What is a penis pump?
A penis pump, also called a vacuum pump or vacuum erection device, is a cylinder that fits over your penis and seals against your body. A squeeze bulb, lever or motor pulls the air out (a hydro pump uses water), and the vacuum draws blood into your penis. It gets firmer and fuller for a while, then softens after you release the pressure. Pumps for vulvas are a different toy: see pussy pumps.
Types of penis pumps
Manual penis pumps
You squeeze a bulb or lever: full control, nothing to charge. The Pump Worx Beginner's Power Pump is made for first-timers, with a squeeze bulb, a quick-release valve and a clear cylinder (7.48 inches insertable, 2.08-inch inner diameter).
Automatic (electric) penis pumps
A motor does the pumping for you. Doc Johnson's Rock Solid Auto runs a single-speed motor on two batteries (not included) and has an air release button. The rechargeable VeDO Pump draws the vacuum in five-second bursts, with 7.15 psi of force.
Water (hydro) pumps
Hydro pumps work with water instead of air. The Bathmate Hydromax 9 is made for bath time, with a bellows core and removable comfort pads at its base. Its chamber has 11.5 inches of internal length, sized for erect lengths of roughly 7 to 9 inches.
Sucking pumps with a stroker
Some pumps double as a stroker. The Sucking Penis Pump with Stroker Attachment has 5 suction modes and a silicone sleeve for pumping; once you're firm, swap in its textured TPE stroker and finish. It's IPX7 waterproof, so it can join you in the shower or bath.
Vibrating penis pumps
Vibration adds a buzz to the suction. The PDX Elite Extender Pro pairs 3 suction modes with 5 vibration patterns, and its suction cycles on and off for a milking feel. Its tube extends from 8 to 10.25 inches and locks at your length.
Pumps with a gauge or markings
The Rock Solid Boost It pairs a hand lever and instant release with a pressure gauge, so you can repeat a comfortable pressure. The Rock Solid Auto and VeDO Pump have markings on their cylinders. Aim for consistency, not bigger numbers.
How to choose a penis pump
- Manual, automatic or water. Manual pumps need no power; automatic ones pump for you; the Hydromax 9 works in the bath.
- Cylinder size. Measure your erect length and girth first: too small a cylinder works against you, and Bathmate sizes each Hydromax by erect length.
- Quick release. Look for a fast way out, like the Pump Worx's valve, the Rock Solid Auto's air release button or the Boost It's instant release.
- Sleeve material. Most seal with a soft sleeve or pad: silicone on many, stretchy TPR on the Extender Pro.
- Extras. A gauge or markings for consistency; suction modes, vibration or a stroker for fun.
- Budget. Manual pumps cost least; motors, extras and Bathmate's water pumps cost more.
How to use a penis pump
- Wash the cylinder and sleeve, and charge the pump or add batteries if needed.
- Trim the hair at the base of your penis if it breaks the seal.
- Smooth water-based lube around the base of your penis and the cylinder's opening.
- Slide your penis in, balls outside, and press the cylinder flat against your body.
- Pump slowly, building pressure a little at a time.
- Release at once at any pinch or pain, and keep sessions short.
- Let the vacuum out before you pull the cylinder off.
Hydro pump? Follow its directions; the Hydromax 9 is made for the bath.
Cleaning, care and safety
- Go slow, stop fast. Build pressure gradually. Release at once at any pain, pinching, numbness, coldness or color change; overdoing it can cause bruising or small red spots under the skin.
- Keep sessions short, and never fall asleep with a pump or ring on. Using a stretchy cock ring to stay hard after pumping? Take it off within 30 minutes.
- Talk to your doctor first if you have a bleeding disorder, a circulation problem, Peyronie's disease or sickle cell disease, take blood thinners, or have erection problems.
- Wash the cylinder and sleeve after every use in warm, soapy water and let them dry fully. Don't share soft TPE or TPR parts.
- Never boil a pump, and keep motors dry unless the listing says waterproof.
- Use water-based lube. Silicone lube can damage silicone sleeves.
Penis pump FAQ
What does a penis pump do?
It uses suction to draw blood into your penis, so it gets firmer and looks fuller for a while. Use one before sex, as foreplay or just for the feel. The effect fades after you release the vacuum.
Do penis pumps work?
Yes, for a temporary erection or a firmer, fuller feel. The effect fades once you release the vacuum or take off a cock ring. Results vary from person to person. If erections are a regular problem, talk to your doctor.
Do penis pumps make you bigger?
Not permanently. A pump can make your penis look and feel fuller for a while, but no pump permanently enlarges a penis. Our Pump Worx listing says it too: every pump's results are temporary. Chasing size by pumping harder or longer can injure you.
How long should you pump?
A few minutes to start, and keep sessions short. Stop at any pain or numbness. If you wear a stretchy cock ring afterward to stay hard, take it off within 30 minutes, and never fall asleep with a pump or ring on.
Are penis pumps safe?
For most people, yes, used gently and briefly. Stop at once at any pain, pinching, numbness, coldness or color change. Talk to your doctor first if you have a bleeding disorder, a circulation problem, Peyronie's disease or sickle cell disease, or take blood thinners.
What is a penis pump for?
For a firmer, fuller erection and the sensation itself: before sex, in foreplay or solo. Doctors do prescribe vacuum devices for erectile dysfunction, but a toy pump isn't a medical device or a treatment. If you have erection problems, or you're weighing a pump against ED pills, talk to your doctor.
Where can I buy a penis pump discreetly?
Right here. Every order ships in a plain box with no branding, free on orders of $75 and up. We ship to US addresses only, from several US warehouses, so multi-item orders can arrive in separate packages.
Want our top picks?
See our guides to the 8 best penis pumps, 8 best cock rings and 10 best sex toys for men. Every order ships discreetly from the US, free over $75.
