Dangers of Penis Pumps
Article Overview
Penis pumps can be incredibly dangerous – use too much pressure, or pump too hard and you’ll end up with bruising, or worse, erectile dysfunction and long term damage to your penis. Find out the top 7 dangers of penis pumps and importantly, how to avoid getting hurt!
10 minutes read time
Last updated 11 April, 2023
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Table of Contents In the world of penile devices, you’re essentially limited to two specific types of product – penis traction devices and penis pumps. There are varying versions of both types of product from a variety of manufacturers, whilst both types of product have there dangers if not used correctly.
In the case of penis pumps, not only does the wide variety and quality of products have an impact on how safe these type of devices are, given a penis pump uses a vacuum of pressure with the aim of increasing blood flow to the penis, this in itself opens up a whole new avenue of associated dangers and risks when using a penis pump.
Below you’ll find my list of the top 7 dangers and risks of using penis pumps – dangers that you can watch out for and avoid to ensure you don’t get injured when using such a device.
Beyond the dangers of using a penis pump, I’ve also created this penis pump guide that covers everything you need to know about penis pumps (including whether or not they work), whilst my list of best penis pumps is an absolute must read if you’re planning on buying a vacuum pump!
Cost & Quality of a Penis Pump
Cost & Quality of a Penis PumpFor any savvy consumer, price is always a factor when buying any type of product. The same goes for penis pumps; you don’t want to buy the most expensive product on the market if you can get the same quality and same results from something a little cheaper.
Unfortunately where penis pumps are concerned if you start cutting corners on cost, you could start running into problems especially if you’re serious about using your penis pump for the long term.
You can easily pick up a penis pump for $20-$30 via a sex toy shop or online through larger retailers such as eBay and Amazon. By paying more than this though, you can expect to get a much higher quality product – by scrimping on price this is where you fall into one of the first dangers of penis pumps.
Namely by not investing in a high quality durable product (given the fact we’re talking about creating a vacuum of pressure within a cylinder), if the components of a penis pump aren’t durable enough over prolonged periods of time and use, this lacking quality can potentially cause the cheaper, lower quality penis pump devices to crack and even break when used for even short periods of time.
Needless to say you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realise that if you’ve got your penis in a penis pump, there are going to be associated risks if the plastic cylinder starts to crack or even breaks when you’re using it.
By increasing your budget and going for a slightly more expensive penis pump especially those that use water rather than air (which we’ll come onto in a minute), you can expect the quality of the penis pump cylinder to be of a much higher quality insuring your device literally doesn’t break under the pressure.
In my experience, penis pumps that have a higher price point also generally attract and benefit from manufacturing certificates and standards and are in some cases even classified as medical grade products given they’ve undergone suitable testing and checks to ascertain their level of safety.
If you’re serious about using a penis pump for the long term, it’s these classification of penis pumps that you really need to focus on, as they will provide a level of safety and quality that the cheap, novelty type pumps simply can’t match.
On a final note where price is concerned, with the cheaper products they are generally a single sealed unit which cannot be dismantled or disassembled, bear in mind these types of products could potentially be harder to clean and as a result could carry a higher risk of containing germs and bacteria.
Think about not only how the price of a product can affect how you use the device and its associated durability and effectiveness, but also how it impacts the aftercare and cleaning of the device after use.
Air Penis Pumps vs Hydro Penis Pumps
Air Penis Pumps vs Hydro Penis PumpsIn the landscape of penis pumps there are two different types. The large majority of penis pumps and those types of pump that generally have a much lower price point are vacuum pumps that rely solely on air pressure.
These are usually cheap, low quality products (although there are some higher quality, battery operated devices) that are more of a novelty item than a serious penis enhancement pump. They are generally mass produced at very low cost and are made from a variety of different plastic materials which vary in quality and durability. The main pump cylinder is then connected to a hand pump which allows pressure to be created within the cylinder.
At the other end of the spectrum you have what are called hydro penis pumps which essentially use water rather than air. The concept behind a hydro pump is that water is thicker than air and as a result can provide better support and comfort when using the device compared to the air only vacuum type pumps.
In the context of dangers and risks where penis pumps are concerned, although both types of air and water pump are effective in producing results, to reduce the potential dangers, a hydro pump is always going to be safer than an air only penis pump simply as a result of the quality of the product and the fact that water provides a much more supportive and comfortable environment for your penis inside the cylinder.
By using water rather than air, not only is the penis better supported in the cylinder but the pressure exerted on the penis is considerably more equal. This combined with the level of comfort that water provides in the vacuum means that your penis is a lot less susceptible to bruising and other injuries when in comparison to an air only penis pump.
It’s also worth noting that when using a water-based hydro penis pump the water you’ll be using will be warm – as a result these warm water will also help to improve blood flow to the penis and your circulation resulting in better overall results from using the device.
If you’re interested in learning even more about the technical side of air pumps vs water pumps, the following article on the physics of water pumping [link
] provides a fantastic level of detail on this specific topic and is a great read on the theory behind why water pumping is the recommended approach where penis pump devices are concerned.
