. Physical intimacy is an important facet of any romantic relationship. When two partners can’t connect on that level, it can be challenging to connect elsewhere. While it’s not impossible to maintain a healthy relationship without sex, it’s definitely not ideal. If there are ways to alleviate this predicament, it’s always great to try. This is one of the reasons why a penis pump is so effective. It gives a couple another chance at intimacy. While it might take an adjustment period (or not), it’s worth the effort.

5. Larger Size (for a While)

Though this benefit might seem like a cosmetic and trivial benefit, it’s still valid. One of the ways men are measured is by the size of the bulge in their pants. This can be a source of insecurity for a man who suffers from erectile dysfunction. Even if the pump isn’t the best-looking tool to use before it’s time for sex, some men like how full the penis looks while the ring is on. Of course, that’s temporary, and it fades once the ring comes off. If size worries you, you're far from alone, and talking with your partner or a sex therapist will do more than any device.

How to Stay Hard After Pumping?

The pump gets you hard, but it’s the cock ring that keeps you hard. That’s typically why many penis pumps are sold with a complimentary cock ring. Follow the device’s instructions for moving the ring to the base of the penis before you take the cylinder off, and remove the ring within 30 minutes.

Best Budget Penis Pumps

When you’re looking for an option that will eliminate the struggles involved with an underperforming penis, it’s not uncommon for men to look at surgeries and various medications as ideal options. Those are viable routes, and they’re worth discussing with a doctor. Alternatively, a penis pump is a one-time purchase. Plus, you can get the results of a penis pump at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for a surgery.

Before you start shopping, know that these are sex toys, not medical devices for erectile dysfunction. They’re sold for pleasure, none of them will permanently change your size, and none replaces a vacuum device recommended by a doctor. We earn a commission if you buy through the links below.

1. Deluxe Trigger Precision Penis Pump for Men by Size Matters

When you struggle with erectile dysfunction, it’s easy to get stuck in a mindset of defeat. Thankfully, the Deluxe Trigger Precision Penis Pump by Size Matters is a manual pump with a pressure gauge. The penis pump size is 10 inches. For some men, the air gauge might seem intimidating to deal with. This gauge is constructed in a way that provides safety and precision each time. Since the seal of this pump comes in an airtight environment, it holds a steady vacuum during each session. Made from high-quality plastics and materials, the pump partners really well with a cock ring for even more effective and pleasurable results.

2. The Smoked Power Penis Enlarging Pump for Men

When some people see the word ‘smoked’ in the description for a penis pump, it might not sound like a good idea. Don’t worry. It’s called the ‘smoked’ penis pump because of its sleek charcoal smoke color. The Smoked Power Penis Enlarging Pump is appreciated by men who are beginners or advanced. Since the penis is such a sensitive area, it’s important to acknowledge the importance of comfort in the full equation. If lube is needed to enhance the experience, a water-based option works really well with this particular pump. It’s an excellent option for a man whose erect penis gets up to 7.5 inches in length. It also comes complete with a new and improved penis pump sleeve.

3. Bathmate Hydro7 Water Penis Pump for Men

Incorporating water is a great way to make the process interesting. The Bathmate Hydro7 Water Penis Pump is one that requires water to provide the erection. After filling the pump with water, it’s time to place the penis inside. Because of the clear plastic tube, it’s possible to watch the penis get larger due to the pressure of the water. Though this pump requires water for use, the penis doesn’t get wet during the process. It’s ideal for the man who’s erect penis stands between 5 inches and 7 inches. This is important for maximum comfort during use. However, if you suffer from Peyronie’s disease, talk to a urologist before using any pump.

4. Max Precision Male Enhancing Power Penis Pump

When you and your partner are pressed for time and desire a quick session, it’s challenging when the penis doesn’t always follow suit. This is why a product like the Max Precision Male Enhancing Power Penis is so effective in these types of situations where time is of the essence. It’s not uncommon for men to feel intimidated by penis pumps when they’re new to the experience. Thankfully, this penis pump is very easy to read, understand and maneuver for an ideal experience. It also comes with a free erection-enhancing ring. While surgery, such as a penile implant, is an option for some men with erectile dysfunction, it’s a much bigger step. With a pressure gauge, a pistol pump grip and a replaceable sleeve, this penis pump is a non-surgical option some men find helpful.

5. PDX Elite Blowjob Power Pump

Just so you know, this one is a suction masturbation toy, not an erectile dysfunction device. For most men, one of the most pleasurable experiences of sexual intimacy is the blowjob. If some men could get blowjobs multiple times a day, they’d happily accept. Now, it’s possible with the PDX Elite Blowjob Power Pump Automatic Sucking Penis Pump for Men. It literally provides the same sensation that’s felt during a blowjob. This feature is made possible because of the TPR mouth sleeve. The mouth sleeve is made out of a soft and stretchy material. This option comes complete with multiple speeds in order to enhance the intensity you’d like to experience. It also comes complete with a silicone cock ring set, cleaner, and a lubricant.

6. Bolero Precision Male Enhancement Penis Pump

The Bolero Precision Male Enhancement Penis Pump is perfect for the man who doesn’t mind using his hands in the bedroom. This pump is specifically designed for single-handed use. If you’re new to the process of using a penis pump, this option is an excellent choice for the beginner. However, it still has the power to get the advanced users the experience they’re looking for. It’s a very durable product that’s made out of high-quality plastic and TPE materials.

7. Electric Penis Pump Mega-Vac Automatic Power Pump

The Electric Penis Pump Mega-Vac Automatic Power Pump is a battery-powered pump. It provides a man to choose which pumping speed he’d like to use as there are numerous options. This option is easy to use which is important when you’re in the bedroom. You don’t want to deal with a ton of confusing instructions. This electric penis pump requires two AA batteries, and it has a single-handed control option. It’s made of silicone, ABS plastic, and styrene-acrylonitrile. You can easily clean the pump with the Pipedream Toy Cleaner along with warm water. This pump is also wireless and 100% automatic.