It’s still a common misconception that penis pumps are only used as a tool to increase the size of one’s penis. But is this really so? Well, not exactly. 

Penis pumps are actually used in order to achieve and maintain an erection, which can be entirely useful for many penis owners… more so than you may think.

You see, in a 2013 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, it was found that 26 percent of men under the age of 40 have or are living with erectile dysfunction (ED). 

It also found that one in four patients seeking first medical help for new onset ED was younger than 40 years. Does ED discriminate by age? It seems not.

But there are some penis owners who do use penis pumps in an attempt to grow in penis length and girth.. Does it work? And if so, is it permanent? And, of course, is it safe?

Penis Pump: How Permanent and Safe Are They?

While this article is not about erectile dysfunction, it is quite important for readers to understand the main reason why people use penis pumps. It’s equally as important for them to know that yes, it can also be used to increase the size of one’s penis. 

The main focus today is the latter. 

More so: is it permanent and is it safe? After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

Let’s get into the logistics of penis pumps, what they do, why you’d use them, how to use them safely, and how they can improve your sex life.

Will the Size Gains From Penis Pumping Be Permanent?

Now that we’ve established that using a penis pump can actually give you size gains, the next big question is: is it permanent? Unfortunately, no. 

How penis pumps work is, they use a vacuum-like action to prompt blood flow to the penis which, in turn, will result in an erection. 

In doing this, one’s penis may grow in length and girth, yes, but this would only be during the time in which they have an erection. Once they’re flaccid, the size gains will be lost.

There is one exception however. There is one sex toy company that’s famous for their penis pumps because they’re so unique. Cue: Bathmate. 

Bathmate is different in that it doesn’t use air to pump, it uses water. This means that one can make it a routine whilst in the bath or shower. 

But this isn’t the only perk. Bathmate actually swears by the fact that its users have actually gained in penis length and girth after a few months of use.

Don’t believe us? On their website under “results and reviews” you’ll find it says that “83 percent of long-term (six to 12 months) Bathmate Hydromax users reported noticeable size gains”.

From Bathmate's perspective, using their Bathmate products is like a “workout” for your penis, which means that it’s essentially a muscle that can grow.

To be on the safe side though, we suggest that you don’t count on a penis pump giving you noticeable results that are permanent. Instead, you can expect a device that’s really helpful to get and keep an erection.

If They’re Not Permanent, Why Would You Use a Pump to Improve Your Sex Life?

It may have been quite disappointing to hear that penis pumps don’t actually bring about permanent size gains. Maybe you’re feeling a bit despondent, as though there really is no point in owning one. Well, don’t dismiss the idea just yet! 

Owning a penis pump can actually have great effects on your sex life, even though it may not seem like it. 

Here are a few ways in which a penis pump may improve your sex life:

• Penis pumps are a non-invasive way in which to get and keep an erection
• They’re great to use for penis owners who’ve had prostate cancer surgery or radiation for prostate cancer
• They can help those who experience anxiety during sexual situations
• They give you bigger and better erections which could be more satisfying for you and your partner
• It can remove any emotional issues that may come about if your partner feels less desired by you in the bedroom (because you’re having a difficult time with getting and keeping an erection)
• It can remove sexual frustration if you physically want to engage in solo or partnered play but find that you cannot perform

All in all, we’re giving two big thumbs up when it comes to using a penis pump. But there’s one last aspect to consider: how to use them safely. 

How to Use a Penis Pump Safely?

The thing about penis pumps sold in sex stores is that they’re not regulated. Yes, if a medical device kind of penis pump has been prescribed by a doctor, it would be FDA-approved, but in the case of buying one online or in-store, you’re best off doing a lot of research and reading a lot of reviews before you commit to buying one. 

This is not to say that they’re not safe. In fact, they really are quite safe to use for most men (there are exceptions which we’ll mention below). But this is also dependent on you using the device as per the instructions. 

Without following the guidelines, you could hurt, bruise, and/or injure something. For example, if the blood vessels in the penis break, it could permanently affect the tissue. 

With that, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a penis pump. And while these are general directions, it’s important to read the specific instructions for the penis pump you’ve decided to purchase.

Optional prep: you may want to shave some or all of your pubic hair before using a penis pump as it may help with the seal.

Step 1: Lube

Add some lube to the base of your penis which will create a seal between your skin and the penis pump.

Step 2: Grab Your Penis Pump

Depending on the type of pump you’ve got, you’ll want to follow those directions accurately. This is imperative to stay safe. Once it’s been placed over your penis, make sure that it fits comfortably before you start pumping.

Step 3: Pump

Once you’ve started pumping, it’ll take 30 seconds to about 3 minutes to finish. This will depend on the type of pump you’ve purchased. Make sure that the penis pump stays in-place and comfortable, and if anything hurts, release the pressure.

Step 4: Take It Off

Many penis pumps come with a release valve to help remove it. We advise you to go for a pump with a release valve as it’s much easier to remove the pump when you’re finished or if you’re feeling any kind of discomfort or pain.

Step 5: Use a Cock Ring

Once you’ve gotten an erection, you might want to use a simple ring or a fancier vibrating cock ring by sliding it onto the base of your penis. This will help you to maintain your erection for longer, and allow you to enjoy longer bouts of solo play or partnered play. 

Take note however: if you opt for a ring, do follow the safety instructions. One should not wear a cock ring for more than 30 minutes and they should also wait 1 hour between uses. Never fall asleep whilst wearing a cock ring. If one wears a cock ring for more than 30 minutes, there will be a restriction on blood flow which could injure one’s penis.

On the other hand, penis pumps are not safe for people living with these conditions and situations:

• If you are taking blood-thinning medication you are at a higher risk of bleeding
• If you have sickle cell disease or another blood disease it may cause bleeding or blood clotting

By now you should be all caught up on penis pumps, how they work, what they’re used for, their benefits, and using them safely. 

Truthfully, they really are a great addition to have, and will surely bring some kind of satisfaction to your sex life.