Penis Pumps & Penile Health
Penis Pumps & Penile HealthSome of us are lucky enough to be fit and healthy however others of us haven’t been quite so fortunate. In the context of health conditions and how these can affect whether or not you should or shouldn’t use a penis pump, we need to consider three specific factors.
Firstly medical conditions – if you have a blood disorder or you’ve been diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia, these types of conditions can increase the risk of bleeding and blood clots.
As a result if you suffer from either of these conditions, you should definitely take expert advice from your own medical practitioner before attempting to use a penis pump. The reality is you likely shouldn’t and won’t be able to use a penis pump purely because of the dangers associated with your condition.
Secondly medications – if you are on blood thinning medications you are at an increased risk of bleeding. Although using a penis pump should never cause you physical damage if used correctly, remember that by using a vacuum pump you’re essentially forcing blood through the penis and as a result of being on blood thinners this could cause some unforeseen problems.
Blood thinners such as Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Heparin, Warfarin (Coumadin) and Apixaban (Eliquis) are just a couple of examples of medications you probably don’t want to be taking when using a penis pump. Again the advice is pretty clear – ask a medical professional before you start using a penis pump if you are on any such type of medication.
Third and finally, penile surgery – there are numerous reasons to have penile surgery, from increasing the size of your penis, resolving erectile dysfunction to simply making a cosmetic change. Other than having had a circumcision, if you’ve had penile surgery or in fact any surgery relating to the penis, testicles or surrounding area it is highly recommended that as with all health considerations that we’ve discussed, that you check first with a medical professional.
At the end of the day if any of the above applies to you, or you’re simply just not quite sure whether its safe to use a penis pump, you should always consult a medical professional or consultant to better understand if your health concerns could potentially be aggravated by the use of a penis pump.
Penis Pump Pressure
Like any product that you use that relates to your penis, you need to be careful and use it in moderation – this not only goes for the amount of time that you actually use the device for but also the amount of pressure that you achieve whilst pumping.
A penis pump should be used and approached with care and regardless of the type of penis pump you have (whether it uses air or water as it’s main means of generating a vacuum) ultimately using too much pressure can lead to some serious injuries.
There is the perception that if you push yourself and you try increasing the pressure in the cylinder as much as possible this will ultimately lead to better, faster results. Wrong!
Many users of penis pumps especially those that have never used such a device before, are often so eager to get results that they throw caution to the wind and end up pumping too hard in the early stages of using the device.
Like many forms of penis enlargement the route to achieving results is about long-term consistent use – as well as potential discomfort from over pumping or having attained too higher pressure when using the device, two clear indications that too much pressure is being used are signs of bruising and the appearance of red spots on the penis.
If you experience any discomfort whilst pumping, get bruises or red spots on the penis you definitely need to step away from the device and taking good for you rest days until you properly recover.
Simply continuing what you doing, pushing through the pain and discomfort, is not the answer as this can lead to long-term numbness, tissue damage, ejaculation problems and other negative symptoms.
Penis Pump Pressure Release
On the flip side of putting too much pressure into the pump cylinder, at the other end of the spectrum releasing pressure too quickly from your penis pump can also have a very negative effect on your member.
If you’re continually noticing your penis is becoming bruised after a session using your penis pump, consider the speed at which you release pressure from the release valve.
Think of your penis as a deep sea diver – when diving to very deep depths in water, the deeper you get, the stronger the pressure becomes. When you rise too fast from deep water, you essentially suffer from decompression sickness (also known as DCS or, “The Bends”).
In the same context releasing pressure too quickly from a penis pump although not fatal, due to the sudden and extreme change in pressure can and will cause bruising even to the point of causing permanent damage to your penis. Something you obviously want to avoid!
When researching and selecting a suitable penis pump for your specific needs, always take into consideration what sort of release valve mechanism the vacuum device has in order to allow you to release pressure safely and effectively.
On another level also consider how easy the release valve button is to use – if it’s small or fiddly and you have large fingers, you may struggle to release pressure when you seriously need to. You don’t want to be fumbling around trying to work a small release valve as this will prolong your discomfort not to mention causing you to potentially panic and again release the pressure too quickly (which we’re trying to avoid).
You ideally need to look for a penis pump that has a release valve that can be gradually released so you can control the amount of pressure that dissipates so as to provide the best level of comfort for your penis.
Psychological ED & Penis Pump Usage
We’ve spoken about penis pumps and the physical nature of using this sort of device, however your mental health, and your psychological viewpoint can also in itself be a danger.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical factors such as an injury however psychological causes in this case specifically from the use of a penis pump can also result in erectile dysfunction.
It might not be that you’ve had any pain or discomfort or bruising from using a penis pump however if you’re not seeing the results you were expecting or you’re simply not seeing any results at all perhaps because it’s simply too early in the process this can have a very detrimental and negative effect on your mental health.
Over the years I’ve heard of quite a number of people that have suffered from erectile dysfunction having used a penis pump or another penile enhancement product.
