Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It DoesBenefitsRisksChoosing a DeviceInstructionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Does
Benefits
Risks
Choosing a Device
Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Although a penis pump cannot cure ED, it can help improve the quality of erections and the sex lives of people living with this all-too-common condition.
This article explores the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction and how a penis pump might help. It also explains how a penis pump is used, as well as the possible risks and limitations.
marshack / Getty Images
What Does a Penis Pump Do?
When people hear the term “penis pump,” the first thing that often comes to mind ispenis enlargement.Though people often buy the device for that reason, a penis pump cannot make your penis larger.
It can, however, help a person achieve anerectionwhen there are problems that impede the flow of blood into the penis.
An erection involves a complex interaction of emotions, nerves, hormones, blood vessels, and smooth muscles that work together to engorge the penis with blood and prevent the backflow of blood once it has been achieved.
People with erectile dysfunction may have issues with blood flowing into the penis and engorging the tissues. The band of tissues at the base of the penis may also not tighten as they should, which can cause blood to escape.
With the suction it provides, a penis pump can help draw blood into the penis and keep it there to achieve an erection.
A penis pump may be used with or withoutED drugslikeViagraand Cialis, depending on the severity of the condition.
A pump is also often used with anerectile dysfunction ring(“cock ring”) that fits at the base of the penis behind thescrotum. This helps keep the blood in the penis once an erection has been achieved.
Do I Have Erectile Dysfunction?
Benefits of a Penis Pump
Penis pumps can be extremely effective for many people with ED. In fact, if erectile dysfunction is mild, a penis pump may be all that is needed to achieve an erection.
Many people with ED may be able to sustain an erection for 30 minutes or longer. Those who can’t may reapply the device to restore an erection.
According to a 2018 review published in theJournal of Urology, six studies involving the use of penis pumps in people with ED reported satisfaction rates of 80% or higher, while 11 reported rates of 60% or higher.
Other benefits of using a penis pump:
Risks of Using a Penis Pump
There are risks associated with penis pumps, particularly novelty pumps.
If too much pressure is applied, the pump can cause pain, bruising, bluish skin, urethral bleeding, andhematomas(blood pooling due to ruptured vessels).
Some people, particularly older adults, may find that the penis is unstable after pumping and experience twisting at the base when intercourse is attempted.
Some people also find it harder toejaculateafter using a penis pump as it can cause the tissues around theurethrato swell, pinching off the exit. If ejaculation does occur, it can be painful. The penis itself may also feel numb, andorgasmmay be harder to achieve.
With the long-term overuse of a penis pump, scar tissues can begin to form in the skin and underlying tissues. While the penis may look larger due to the build-up of the tissue, it will often feel spongy rather than hard. There may also be permanent numbness.
The overuse of the ED ring can also cause nerve injury that worsens rather than improves ED. This is why you should never fall asleep with an ED ring on, particularly if you’ve taken a PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra.
AdvantagesQuick and easy to useIncreases spontaneityNon-invasiveCan be used in foreplayAffordable and reusableFew contraindicationsSafety features on VEDsDisadvantagesCan be bulky and messyPain due to suctioningDifficulty ejaculatingPain with ejaculationPetechiae is commonPossible numbnessPossible penis instability
AdvantagesQuick and easy to useIncreases spontaneityNon-invasiveCan be used in foreplayAffordable and reusableFew contraindicationsSafety features on VEDs
Quick and easy to use
Increases spontaneity
Non-invasive
Can be used in foreplay
Affordable and reusable
Few contraindications
Safety features on VEDs
DisadvantagesCan be bulky and messyPain due to suctioningDifficulty ejaculatingPain with ejaculationPetechiae is commonPossible numbnessPossible penis instability
Can be bulky and messy
Pain due to suctioning
Difficulty ejaculating
Pain with ejaculation
Petechiae is common
Possible numbness
Possible penis instability
Who Shouldn’t Use a Penis Pump
There are few contraindications to penis pumps other than havingbleeding disorderslikehemophiliaorblood-clotting disorderslikesickle cell disease. People withischemic priapism, a recurrent form of priapism in which an erection is abnormally prolonged, may also be advised to avoid the device.
People on blood thinners likewarfarinand anti-platelet drugs like Plavix (clopidogrel) should speak with their healthcare provider before using a penis pump as the suctioning may cause bruising and bleeding.
Speak with a healthcare provider before using a penis pump to ensure that it is the right option for you.
Choosing the Right Device
While people will often buy novelty penis pumps online or in sex shops, there are medically approved vacuum erection devices (VEDs) that have built-in safeguards called limiters to prevent injury to the penis.
VEDs vary in design, but consist of a closed-ended clear plastic cylinder and a vacuum pump this is either hand- or battery-operated with a digital readout to limit the amount of negative pressure a penis is subject to.
VEDs tend to fit over the penis only, rather than over the penis and scrotum, as some novelty devices do.
Some health providers also refer to the devices as vacuum constrictive devices (VCDs) or external penile rigidity devices (EPRDs).
There are several preparations you need to make in advance of pumping. If you intend to use condoms, buy a water-based lubricant that does not degrade or damagelatex condoms. If you plan to use an ED ring—which almost invariably improves the quality of an erection—you should also keep it close at hand.
To operate a manual or battery-operated VED:
Time LimitYou should wear an ED ring for no more than 30 minutes as anything longer can cause nerve injury.If you want an erection to last longer, remove the ring for several minutes and start again.
