How to Use a Penis Pump

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Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 17, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Inflating the Pump
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• Using a Pump Safely
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• Video
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• Tips

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Lots of men struggle to get or maintain an erection, and it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Don't give up hope—a penis pump can help, and it's quick and easy to use. It's a common treatment that doctors recommend for erectile dysfunction (ED). A penis pump creates a vacuum seal over your penis, which draws in blood and helps you get an erection. If you’ve been struggling with erectile dysfunction, then this might be just what you need to get your fulfilling sex life back.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Inflating the Pump

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1. 
   1
   Read the manual or instructions from your pump before using it. There are lots of different penis pumps available. Most of them have similar steps, but you should always read the manual and confirm the instructions before using it.

   • If you don’t know which pump to use, ask your doctor for a recommendation.
   • Quality penis pumps usually cost $300-500. You don’t need a prescription for most, but your insurance still may cover part of the cost.
2. 
   2
   Slip the constriction ring down to the base of the tube. Professional sex educator Danielle Bezalel explains that pumps come with a constriction ring that fits around the base of your penis to help you keep an erection. Take the constriction ring and slip it over the thin end of the penis tube. Slide it back to the base of the tube, where you’ll put your penis in.

   • If you’re having trouble with the constriction ring, you can lubricate it with water-based lubricant to help get it onto the tube.
   • Penis pumps might come with a few different constriction rings. To find the right size, slip them over your penis when you're not aroused. Use the one that fits snuggly, but is not tight enough to cut off circulation.
3. 
   3
   Lubricate your penis so it doesn’t stick to the tube. Bezalel recommends using a water-based lubricant and rubbing it onto your penis. This makes putting on and removing the tube a lot easier and more comfortable.

   • You could also lubricate the base of the tube to make sliding your penis in easier.
4. 
   4
   Slip the tube around your penis. Hold the tube so the opening is facing your penis. Then slide it entirely over your penis. Push it against your body so the base of the tube creates a seal.

   • Generally, you’ll be more comfortable if you stand while using the pump. However, you can also sit on the edge of a chair or bed.
   • If you’re with a partner, they can help you put it on to make this easier for you.
5. 
   5
   Pump until you get an erection. Once the tube is snug with your body, slowly start squeezing the pump. The pump is usually on the tip of the tube, opposite your body. You should start gradually getting an erection. Keep pumping until you have a full erection, then stop so you don't over-pump.

   • Pump very slowly to lower your risk for bruising or pain. Don’t pump it more once you have an erection, or you could hurt yourself.
   • Some pumps use battery power instead of a hand pump. In this case, switch the pump on to create a vacuum seal.
6. 
   6
   Fit the constriction ring around the base of your penis. Once you get an erection, keep the tube pressed against your body. Then, slide the constriction ring off the tube and around the base of your penis. This helps you maintain an erection while having sex.

   • The ring will be tight since you fitted it to your penis while it was soft. This is okay, and it’s supposed to be somewhat tight so the blood stays in your penis.
   • The ring shouldn’t be painful. If it hurts when you put it on, then it’s probably too small. Switch to a larger size, or adjust the ring to be larger if it’s adjustable.
7. 
   7
   Remove the pump. Once the constriction ring is in place, you can take the pump off. Instructions vary, but typically, you’ll hit the release button to let the pressure out of the tube, then slide the tube off your penis.

   • Different pumps might have different steps to release the pressure. Always follow the directions for the pump you’re using.
   • Good pumps have a vacuum release, meaning the pressure will drain if you pump them too much. This is so you don't hurt yourself.
8. 
   8
   Put on a condom after you take off the pump. Condoms are meant to be put on once you’re erect, so if you’re using a condom, put it on after using the pump, not before. This way, it won’t be damaged while you’re using the pump.
9. 
   9
   Take off the constriction ring within 30 minutes. While keeping the constriction on is what helps you maintain an erection, leaving it on too long can cause damage. The ring actually cuts off circulation to your penis, so take it off within 30 minutes.

   • If you don’t have severe ED, then you might be able to maintain an erection without keeping the ring on.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Pump Safely

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1. 
   1
   Talk to your doctor before using a pump. While penis pumps are generally safe to use, there are still some health conditions that might not make it the best choice in your situation. It’s best to be safe and talk to your doctor before getting one to make sure this is right for you.

   • It’s also a good idea to see your doctor so they can recommend a penis pump model for you. There are a lot of choices, so you might not know where to start.
2. 
   2
   Don’t use a penis pump if you have any bleeding disorders. The pressure from a penis pump could raise your risk for bleeding or clotting if you have a blood disorder. If you have sickle-cell anemia or another clotting disorder, or if you take blood thinners like warfarin, your doctor will probably recommend that you don’t use a pump.

   • You might also be at a higher risk for bleeding if you take health supplements that thin your blood. Always tell your doctor about any supplements you take before using the pump.
3. 
   3
   Stop pumping and release the pressure if you feel any pain. Even if using a penis pump is safe for you, you could still run into some problems. For instance, you might feel some pain when you start pumping, or even after you’ve removed it. This isn’t supposed to happen, so stop pumping and take the tube off right away. If the pain doesn’t go away, call your doctor.

   • You’re more likely to hurt yourself if you pump fast, so always go slowly. You can also hurt yourself if you pump too much, so only pump enough to get an erection.
   • If you can, get a pump with a vacuum limiter. This is a safety valve that releases the pressure if it gets too high, which helps you avoid injuries.
4. 
   4
   Wash the tube and constriction ring after every use. You definitely don't want bacteria growing on your pump. After every use, disassemble and wash both the tube and constriction ring with warm water and mild soap. Dry each one thoroughly before storing it.​

   • The pump itself usually doesn't need much cleaning. An occasional wipe with a damp rag will work fine. Don't soak the pump in water, or it could get damaged.
   • If your pump has a motor, remove it before washing (or avoid getting it wet while washing) to avoid damaging the electrical components.
5. 
   5
   Avoid using a pump to make your penis larger. Despite the ads you might see online, penis pumps aren’t intended to actually make your penis bigger. Not only is this dangerous to try, but it probably won’t work. There’s little evidence that using a penis pump makes your penis bigger, so only use it as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

   • If you are self-conscious about your penis size, try talking to your doctor for some coping strategies.

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Tips

• Talk to your partner and be open about the fact that you use a penis pump. This might be embarrassing at the start, but building that trust and understanding is a great thing.
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• Some side effects of using a penis pump include minor bruising, red dots on your penis where capillaries leaked, numbness, or bruising. These aren’t dangerous, but just be aware that they could happen.
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• Remember that different pumps might use a different procedure, so always follow the instructions with the product you use.
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