We’ve spoken about penis pumps and the physical nature of using this sort of device, however your mental health, and your psychological viewpoint can also in itself be a danger.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical factors such as an injury however psychological causes in this case specifically from the use of a penis pump can also result in erectile dysfunction.
It might not be that you’ve had any pain or discomfort or bruising from using a penis pump however if you’re not seeing the results you were expecting or you’re simply not seeing any results at all perhaps because it’s simply too early in the process this can have a very detrimental and negative effect on your mental health.
Over the years I’ve heard of quite a number of people that have suffered from erectile dysfunction having used a penis pump or another penile enhancement product.
Although there are many, many reasons why erectile dysfunction can occur, it is understood and completely conceivable that on a subconscious level if you’re not getting the results you were hoping for or expecting, that added pressure and stress (perhaps even combined with your day to day life, commitments and stress) can and has been seen at least in part to be potentially responsible for causing erectile dysfunction.
In many cases if this happens, it’s something that is essentially completely outside of your control – you can’t directly influence or control how you think or feel on a subconscious level. That said, if you do start to suffer from erectile dysfunction or feel that your going backwards in your results rather than forwards, the best piece of advice we can give is to step away from the penis pump.
Put the penis pump away, in the back of a cupboard and give you mind, body and penis a well rested break. Give yourself time and come back in a couple of weeks and simply try again.
Going Too Fast & Not Taking Breaks
Going Too Fast & Not Taking BreaksPenis enlargement is by its nature a long, slow drawn out process (although some of you will obviously be buying your penis pump for the likes of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction).
If you’ve ever seen banners or adverts relating to any means of penis enlargement where the claim is to give you 3 inches of gains in the space of a matter of weeks or a single month, then you’re set to be bitterly disappointed and likely severely out of pocket.
Unless you opt for invasive and painful surgery, natural penis enlargement techniques – and that is essentially what penis pumps are – provide a natural, safe but long-term solution to resolving conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation whilst boasting the ability to increase both the length and girth of your penis.
Is very easy to get wrapped up in the hype of using such a product and the quoted potential results that you can achieve – in most cases these quoted figures are usually achieved after many months of usage, investing considerable time, effort and dedication.
That is why our final suggestion and recommendation where the dangers of penis pumps are concerned really relates to not the product that you’ve purchased but the person that you are.
The process of using a penis pump especially if you’re looking for penis enlargement is long and drawn out – penis pumps are not the type of product for fast, instant results. You need to have the mentality that this process is not a sprint to the finish but it is a long-term endurance race.
If you can take this concept on board, if you don’t push yourself too hard, if you don’t rush, if you don’t go too fast and if you remember to importantly take at least 2 rest days during every week you’re pumping, not only will what you do and how you use your penis pump be considerably safer but you’ll also reduce your risk of potentially catastrophic injury.
You’ll also have the positive mindset to get the most from your penis pump and ultimately achieve the results you’re looking for. Take your time and stay positive!
Summary
Summary
Ready to Buy a Penis Pump?
There are many key dangers and risks to using a penis pump especially if you don’t use it correctly or if you try and push yourself too hard or too fast. With all that said, the advantages and benefits of using a penis pump far outweigh the negatives as long as you take ample steps to avoid the dangers that we’ve highlighted in this article.
Based on our recommendations aim for a penis pump that is built from high quality materials, a product that you can believe in, a product that you can have control over and you’re comfortable using.
Combine this confidence in the penis pump you’ve chosen with the understanding that this process does take time and effort – if you can achieve that, you’ll be able to reach the target you originally set yourself.
There’s nothing better than that feeling of satisfaction when all that time and effort that you put in over the last few months, leads to you producing the results you were looking for.
Want to know more about penis pumps?
Check out this article that answers every question you need to know before buying such a device or if you’re ready to choose a vacuum pump based on your needs and budget, my list of best penis pumps is an absolute must read!
This Content Was Written By...
Chris is the owner and creator of Penis Enlargement Resource. He has years of knowledge in the male enhancement niche and has tested and assessed numerous products over the years.
Questions & Comments
Thank you for this information. I am an otherwise healthy 46-year-old make who has suffered from psychological ED due to nervousness all my life. Pills like Viagra definitely help, but their timing is hard to track consistently. Hence I have considered a penis pump. My question is, does penis pump therapy require routine practice before ED begins to subside a little?
Hey Ian – no clue how i managed to overlook your comment and not respond – sorry about that! Viagra is great in the moment but remember all it’s doing is masking the symptoms of ED rather than actually treating the condition. There are various approaches to resolving ED – one that seems to be rather popular (especially in the US) is something called GainsWave however this is more for physical rather than physiological ED. That said part of the cause may be an underlying physical condition, you never know unless you have a chat with a medical professional. I have seen guys with ED get good results with penis pumps, at the same time though, some men have wanted results that badly that they then end up getting physiological ED by overthinking it. A pump will provide you with some physiological help but physical as well by improving blood flow to the penis. If you’re going to go the pump route, go for a Bathmate – warm water, comfortable and supportive pump, this will make the process easier and more relaxing. I’d suggest doing 3-5 sessions (15 minutes each) per week, and in the space of 2-8 weeks you’ll know if you’re starting to see results. What you might want to consider is a male enhancement pill which will reduce stress and improve blood flow but then you’re simply substituting one medication for another so you’re back to square one in a sense. Maybe some yoga wouldn’t go amiss as that could help you find some calm and focus – stress is obviously a factor at play.
