What Is a Penis Pump?

Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on June 06, 2024
Written by Shawna Seed
7 min read

A penis pump is a vacuum device that can help your penis get hard and stay hard for penetrative sex. You might use one if you have erectile dysfunction (ED), which is trouble getting or keeping an erection. You also can use it for pleasure. You might hear it called a penis enlarger, vacuum pump, vacuum erection device (VED), or vacuum constriction device (VCD)

A penis pump is made of a plastic tube that fits over your penis, a pump attached to the tube, and a ring that fits around the base of the penis once it’s erect to keep the erection.

If you have ED, your doctor can give you a prescription for a penis pump. They’re also sold online and in sex toy stores as a novelty item.

Penis pumps work by drawing blood into the shaft of your penis, making it erect. The cylinder goes over your penis, and then a pump removes the air from the cylinder.

The vacuum effect draws blood into your penis, and it becomes erect. Once your penis is erect, you move a tension ring to the base of your penis to constrict blood flow and help you maintain your erection.

A penis pump can help someone with erectile dysfunction maintain an erection long enough to have sex. Penis pumps can be a help with ED because they:

  • Work well when used properly
  • Cost less than other ED treatment options
  • Are noninvasive and may take the place of medication or injections
  • Can help you regain function after certain medical procedures

People use them for nonmedical reasons because they make the penis larger for a short time. It may temporarily grow up to an inch both in length and girth.

Studies have shown that 77% of those who use penis pumps and their partners are pleased with the results. 

 

Talk to your health care provider before you buy a penis pump. They may be able to suggest specific features to look for or recommend a certain type. 

Penis pumps sold online and in sex novelty stores may not be approved by the FDA. A pump that's not FDA-approved may not work well, and it might carry some health risk.

Types of penis pumps include: 

Manual. When you use this type, you create the vacuum by pumping the device by hand, such as by squeezing a rubber bulb.  This is an extremely common type. 

Electric. The main difference between this and manual models is how the pump is powered. Electric pumps are usually battery powered. They could be a good choice if you have arthritis in your hand or another condition that would make manual pumping uncomfortable. 

Water. These devices, which use water rather than air to create a vacuum, aren't regulated by the FDA. It may be best to use them in the shower or bath.

Some pumps offer additional features, such as various cylinder sizes to make sure you get the best fit.

Make sure any pump you buy has a vacuum limiter. This is a safety feature to prevent injury to your penis. 

 

There are some common misconceptions about penis pumps, including:

They make your penis larger permanently

The effects of using a penis pump only last for 10 to 15 minutes. They can last longer if you use a rubber ring to maintain the erection. However, they don’t make your penis larger in the long term.

Penis pumps are only for people with ED

Although people with ED do benefit from using penis pumps, many people use them for fun. Some partners enjoy watching the growth of the penis in the pump. Others use a penis pump as part of a dominance and submission game. Still others enjoy the larger size the suction creates.

Penis pumps are dangerous to use

In 1997, the FDA stopped requiring a prescription for penis pumps because it found they were safe and effective as medical devices. As long as you choose a pump with a vacuum limiter and follow the directions, you should be able to use your pump safely. 

Penis pumps are only for older adults

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition. Experts estimate that 50% of men or those assigned male at birth between the ages of 40 and 70 have ED at some point. Some underlying causes of ED -- such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes -- are more common as you age. But some causes of ED can affect people of any age. Among them are:

  • Penile fracture
  • Injury to your spinal cord, bladder, pelvis, or prostate
  • Surgery for colon or bladder cancer
  • Radiation therapy 
  • Antidepressants 
  • Anti-seizure drugs 
  • Antianxiety drugs
  • Antihistamines
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety
  • Stress

Penis pumps can cure ED

A penis pump won't cure ED. But it can help you achieve an erection firm enough to have sex. 

Penis pumps sold in sex toy stores aren’t regulated. They may lead to injury if used incorrectly. A penis pump prescribed by a doctor is an FDA-approved medical device. But even these can cause injury if you don’t use them properly. If you try one, always pay attention to how your penis feels. If something hurts or doesn't feel quite right, stop using it.

According to sex educators, using a pump too often can break the blood vessels in your penis and permanently affect the tissue. 

Take these steps to properly use a penis pump:

Step 1: Apply lubrication.

Put some lube on the base of your penis. This helps create a seal between your skin and the pump. Some experts suggest shaving your pubic hair in that area to help with the seal.

Step 2: Put on the device.

Each pump is different. Follow the directions on the package for how to put the suction device over your penis.

Step 3: Start pumping.

Go slowly to make sure the pump stays comfortable. Depending on the device, it will take between 30 seconds and 3 minutes to finish pumping. If anything hurts, release the pressure.

Step 4: Take it off.

Most penis pumps have a release valve to help you remove them. Follow the instructions on the box for how to do it properly.

Step 5: Use a rubber ring

Slip a rubber ring onto the base of your penis to help the effects of the pump last longer.

Penis pump usage duration

Don't leave the tension ring on for more than 30 minutes. Restricting blood flow longer than that can injure your penis. After you use your penis pump, wait at least an hour before using it again.

A penis pump can be a good choice if prescription medication for ED causes too many side effects or doesn't work for you. Other benefits include: 

  • The cost is relatively low. 
  • They're non-invasive. 
  • You can use a pump along with other treatment, such as medication. 
  • Studies have found them to be effective. 
  • They work for people who've had prostate cancer surgery or radiation for prostate cancer.

Penis pumps are generally safe. But you might have some side effects. They can include: 

  • Petechiae, little red dots on your penis. They're caused by bleeding under the skin. 
  • Pain or bruising
  • Numbness
  • Penis feels cold (a warm compress can help) 
  • Ejaculation issues. Semen may feel trapped in your penis by the tension ring, or ejaculation might be painful. 

Who Should Not Use Penis Pumps?

If you take blood thinners, you have a higher risk of bleeding from using a penis pump. 

If you have sickle cell disease or another blood disease, a penis pump might not be safe for you.

It's important to wash your penis pump to avoid the possibility of infection. Dirt or dead skin left in the cylinder also could scratch your penis.

If your pump has batteries, remove them before cleaning. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure you use the recommended type of soap. 

A penis pump costs between $300 and $500. You may see cheaper versions, but they may not be FDA-approved.

Are penis enlargement pumps covered by insurance?

If you have an ED diagnosis from your doctor and a prescription for a penis pump, your insurance might cover some of the cost. Check with your provider. 

Medicare generally doesn't pay for penis pumps. 

If you're a veteran, your benefits may cover some ED treatment costs. 

Penis pumps are devices that can help you achieve and maintain an erection. They're also called vacuum erection devices (VEDs) and vacuum constriction devices (VCDs). They work by creating a vacuum that draws blood into your penis, making it erect. If you have an ED diagnosis, your doctor may be able to prescribe a pump for you. Pumps also are available online and from specialty stores, but they may not be approved by the FDA and may not be as effective or safe. You can use a penis pump along with medication for ED. They're also good alternatives for people who can't tolerate ED drugs. 

Is a penis pump better than Viagra?

It's not an either/or question. You can use a penis pump while taking ED medication. But if medications don't work for you or you don't like the side effects, a pump can be a good alternative. 

What does a penis pump do?

A penis pump uses a vacuum effect to draw blood into your penis, making it erect. A tension ring placed at the base of your penis helps you maintain the erection. 

How often should you use a vacuum pump for ED? 

You should rest for an hour between uses of your penis pump. Never leave the tension ring on for longer than 30 minutes.