Time Limit
You should wear an ED ring for no more than 30 minutes as anything longer can cause nerve injury.If you want an erection to last longer, remove the ring for several minutes and start again.
Additional tips:
How to Cope With Erectile Dysfunction
Summary
People with a blood clotting disorder or those who take anticoagulants should not use a vacuum erection device.
A Word From Verywell
Don’t assume that your ED is untreatable simply because erectile dysfunction medications don’t work for you. Sometimes, it takes more than one treatment to get your condition right.
A penis pump is one such option. But rather than just buying one online and seeing if it works, speak with a healthcare provider or urologist to identify the underlying cause of your ED. By doing so, you may find the right combination of treatments for you.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Although some people will buy them to increase the size of a penis, studies show that they do nothing to increase the length. They may, however, increase the girth nominally due to the build-up of scar tissue.
Erectile dysfunction rings are simple, effective devices that can improve the quality of an erection. Even so, they should not be worn for more than 30 minutes as this can cause nerve injury. Experts also advise against using solid metal rings as they can cut off circulation and causetissue damageif they get stuck during an erection.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al.Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence.Int J Impot Res.2010;22:211-219. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4Marra G, Drury A, Tran L, Veale D, Muir GH.Systematic review of surgical and nonsurgical interventions in normal men complaining of small penis size.Sex Med Rev.2020;8(1):158-180. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.01.004Hehemann MC, Towe M, Huynh LM, El-Khatib F, Yafi FA.Penile girth enlargement strategies: what’s the evidence?Sex Med Rev.2019;7(3):535-547. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.11.003Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM.Physiology, erection. In:StatPearlsStatPearls Publishing;2021.Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al.Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004Hoyland K, Vasdev N, Adshead J.The use of vacuum erection devices in erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.Rev Urol.2013;15(2):67–71.Cleveland Clinic.Vacuum constrictive devices.Lehrfeld T, Lee D.The role of vacuum erection devices in penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy.Int J Impot Res.2009;21;158-164. doi:10.1038/ijir.2009.3Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R.Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices.Int Braz J Urol.2019;45(2):384–391. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW.Erectile dysfunction. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing;2021.International Society for Sexual Medicine.What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al.Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence.Int J Impot Res.2010;22:211-219. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4Marra G, Drury A, Tran L, Veale D, Muir GH.Systematic review of surgical and nonsurgical interventions in normal men complaining of small penis size.Sex Med Rev.2020;8(1):158-180. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.01.004Hehemann MC, Towe M, Huynh LM, El-Khatib F, Yafi FA.Penile girth enlargement strategies: what’s the evidence?Sex Med Rev.2019;7(3):535-547. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.11.003Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM.Physiology, erection. In:StatPearlsStatPearls Publishing;2021.Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al.Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004Hoyland K, Vasdev N, Adshead J.The use of vacuum erection devices in erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.Rev Urol.2013;15(2):67–71.Cleveland Clinic.Vacuum constrictive devices.Lehrfeld T, Lee D.The role of vacuum erection devices in penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy.Int J Impot Res.2009;21;158-164. doi:10.1038/ijir.2009.3Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R.Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices.Int Braz J Urol.2019;45(2):384–391. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW.Erectile dysfunction. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing;2021.International Society for Sexual Medicine.What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Yuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al.Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence.Int J Impot Res.2010;22:211-219. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4Marra G, Drury A, Tran L, Veale D, Muir GH.Systematic review of surgical and nonsurgical interventions in normal men complaining of small penis size.Sex Med Rev.2020;8(1):158-180. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.01.004Hehemann MC, Towe M, Huynh LM, El-Khatib F, Yafi FA.Penile girth enlargement strategies: what’s the evidence?Sex Med Rev.2019;7(3):535-547. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.11.003Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM.Physiology, erection. In:StatPearlsStatPearls Publishing;2021.Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al.Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004Hoyland K, Vasdev N, Adshead J.The use of vacuum erection devices in erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.Rev Urol.2013;15(2):67–71.Cleveland Clinic.Vacuum constrictive devices.Lehrfeld T, Lee D.The role of vacuum erection devices in penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy.Int J Impot Res.2009;21;158-164. doi:10.1038/ijir.2009.3Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R.Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices.Int Braz J Urol.2019;45(2):384–391. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW.Erectile dysfunction. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing;2021.International Society for Sexual Medicine.What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?
Yuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al.Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence.Int J Impot Res.2010;22:211-219. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4
Marra G, Drury A, Tran L, Veale D, Muir GH.Systematic review of surgical and nonsurgical interventions in normal men complaining of small penis size.Sex Med Rev.2020;8(1):158-180. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.01.004
Hehemann MC, Towe M, Huynh LM, El-Khatib F, Yafi FA.Penile girth enlargement strategies: what’s the evidence?Sex Med Rev.2019;7(3):535-547. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.11.003
Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM.Physiology, erection. In:StatPearlsStatPearls Publishing;2021.
Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al.Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004
Hoyland K, Vasdev N, Adshead J.The use of vacuum erection devices in erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.Rev Urol.2013;15(2):67–71.
Cleveland Clinic.Vacuum constrictive devices.
Lehrfeld T, Lee D.The role of vacuum erection devices in penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy.Int J Impot Res.2009;21;158-164. doi:10.1038/ijir.2009.3
Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R.Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices.Int Braz J Urol.2019;45(2):384–391. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667
Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW.Erectile dysfunction. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing;2021.
International Society for Sexual Medicine.What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