Feel free to drop me an email if you have any other questions.
Used a penis pump for the first time and enjoyed it a little too much… left side is purplish with bruise spots all around shaft along with dots, a slight discomfort like a heavy feeling/warm. Should I worry and do I need to put something on it?
It sounds like a case of using too much pressure and/or releasing pressure from the pump too quickly at the end of the session (which realistically shouldn’t be any more than 15 minutes per session with a couple of “rest” days during the week). I’d suggest for now, give your penis a break (5-10 days off from the pump) and you can always apply some hydrocortisone (although try in a small area fights to test for skin irritation) to further help improve your penile health and help you recover. If you’re using a cheap air pump, then I’d definitely recommend considering the Bathmate Hydromax or HydroXtreme as these are amazing pumps and the water will better support your penis inside the cylinder.
Okay so I’ve been using a pump, Hydromax…for about a month and all was going great. Well today after i used it I noticed the tissue around the glans of the penis is quite swollen. No discoloration or pain. Just swollen tissue. Just wondering if this is normal and will go away on its own.
It could be a number of different factors – generally it tends to occur due to over pumping (having the pressure too high) or releasing the pressure too quickly. What I’d suggest is ensuring your taking at least 2 rest days per week (you shouldn’t be pumping more than 5 times a week), and also reducing down the length of your sessions (you should only be doing 15 minutes per session). There is no harm taking a step back, having a week or so off from pumping as this will then give your body time/chance to recover and heal.
After using the penis pump, my penis remains in a partial erection state, kind of soft erection. Is it possible that it has caused a high flow priapism?
I think it’s unlikely (as high-flow priapism is rather uncommon) – in terms of symptoms, if you’re experiencing erections that last more than four hours or unrelated to sexual interest or stimulation then it could be a potential possibility. If you’re also getting a rigid penile shaft, but the tip of penis (glans) is soft, and/or your experiencing any progressive penile pain, then you really need to stop using the pump, give your body time to recover and if symptoms persist get some medical advice from your doctor. Chances are though… if you don’t have any negative symptoms other than your erections lasting a little longer than usual, it’s likely just improved arousal and blood flow levels from using the pump.
I’ve gone too far….. with many (probably more healthful attempts) In the shower, I waited to try a more “serious” session last night, thinking I’ve only been halfhearted with it. I’m using a Bathmate and it’s quite strong. I should have read this first. I pumped too hard and held it too long and released too quickly (pretty much instantly) . Now I’m terrified as I’m unbelievably swollen, there’s what appears to be a huge water blister inflated on the head and my urination seems partially blocked as I can’t seem to control a regular stream as usual. What have I done… I’m almost terrified to look at it as I’m going have an anxiety attack!!!
If you’re not in any specific pain, I’d suggest simply resting – don’t use your pump, don’t engage in sexual activity – and, if you have some, apply hydrocortisone cream to the penis to aid the healing process. Always try the hydrocortisone on a small area of skin first, just in case it causes irritation. If you are getting specific pain though, or if the swelling doesn’t start to go down (or you’re getting additional symptoms), I’d definitely suggest airing on the side of caution and seeking assessment from a medical professional.
There is a pressure gauge on my pump but no one has ever mentioned what the range should be. Mine pressure barely moves the needle but the effect is large so I wonder what the rest of the pressure scale is even for. What is the range of pressures that should be considered? What would be maximum under ideal conditions and so on.
The answer is ultimately personal choice. It’s also worth remember that a higher pressure doesn’t equate to better or faster gains. I’d suggest starting on a lower pressure to start with, even if the power doesn’t seem adequate and then after around a week, gradually increase the pressure level. Pressure levels aside, Bathmate (which is by far my preferred pump on the market as water is always better for the penis vs air for so many reasons) doesn’t have a pressure gauge at all (as is the case with most pumps) so its hardly critical to your success and results when using a pump.
Using Bathmate with too high pressure only 2 times caused major damage. I wouldn’t say it felt too uncomfortable during the pump, though it seemed to pump fairly large. Next day burning pain/redness closer to the head and around the edge of the glans that lasted for weeks. Eventually that healed visually for the most part and pain went away but left slightly stretched skin, blood vessel issues also where flaccid state doesn’t keep proper blood in it creating a bad environment for healthy tissue and worst of all major nerve damage to the point where alot of sensation was lost, specially on the right side and head and mild issues with erection if compared to before. The sensation seems to only slowly get worse overtime most likely due poor blood flow to keep them healthy. After injury nerves die back in order to regrow and quite often this doesn’t happen with tons of success. These types of injuries can lead to a cascade of issues over time. I can barely even feel myself peeing at the tip where it comes out. I think most can imagine how this affects someone mentally. I have seen many specialists for help and there isn’t much that can be done, specially when it comes to nerves. i am only 35. Moral is be careful, if you are going to use one, use a gauge!
