Learn how to choose, size, and use a penis pump safely. Discover beginner tips, battery vs manual pumps, hydro pumps, and recommended lubricants for penis health.

Who Should Use a Penis Pump (and Who Shouldn’t)

Choosing the Right Size for Your Penis Pump

How to Use a Penis Pump Safely

Safety Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Penis Pump Maintenance & Cleaning

Penis Pump FAQs

How to Choose and Use a Penis Pump | The Ultimate Guide

Penis pumps are an extremely popular tool which can help people with penises to achieve an erection. These clever devices can be super useful to people dealing with erectile dysfunction or for people simply wanting to achieve a bigger and longer lasting erection.

For first time users, picking out the right penis pump and learning how to use it can be a bit of a challenge. That's why we created this ultimate beginner’s guide to selecting and using a penis pump so you know everything you need to know before you get started.

How Penis Pumps Work

Penis pumps work by pulling blood into your penis through a negative vacuum chamber. When your penis is inserted into the tube, the device creates a vacuum seal around the base of your shaft.

Then, the pump sucks the air out of the vacuum device - which in turn draws blood into the blood vessels in your penis. As more blood is drawn in, your penis gets fuller and harder - and you get an erection.

As you're dealing with a sensitive part of the body, it’s important to adhere to the safety instructions to ensure that you don’t cause any temporary or long-term damage to your body.

Read next: Best Sex Toys For Erectile Dysfunction

Who Should Use a Penis Pump (and Who Shouldn’t)

Unfortunately, penis pumps do have the potential to be harmful to certain users. If you fall into any of these categories, make sure you consult your doctor before you use a pump.

Have a blood disorder - like Sickle Cell Anemia
Have any conditions that cause excessive bleeding or clotting
Use anticoagulant medication (blood thinners)
Experience priapism (erections that already last longer than usual)
Anyone with wounds, bruising or swelling on their penis. Wait until you are completely healed before you begin to pump.

Types of Penis Pumps

When choosing a penis pump, it helps to start by understanding the main types available. Most pumps fall into one of two core categories — manual or battery-operated — with a few specialty varieties designed for specific preferences or effects.

Manual Penis Pumps

Manual pumps are operated by hand, typically using a squeeze bulb or lever to create suction. They’re perfect for beginners who want to experiment and learn at their own pace before investing in a more advanced model. Because you control the pressure, you can build it as quickly or slowly as you prefer.

Pump Worx Beginners Power Pump$39.95Shop Now Perfect for first time penis pump users, the Beginners Power Pump will help you gain sizes and confidence. With a medical-style pump, the power is in your hands. Squeezing the pump creates a vacuum effect which will help draw blood to your penis.

Want to prolong your erection? Simply slide the included enhancement ring over your shaft until it is nice and snug. Like a cock-ring, it will create a tight squeeze that will help maintain your erection. Keep in mind that penis pumps won’t have amazing results for everyone, so this inexpensive option is a great way to test the water.

“Best thing we'd bought in ages. Works great, he loves it” – Verified Purchaser

“Great product, awesome for someone starting out” – Verified Purchaser

Battery-Operated Penis Pumps

Battery-operated penis pumps take the effort out of the process. These automatic models create suction with the push of a button, offering consistent and controlled pressure. They’re a great choice if you prefer convenience or have limited hand strength. Automatic pumps can also provide slower, steadier suction, making it easier to achieve a comfortable erection safely.

Evolve Apex Penis Pump$79.95Shop Now The Evolve Apex Penis Pump combines luxury with performance, letting you track your progress in real time through its transparent ABS chamber with measurement markers. Five suction levels and an easy-to-use control interface let you customize every session, while the soft silicone entry and textured sides provide a comfortable, secure grip. Rechargeable and made from premium body-safe materials, this pump makes building length and girth effortless, safe, and satisfying.

Hydro Pumps

Hydro pumps use warm water instead of air to create a vacuum. Ideal for use in the shower or bath, they help promote better blood flow by gently dilating blood vessels. The water also creates an even seal for a smoother experience.

Bathmate Hydromax7 Penis Pump$169.95Shop Now From the best-selling penis pump company in the world, Bathmate, comes the Hydromax 7 Penis Pump. Combining warm water with its body-safe construction, this penis pump provides an incredibly smooth powerful experience. Powerful yet comfortable, this pump features an added latch valve which makes it super easy to attach when in the shower.

If you’re on the hunt for a long-term penis pump and want to achieve better erections and sexual stamina, this device will be your new best friend. It's designed for penises measuring between 5 – 7 inches. If this isn’t you, no need to worry, there's a range of different sizes in Bathmate's collection.

Vibrating Penis Pumps

Vibrating pumps combine suction with vibration for added stimulation. The vibrations can boost arousal, increase blood flow, and help achieve an erection more quickly. They’re an excellent option if you want a pump that feels as good as it performs.

Power Of Love Vibrating Penis Pump$29.95Shop Now The Power Of Love Vibrating Penis Pump adds a visual thrill with its clear chamber, letting you watch every moment of growth. Its easy-squeeze design puts you in complete control, while the remote-controlled vibrations let you customize your experience for maximum pleasure.

