Do penis pumps actually work? And every other question you have about them, answered.

You may not have given penis pumps much thought... perhaps ever... but now they are front and centre in conversations. Why? Well, because someone whipped out a penis pump in an episode of And Just Like That, and now everyone is like...

What is that?

What does it do?

Should I be using one?

... And so we are here, as your designated fairy nut mother, to answer absolutely every question that has popped into your head about penis pumps.

Watch: The juiciest results from the Mamamia sex survey, with Sex Editor Katie Stow. Post continues after video.

And we mean that literally. We even did a call out in the Mamamia office to collect the most obscure questions possible about penis pumps because we're that committed to sex ed.

So, without further ado, here is absolutely everything you could want to know about the humble penis pump.

What is a penis pump?

Great first question, so glad you asked! 

Penis pumps are clever little devices that assist in building and sustaining erections by using a literal vacuum to draw blood into the penis. See, told you it was clever.

So, how does a penis pump work?

Penis pumps work their magic by creating a vacuum – either by an electric pump action or from a manual pump, kinda like those ones on fancy old-school perfume bottles. These pumps draw blood to the penis, stimulating and encouraging an erection.

Yes, pumping it up like a blow-up mattress, but with a lot more medical safeguards in place.

Some studies show that penis pumps may help erectile dysfunction (ED) patients achieve an erection in up to 90 per cent of cases – which is an A+ on the results front.

How common are penis pumps?

While they may not be spoken about around the dinner table too often, penis pumps are wildly popular – particularly in the US. Some sex toy websites actually report it as the most popular male sex toy category, which means more blokes are popping penis pumps in their baskets than cock rings, dick sleeves or butt plugs.

While they can be medically prescribed for some forms of erectile dysfunction, most are bought 'over the counter' through online distributors.

How much do penis pumps cost?

Penis pumps, depending on the jazzy features, can range from around $50 for a fairly basic manual pump to more than $500 for one with all the bells and whistles.

We know that you weren't explicitly looking for recommendations... but we have some for you anyway.

The best basic penis pump from the relatively cheap category, in our humble opinion, is Lovehoney Health Penis Pump and Ring Set, $74.95.

Image: Lovehoney.

And if you want to splash out on a fancy-pants penis pump, then this is the guy for you: Bathmate HYDROXTREME 9 Penis Pump Clear 7-9 Inches, $429.95.

Image: Lovehoney. 

Are penis pumps safe?

Penis pumps are listed as a safe, non-surgical treatment option for erectile dysfunction – but obviously, this comes with a few caveats. One is that they are only safe when used correctly under the guidance of a health professional, and another is that they aren't overused.

It's always (and we mean ALWAYS) advisable to consult a doctor before using a penis pump. Why? Well, because they are the only ones that can provide guidance on whether it's actually suitable for you and your body. Plus, they'll be able to rattle off any and all potential risks so you're fully in the know.

Once you have the tick of approval from a doctor, you need to make sure you follow instructions to the tee. If you start getting creative with a penis pump, it can lead to bleeding, bruising and a boatload of pain.

How big can penis pumping make a d**k?

While the core focus of a penis pump is to build and sustain an erection, there are some potential size benefits. AKA they can make the schlong a little longer and girthier.

But this isn't a guarantee, and while some ads may show ma-hoo-sive growth opportunities just by slipping a peen into this magical device, the standard size increase is usually only a couple of inches.

In fact, in a small 2006 study, researchers observed 37 men who were given vacuum treatment (penis pumping) for 20 minutes, three times a week, for six months. They found that the average penis length increased only 0.3 cm (that's less than 1/10th of an inch – or the size of half an M&M).

How many pumps, on average, does a penis need?

Technically, a penis needs no pumps to be a penis. But if you're using a penis pump prior to sex, then usually a couple of pumps (on a manual penis pump) in the half hour before the shaggin' begins is a good guide.