Ochie! Thanks for sharing your (albeit painful) experience Ken. Due to the pressure of any form of pump, taking it slow, steady and not having too much pressure its critical in ensuring you don’t do yourself an injury. I do somewhat disagree with the gauge approach as every guy is different so it’s about learning what your personal pressure levels are and not exceeding them.
I used to use the hydro pump daily. I began to get red/purple spots on the tip of my penis. Later began to bleed from the sides and the tip of my penis. I took a 2 week break and since then the pump does not retain any sustainable suction in the tip of my penis or girth within the shaft. I’ll attempt to pump for 10min and when I release, my penis immediately deflates. I cant find out what is wrong with me from any specialist. Huge bummer because this did wonders for my erectile dysfunction and confidence. If anyone has had this problem or has advice/help of what is going on please reach out. Thanks.
Based on the red/purple spots if the issue is specifically caused by the pump, it sounds like either over pumping or releasing pressure too quickly. So are you saying the pump no longer generates suitable suction (the suction isn’t retained once you’ve pumped) or you’re getting suction it simply isn’t as effective and isn’t achieving the results based on your previous experience using the pump?
I am stating that i suffered an injury to which the pump does not work anymore for me and i can not sustain expansion within the tip of my penis.
Sounds like either physical damage from over pumping (which will hopefully self repair over time) or potential physiological erectile dysfunction. I’ve had guys before, really pushing themselves, seeing great results, then they have a bad pumping sessions or a few days where they aren’t getting the results they usually do and as a result, on a physiological level start to experienced ED. Best suggestion, take a step back, take a good few days (or few weeks off) and then return to the pump when you feel ready and (of course) start off slooooooooooooooow!
Hey vie used the penis pump for over 8 months, during this time period vie over pumped consistently and used it for every day (almost). I’m very young and also very stupid. When I had sex for the first time I couldn’t finish, even after 30 mins. During that time, I was using the Bathmate pump daily (with over pumping). I struggled to stay hard and had very little sensation. The symptoms i had (frequently), without know that the were symptoms of over pumping, were bruising, red dots and red skin. I’ve stopped using it know since April 2020. I hope that the damage i cause to my penile tissue wasn’t irreversible. I still get erections, can pee normally and can ejaculate. I don’t know if vie lost some/majority of /minority of sensation in my penis, and when yes, if its irreversible damage. If not, how do i regain my sensation? Do i regain it naturally? Do i have to use some medical Products? How do i identify destroyed penile tissue? How long does the mentioned “long-term” numbness last (forever?)?? Kind of stressed after reading your article because vie had all of the symptoms of over pumping. Nevertheless, i want to thank you for writing this article and helping us out.
Thanks for the comment Max. You’ve seemingly fallen into the trap of pumping too often and to a pressure that is no doubt too high. The warning signs in the case of bruising, red dots and red skin should have been a very clear indicator to stop pumping and take a proper break from the device – even then you shouldn’t have been pumping daily as you need at least 2 rest days per week (ideally) to give your penis a break and time to recover. It’s also worth noting that some men do also experience phycological erectile dysfunction purely as a result of wanting results that badly so that might be a contributing factor. What I would suggest is stopping the use of the pump (which I presume you’ve already done) and taking a real step back. Give your body time to recover and hopefully in time the sensation and ability to ejaculate will return. Ultimately your best bet is to likely seek medical advise from a urologist, as only then will you be able to understand what level of damage you’ve seemingly done to your penis. Attempting to answer your questions about sensation and penile tissue really is only something a urologist could accurately comment on unfortunately.
Hi, I have pumped now for about 4 to 5 years. I have used jelqing and kegels along with pumping to maintain healthy erections as well as I just enjoy exercising my penis. The above comments have honestly startled me.
Chris mentioned the Bathmate several times and for good reason. The hot water helps warm and soften your blood vessels and muscle tissue. The burning sensation from pumping at normal pressures for normal periods of time is due to you guys not stretching your penis ligaments before you pump. Personally I have a Bathmate and after some time, it was so effective that my increased girth was getting pinched in the bellows.
I purchased a cheap air pump but made very sure it has a gauge. I pump in the bath with my air pump (yes it works although if I had the money I would purchase a bigger Bathmate. They’re honestly that good. You cannot beat the comfort they provide) making sure to be gentle with the pumping strokes however this is not without warming up.
My sessions take 30 to 40 mins. Run a nice hot bath. I prefer 44 degrees. Sit and relaxed for 5 mins. Start your penis stretches. Gently. Make a ok sign with your fingers around the base of your glans and pull geeeennnnnttly until your penis feels stretched out. Then slowly pull a bit harder. If it hurts then back off and go more gently. Do not activate your kegel muscles. These are the muscles you use when you pinch off or squirt out the last pee when you go to the loo.