Glans (Penis Head) Pumps

Also known as penis head pumps, these smaller pumps are designed to fit just over the head of the penis. They create targeted suction around the glans to heighten sensitivity and enhance firmness. Glans pumps are popular for focused stimulation or training specific areas.

Calexotics Optimum Series Get Hard Head Pump Set$149.95Shop Now The Calexotics Optimum Series Get Hard Head Pump Set delivers precise glans stimulation with its wireless, fully automatic design. Adjustable pressure controls let you find the perfect fit, while the soft contact pad with added ticklers enhances sensation. Two removable donuts ensure a secure, airtight seal, and the compact, self-contained design makes it easy to use anywhere.

To be safe, always purchase a penis pump with a vacuum limiter or a quick-release safety valve. This feature helps control the pressure in the cylinder avoiding over-pumping injuries. Another important safety feature is an air gauge that will help you monitor the air pressure in the cylinder. Most quality pumps include an air gauge either digital or manual.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Penis Pump

The next step in choosing a penis pump is determining what size to get. Standard pump sizes are typically 7.5 inches to 9 inches in length. Standard cylinder widths are 1.75 inches all the way up to 3.5 inches.

It is to be noted that 95% of penis owners should be using a standard 8” – 9” long pump cylinder. The larger cylinders are less effective on average penises.

How to measure your penis:

Place a tape measure or ruler along the top side of your erect penis. If you cannot get hard, then measure your flaccid penis.
Press the measuring device flat against your pelvis where it meets your shaft
Take note of the length on the measuring device right where your tip ends.
This is your penis length.

We suggest choosing a pump 2-3 inches longer than your erect length. For the diameter you want to order a cylinder that has about a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of space around the outside of your penis.

How to Use a Penis Pump Safely

Preparation Before Pumping

There are a few things you should do prior to pumping to prevent injury and ensure that the experience goes as smoothly as possible.

Grooming The first is to groom your pubic hair. You want to trim or ideally shave or wax your hair. This prevents painful snagging on the pump as well as making it easier to create a seal between your skin and the pump.

Warm up It’s also important to get your penis to a good temperature before you start to ensure that your skin is soft and pliable. We recommend having a warm shower first.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The instructions may differ slightly depending on the model of your pump so make sure you always follow the instructions of your specific pump. But this is a general outline of how it works:

Step 1: Apply lubricant to the sleeve at the base of the pump

Step 2: Place the tube over your penis - making sure there's a snug, airtight fit around the base

Step 3: Pump the air out of the cylinder with the handpump (or electric pump) - creating a vacuum in the tube

Step 4: When your penis is erect, remove the tube.

Step 5: Place a constriction ring around the base of the penis to maintain your erection

Recommended Lubricants for Penis Pumps

Using the right lubricant can make your penis pump experience smoother, safer, and more comfortable. Always choose a water-based lubricant, as it’s compatible with all pump materials and easy to clean off afterward. Avoid any oil or petroleum-based lubes, since they can damage silicone sleeves and create hygiene issues.

Here are a couple of lubricants we recommend using alongside your penis pump: Wet Stuff Gold 100ml$12.95Shop NowShare Satisfaction Water Based Lubricant - 120ml$14.95Shop NowEros Aqua Water Based Lubricant Bottle $12.95Shop Now

Safety Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

So long as you follow the instructions, there are few risks when using a pump but it’s important to pay attention throughout the session. If you notice any obvious discoloration of the skin to bright red or purple, then you need to stop pumping. Too much pumping can cause small red spots on the skin or even bruises.

The best way to avoid this is to allow a few seconds between each pump. This will allow time for the blood flow to occur before you move on to the next pump.

Use lube, take your time and leave time between each pump to allow your body to respond. Then, if you want to, you can continue safely.

Penis Pump Maintenance & Cleaning

Keeping your penis pump clean is essential for both hygiene and durability. After every use, carefully disassemble the pump and wash each component with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue, then pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

To ensure deeper cleanliness, you can use a toy cleaner on the cylinder and sleeve. Always allow the parts to air-dry completely before reassembling or storing them.

Store your pump in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent material damage and maintain suction performance. Regular cleaning and proper storage will keep your device in top condition and ready for safe, satisfying use every time.

Penis Pump FAQs

How long does it take? It typically takes 2-4 minutes to get fully erect using a pump. However, it may take a little longer. The speed of results varies between different people. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended usage though.
How often should I use a penis pump? This is where you need to listen to your body and see how it responds. As long as you have no bruising or pain you can use it as often as you would like, even multiple times per day. Just make sure to not use it for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
Should I use a constriction ring when pumping? Constriction rings or cock rings are designed to firmly squeeze all the way around the base of your shaft – making sure the blood stays where you need it after you’ve pumped. Constriction rings are the safest method to maintain the erection following pumping.

Check out Adulttoymegastore’s full range of Penis pumps to find one perfect for you.

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Content Disclaimer:

The information in this article has been fact checked and reviewed for accuracy by Adulttoymegastore’s team of content specialists and sexual wellness experts, including Sex Educator Emma Hewitt.

Adulttoymegastore does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for illness. Any information published on this website, either by Adulttoymegastore or its authors, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a medical professional.