How To Use A Penis Pump: Effects And Safety - Medical News Today

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SubscribePenis pumps and how to use themMedically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD FACS, Urology — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on October 6, 2025

• How they work
• Risks
• Selecting a pump
• Treating ED
• FAQ
• Summary

Using a penis pump involves inserting the penis into a tube, which, when pumped, creates a vacuum, stimulating blood flow. Penis pumps can be a nonmedicated treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).

ED is common, and the risk of developing it increases with age. However, it can also occur at any age and sometimes as a result of another condition.

A penis pump consists of a plastic tube, a hand- or battery-operated pump, and a constriction ring for the base of the penis. The device is a safe and effective alternative to medications and more invasive procedures.

How does a penis pump work?

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Using a penis pump can help a person get and maintain an erection.

The device achieves this by creating a vacuum around the penis, which encourages blood to flow into it. Once erect, a person can place a constriction ring over the base of their penis. This helps keep the blood inside.

Most people consider penis pumps easy to use. The following steps outline how to use one:

• Step 1: Though this is not a requirement, some men may want to shave the pubic hair around the base of their penis. This helps prevent the ring from getting caught in the hair.
• Step 2: Apply a water-based lubricant to the shaft and base of the penis to create a good seal and to simplify device removal after use.
• Step 3: Insert the penis into the plastic tube.
• Step 4: Use the pump to create a vacuum inside the tube. Depending on the device, the pump may be manual or motorized. The vacuum brings blood into the penis.
• Step 5: Once erect, place the constriction ring around the base of the penis. This helps maintain the erection by keeping blood inside the penis.
• Step 6: Remove the penis from the tube.

This should result in an erection that lasts long enough for the person to have sex. They and their partner can decide whether they want to use the pump prior to foreplay or just before penetration.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence to suggest that using a penis pump can enlarge the size of the penis. Any such claims are purely anecdotal.

In fact, those who try to use a penis pump for this purpose may injure their penis.

»Learn more:What to know about erectile dysfunction

Possible risks and side effects

Most healthcare professionals consider penis pumps a safe and effective treatment for ED. Men can use a penis pump as often as they are able to tolerate it throughout the day.

For some, this may be once per day, whereas for others, this might be several times per day.

However, there are some risks and drawbacks to consider. These include:

• Pain or bruising: Incorrect use of a penis pump can result in bruising and other painful injuries to the penis.
• Burst blood vessels: Small red dots, or petechiae, may appear under the skin of the penis.
• Skin numbness, tingling, or discoloration: These symptoms may indicate that the constriction ring is too tight. Using a larger ring should help alleviate the pressure.
• Unnatural feeling erections: Some users report that their erections do not feel natural or spontaneous when using a penis pump.
• Lack of firmness: This is most noticeable at the base of the penis.
• Feeling of trapped semen or painful ejaculation: A small cutout in the constriction ring can help reduce these symptoms.
• Psychological effects: Having to stop to use a penis pump before sexual activity may ruin the mood for some couples. Some people may also feel awkward or embarrassed about using a penis pump before sexual activity.

Men with blood-clotting disorders and those who take blood thinners should speak to their doctor before using a penis pump, as these conditions and medications can increase the risk of internal bleeding when using the device.

Considerations when selecting a pump

Penis pumps are available over the counter, online, and in many specialist stores. However, it is important to note that many of these pumps do not have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. For this reason, the risk of injury or ineffectiveness due to incorrect use may be higher.

One safety feature to look for in a penis pump is a vacuum limiter. This stops the vacuum pressure from becoming too strong and injuring the penis.

Another consideration is the constriction ring. A ring that is too tight can be uncomfortable, and a ring that is too loose will be ineffective. It is important to determine what size works best.

One of the best ways to obtain a penis pump is by getting a prescription from a doctor. Having a prescription will ensure that a person receives an FDA-approved ED treatment.

Additionally, most insurance companies will pay out for a prescribed penis pump. The amount someone pays toward the device will depend on their insurance plan coverage.

Other treatment options for ED

Although penis pumps are generally safe and effective, there are other treatments for ED that a person may wish to consider.

In fact, one advantage of penis pumps is that men can use them in combination with medications.

Other treatment options for ED include:

• Penile implants: A surgeon will insert tubes into the penis. These tubes inject small amounts of saline into the penis before sexual activity. A button behind the scrotum allows the person to inject saline when necessary.
• Oral ED medications: Medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) can help stimulate an erection.
• Penile suppositories or injections: A person can insert these into the urethra through the meatus at the tip of the penis, or inject them into the corpora cavernosa toward the base of the penis.

Frequently asked questions

Is a penis pump better than Viagra?

There are different ways to aid erectile dysfunction, and a penis pump may work better for some over options such as medication.

How long does a person stay hard after using a pump?

The erection will only continue as long as the constriction ring is left on, and the user determines how long to leave it on. There is consensus that 30 minutes is the maximum time to leave the ring in place to prevent injury to the penis.

Summary

Penis pumps are one of a few nonmedicated options for treating ED. Many people consider them safe to use. However, certain conditions and medications may predispose a person to internal bleeding when using a penis pump.

Men should talk with their doctor about their situation to determine whether or not a penis pump is right for them.

When selecting a penis pump, it is important to look for FDA-approved pumps and ones specifically for ED.

Never use pumps to try to increase the size of the penis. This will be ineffective and could result in injury to the penis.

 

• Men's Health
• Mental Health
• Blood / Hematology
• Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Vacuum erection assistance devices: frequently asked questions. (2022).https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/vacuum-erection-assistance-devices-frequently-asked-questions/
• Vacuum pump erection device (VED). (n.d.).https://pcscprogram.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/12.-VED-for-PCSC-combined-with-Osbon-Erecaid_20Jan2020-Patient-Approved.pdf
• Yuan C, et al. (2025). Penile enhancement: A comprehensive and current perspective.https://journals.lww.com/cur/fulltext/2025/05000/penile_enhancement__a_comprehensive_and_current.1.aspx

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Medically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD FACS, Urology — Written by Jenna Fletcher — Updated on October 6, 2025

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