Stretch your guy out in all directions, don’t squash your glans. We are now 15 mins into our bath. 10 mins of stretching will save you taking 10 days off of pumping. It is worth it. At this point I shake my member out a bit and make sure he gets lots of new fresh oxygenated blood.
Apply your pump and myself personally I do not go over 5cmHg. Every single time I have lost discipline and gone to 10cmHg I end up in red hickey looking spots and once again you gotta take ten days off to let your burst blood vessels now heal.
Pump for 2 to 5 mins. If it feels uncomfortable stop pumping, take him out of the tube and rub some new blood into him. Again. Gently. If you manage to get to 5 mins then take him out, do not rapidly depressurize your cylinder. And give him a little massage to get fresh blood in him. A few more jelqs and a few more stretches and then reapply your pump. Do this until you get your 15 mins of pumping. After the pumping and the interim massages you have completed a basic and extremely effective session.
I went from 15cm to 16cm in my first year and I am now 17cm erect and 18cm in my pump. Not to mention almost doubling my girth. This was a long road, but it’s worth it.
My penis is used to the exercise and I’m telling you guys, if I over pump once. Or do not take my 2 days off. I end up with the exact same problems you guys have. You gotta take it slow. It does not and has never worked for me by ever doing anything other then taking it slow.
If you want stronger erections this is what I did. 1 stop masturbating every day, 2 kegel exercises are Godly for erection health, 3 stop masturbating everyday.
When your penis is not as sensitive as it used to be.
1 stop masturbating every day – actually it took me about a week to 2 weeks before my member was like virgin never orgasmed before sensitivity. If taking the time to write this helps at least one of you out there. Then it was worth it.
Happy pumping and don’t forget your jelqing and your kegels.
Last note. I had a bad run in with a porn addiction and masturbation addiction. Stopping the porn (not completely like I’ll watch it every other week now). And not masturbating every day increased the quality of my erections and the quality of sex for me so dramatically that I cant even put it in words.. Peace and good health to you all.
Thanks for the epically awesome insight on your experience with pumping! Notably I’m currently working on a jelqing and Kegel exercise program which should be on the site by the end of the current year. Which air pump with pressure gauge have you been using? I ask as I wasn’t that impressed with the quality of the PipeDream Pump Worx. Have you got a recommendation?
Great information. Thank you!
No problem! If you’ve got any questions, do just let me know.
I am an 84 year old and wanted to improve my erection so I purchased a cheap vacuum pump. Perhaps I was over zealous in using it now I think I have burst a vessel and there is a large blood blister on the tip of my penis. Should I go to my doctor to see about it?
It’s practically the weekend so I’d see how it goes and then if there isn’t any improvement come next week seek some medical advice (depending on the level of discomfort and pain). As for now, definitely step away from the pump, you don’t want to be using the pump until that blister has gone. In terms of improving erection strength you don’t really need to go to the extreme of high pressure pumping to achieve that however results will vary based on the quality of pump you’re using. Beyond the pumping sessions themselves (if and when you do restart) as we all get old, our skin obviously ages more and more (which will have likely contributed to the issue). You can obviously look to something like hydrocortisone cream or a really good non-scented moisturise to help improve recovery after sessions.
Hey Chris! I used a cheap pump however never really got an erection, whilst never going over 0.5 in terms of pump pressure – the idea was to use the pump for exercising. I have a pretty good sized penis however I wanted to try to make some size gains. I’m now struggling to achieve an a strong erection having returned from the gym to use the pump use – following which I took Epsom salt when in the bath in an attempt to relax my muscles. It’s not hurt or bruise. Any suggestions or should I just rest or see a physician?
There could be any number of causes – some physical, some phycological. The amount of pressure used in a pump during a session will vary person to person however if you’ve not been pumping too hard or too long its likely not a direct cause of your previous pumping session. That said, if you’re pumping every day for prolonged periods you’re perhaps not taking ample “rest days” allowing for your body/penis to recover. Equally there could be other factors at play such as tiredness and exhaustion especially if your attempt to pump was after an intense and draining session at the gym. I’d perhaps suggest not pumping for a week or so, put the pump away for the time being, then come back to it and try a pumping session when you’ve not had an intensive gym session or stressful day. It might also be that you’ve become accustom to the level of pressure you were using and hence need to potentially increase the amount of pressure. Notably I don’t use a pump with a pressure gauge, as I find it easier (and better) to determine how much pressure I need by feel alone. Some can take more pressure, others take less, it really comes down to comfort levels – ultimately just make sure you don’t over pump and that you slowly release pressure at the end of all sessions.
My partner has a very swollen penis and the foreskin is very tight.
If he’s been using a penis pump then chances are he’s either pumped too hard and/or for too long, the other main cause is removing the pump too quickly. At the very least he should discontinue use until his symptoms have passed and seek input from a medical professional if he continues so suffer from any symptoms.