These are the steps that Healthline recommends when you're pumping a penis:

1. You place a tube over your penis.
2. You pump out the air, using the hand pump or electric pump attached to the tube, creating a vacuum effect.
3. Once you’re erect, you remove the pump.
4. You can place a constriction ring [AKA a cock ring] around the base of your penis to help you maintain your erection.

Some people will use a penis pump regularly for potential size increases, and for this, it's usually recommended to pump for 30 minutes a day, TOPS. Give your schlong little breaks in between, too.

If you pump your penis for more than a half hour, you could be pumping yourself into some serious health problems.

When should you pump a penis?

You can pump regularly for potential size increase, or immediately prior to sex for a boost to your good time. Using one of the included constriction rings may increase your erection's strength and duration.

After pumping, just press the button to release all suction and go chasing that sweet release.

For best results, use for 30 minutes per day with a break every 10 minutes. If pumping regularly, we recommend moisturising after every use to avoid dryness.

Are penis pumping results permanent?

Obviously, every penis will react a little differently to a penis pump, so the duration of an erection can vary after pumping. But most manufacturers agree that around 30 minutes of erection/size increase is a fairly typical outcome.

Those with Erectile Dysfunction using a penis pump will have a shorter time window, but this can be 'topped up' with the addition of a constriction device – AKA a friendly li'l cock ring.

Speaking of, want some recommendations of the best cock rings for solo or partner play? We've got you covered here. 

Cock rings can help to extend erection times alone or with a penis pump combo deal. However, much like with the penis pump curfew, it is unsafe to use a cock ring for more than 30 minutes as it can cause swelling and potentially block rather important blood flow.

Listen to this episode of Sealed Section, all about sex toys. Post continues after podcast.

How often can you use a penis pump?

There are strict limitations on how often you can use a penis pump, with most recommending pumping for 30 minutes prior to sex – and no more than one session per day.

Basically, you get half an hour of pumping a day and then PLEASE STOP.

Can you pump a penis... too much?

Yes, you can absolutely over-pump a penis. But no, it won't fall off if you do this, or explode.

Instead, you'll just be dealing with Not Fun™ complications like bruising, decreased sensitivity, bleeding and numbness if you pump away til the cows come home. So use with caution, and pump with care.

Does a penis pump feel good? 

Look, it's less of a journey, more of a destination vibe when it comes to penis pumps.

Unlike other sex toys, the act of using it doesn't really drum up a lot of pleasure, but the after-effects (an erection, increased size and pumped-up pleasure receptors) are why people do it.

That being said, some people who use a penis pump may not experience any increased sexual sensation or satisfaction.

Does a penis pump feel good for a partner? 

Again, not really a fun time for a significant other while their partner pumps their penis, but they may be able to reap some of the benefits of a penis pump. These 'benefits' may include, but are not limited to:

• Longer-lasting erections
• Increased penis size
• Jacked-up sensitivity
• Boosted confidence 

Sounds like a pretty sexy smörgåsbord to us!

Can you use a penis pump on a micro penis?

Absolutely! In fact, it's a device many people with micro penises turn to.

This is because it can help increase length and girth (even if it's just by a small amount) and offers a potential boost in confidence if the penis owner has any insecurities around their size.

But the same rules apply to a micro penis when it comes to pumping: 30 minutes a day, maximum. GOT IT?!

How do you introduce a penis pump into the bedroom?

Much like trying to bring any sex toy into the dynamic with a partner, it's always best to tread carefully and be respectful of your partner/s opinion.

While they may feel comfortable with you using a penis pump yourself, they may not want to be involved in the process physically. Or they may want to dive right in and be hands-on with the penis and the pump!

Whatever the case may be, gently introducing the device and speaking about why it's important to you is paramount. And it's probably best for this conversation to happen outside of the bedroom – removing any pressure and allowing for a free-flowing conversation between consensual partners.

And that is it! We think we may have covered every possible question you have about penis pumps, but if another pops into your brain, feel free to wang it into the comment section and we'll answer it for you!

Feature Image: Mamamia + Canva.