Thanks for having this page up it helps to hear other guys stories… I just got my Bathmate Hydromax last week and have found some valuable information on this page. I must say having E.D, is very frustrating. I had a procedure on my prostrate called PAE which was not supposed to cause E.D but it did. Now i am starting this rehab process and hoping at some point after I use the water pump and release the pressure I will be able to maintain an erection. My take away from reading this page is take it easy and do not push it. At first it was painful and i figured out how to control the amount of pressure that the Hydromax offers.. I think it will be a great tool to recover from this!
Thanks for the feedback Tim – best of luck with the Hydromax, slow and steady yer!
I’ve been using Bathmate for 2 months with pauses, 15-20 minutes each day, 5 times a week. Unfortunately my penis began to turn brown, but I wasn’t really paying attention to it, because I thought that when I stop using it for week or two it would disappear, but it didn’t happen. What should I do? I am not using Bathmate for 5 months now, but the colour of my penis hasn’t returned to normal. Its not looking that bad but its noticeable, can’t wait for you response.
If you’ve been over pumping then this could be a case of bruising however the fact you’ve discontinued pumping for more than 5 months and your still experiencing discoloration means (especially if there is no pain or discomfort) that it’s likely not a pumping specific injury. It could potentially be something called penile melanosis which is a build up of pigment cells in the penis leading to discoloration however the only way you’ll truly know (if the symptoms don’t resolve on their own) is to obviously discuss a medical profession such as a urologist to learn the specific cause.
After reading this article I’m am fearful to use my electric battery penis pump – will it make impotent?
Impotence occurs as a result of so many factors – both physical and phycological. As long as your not using your pump for too long, you’re taking a couple of rest days (where you don’t use the pump at all) and you also don’t use too much pressure (it shouldn’t be uncomfortable or painful) then you shouldn’t experience any negative side effects as stated.
I use the Zen Hanger pump. I CLOSELY watch the readout. It measures in KPA. I rarely go above 25 and that’s under 5psi. I am very conservative and have not been injured. The head of Urology @ U. of Miami recommended only doing it 3xs a week. I like 5 days on 2 days off. I’ll do 2 10 min sessions with the last 3 minutes deflating and then inflating back to 20+ and deflating again at the top of every minutes.
Hello and thanks for all of the information provided.
I have been using a water pump pretty consistently for about 8 months. I am sure I have over done it more than a few during this time. However about a month ago I really over did it. I was at high pressure and then released the pressure very quick… I continued to use the pump for another week due to it being the holidays.. but have since taken a break. Its been one week since the last time I used the pump and my penis is still pretty discolored and it doesn’t appear to have gotten much better (as in returning to normal color).
Is there anything I can do for this? I feat that this could be permanent. This has been stressing me out more than I care to admit and I am glad that I found this source of information.
It sounds like the pumping has ultimately caused a change in the pigmentation of your skin. Generally over time this does fade and return to its originally colour, however if it doesn’t, there are creams/medications that a medical professional can prescribe (don’t know if there are any over the counter ones) that can help return your skin pigmentation to its originally colour.
I have a donut shaped bulge just below the head of my penis approximately 1 inch thick that stays bulged even when flaccid. I have no discoloration but it’s only the second time I’ve used it and I’m pretty sure I did everything wrong. I have no pain just a super nervous feeling. It feels kind of hard to the touch underneath the skin. I had great sex and my penis was definitely much thicker than normal and afterwards I noticed in the mirror in the bathroom this bulge below my head on the bottom side mostly.
So this sounds like a case of over pumping and water retention aka the donut effect. Over time this bulge on the penis caused by fluid will or should reduce down, whilst you may wish to avoid pumping until this has resolved itself. Next time, definitely be a little more restrained with your pumping.
Be careful with using a pump. If you ever have issues with using it, I suggest you quit using it period. I’m 79 had prostrate surgery and have used a pump for several years. All of a sudden, I bleed a lot after using it. It could be due to me being on two blood thinners. Not sure. I’m just saying that I’ve decided to put it down since I’m having very serious conditions after using it. It did work for me for several years with no issues except bruising from time to time. Just wanted you to know my experience from using a vacuum pump.
Excellent article for those who bravely over do it over and over again, yet not adhering to the time tested advise of those who have gone before. Several months ago, my wife gave me the green light to try penis pumping. I did all those foolish things you’ve warned us about the improper use of this device. Tonight, my wife and I read your article with the caution that she has been warning me about. From disruption of urethra flow to swollen glans to bruising on the shaft. I must say that your advise has sunk in and my wife is happy too.
Thank you for the positive feedback; needless to say pumps can be a bit of fun but also a resolution for other medical symptoms such as erectile dysfunction however whether its for fun or medical reasons, although a pump is a good choice, there are always other options. I learnt a massive amount from interviewing Dr John Leonardo when I had a chat with him about the Priapus Shot.
I used penis pump for like 2-3 months. Sometimes I over pressured and found red bruising on my shaft but I always took a break and recovery sessions. After sometime I found out my flaccid penis is too numb and the erections I get is too weak. My boner in the morning is also too weak. Sometimes I experience nocturnal emissions and found out my erection is so soft. Did I damage my penis and is this damage permanent?
It does sound like you’ve been over pumping. Any redness, bruising or numbness should have been an indication of needing to slow down and take a step back. During those 2-3 months of usage, were you taking a couple of rest days during the week? Were you using the pump for a maximum of 15-20 minutes? If not just time alone it sounds like were pumping too hard and for too long. For now I’d take a well earned break from your pump – put it away for a good few weeks or months – allow your body to heal and recover and only then, once that numbness has hopefully gone and your erections have regained their strength should you consider going back to your pump.
Hi Chris. I am size 5.3/5.5 inches when I am hard. I bought Hydromax X30 a few days back. I also do jelqing and other traditional techniques and my penis becomes as hard as rock. And when I pump.. I feel suction abut when I release pressure my erection just deflates.. though I have just used the pump for 3-4 times, is this normal? Or I am doing something wrong? Please guide brother!
The Hydromax X30 hasn’t been around for quite some years now. If you’ve bought recently and bought from the official Bathmate website you’d likely have a Hydromax7 – if you’ve bought elsewhere and have ended up with an older version, its a little hard to know if its a legitimate Bathmate device or a cheap knockoff (which won’t hold their pressure). Setting that aside, its natural for arousal levels to increase whilst pumping and also to reduce when removing the device – the vacuum of pressure draws blood into the penis as you pump and as you remove the device, that pressure decreases. I would suspect its likely as a result of you having only used the pump a few times, and given time and more use you’ll no doubt found your erections are maintained for a long period after pump. More than anything don’t take this as a hint to pump harder or for longer – it sounds like the device is working as it should and your penis really just needs to get used to the new means of stimulation. You’ll likely also find that without the pump you will start seeing better to achieve, stronger erections, all thanks to the hydrotherapy that your penis is experiencing during those pumping sessions.
Roger that… thank you for replying bro. I also want to add that like many other users listed above, I think I over did it! Now I have a blister on head of my dick too. Plus as you said it has become more fuller and thicker but something is wrong bro, it is not getting hard like a rock… you know what I mean. Since I have pumped, my tool is more flaccid and has become softer… like there is water inside… yes I wasn’t careful about releasing pressure and I was releasing it too quickly… but can that happen? Have you heard ever that penis or veins inside it got filled with water and you know.. it became a big nothing… I never had ED but I think I am looking at symptoms of it. What’s your take?
I think my take is ultimately that your body/penis has experience a trauma as a result of pumping or, more specifically releasing pressure too quickly. You also mention and liken your symptoms to what could be water retention – this generally occurs when you’ve been pumping using water but the cylinder is too big and has the potential to cause water retention at the base of the penis. It’s often referred to as the donut effect – I’m not sure if this is indeed what you’re referring to so it might be worth doing some Googling, there are definitely a few forums that cover the topic. For now though, best option is to take a step back, take time for your body to recover whilst perhaps trying some hydrocortisone cream to help aid the healing process (at least where the blister and overall health of your skin is concerned. Ultimately the best treatment for now is likely just time and rest.
Thanks buddy… you have been extremely helpful. Take care.
About 3 weeks ago, a pump was used on myself after taking Viagra. I pumped for about 20 minutes, then a lengthy session of sex followed. Now I’m having a kind of vibrating feeling when I sit or stand. Its a constant dull kind of vibrating and I’m worried there may have been some damage done internally. I have looked everywhere but have not found anything that explains this and I am becoming increasingly more anxious that it will not stop or go away completely. Is there any information you have about this? I would appreciate any advise about this and really hope nothing is permanently damaged or requiring surgery to fix it.
I have been looking for something as I age to increase my size & girth, I found the water pump, but have not made a purchase as of yet, then I ran across your site here, which is packed full of information, and a little humour as well. Guys are always in a hurry, or boys will be BOYS! We all have our problems, girls tease guys about a small dick, but they end up with saggy boobs and a dry vagina! Or what is the NEW TERM now, oh ya the meat sleeve! Anyway your info is invaluable, every guy should read this before proceeding. My wife and I had an all nighter, the next day I had red spots all over my penis and was as raw as skinned chicken, and when I pee’ed, a little blood came out. So I went to the Doctor and told him what happened, just too much sex & BANGEN IT TO HARD. So we had to take a break for a week or so to heal up. I like your recommendations on the Bathmate, and I agree, you get what you pay for! If you are going to buy something to use on your penis, you should get the best and the safest! Anyways thanks for your information, you probably saved me from a mistake.
I’ve been wondering what to do with a slightly curved member. I use a hydromax 7 and have sometimes pumped more and since reading this trying to pump a little more carefully. One thing however that doesnt change whether i pump more or less, is the fact the my head seems to be pushed up against the right side of the tube-wall, and whilst pumping you can see that it’s white from the pressure squished up against the wall. I blame it on the curve in my member, and I’ve thought of possibly getting a wide version to accomodate to this so that it doesnt get squashed against the side. However I also am trying to see if i can slightly straighten my member. Either way, every time I’ve finished with any kind of pressure and also while depressurising slowly, it leaves a somewhat bruise like area on the spot that was squished against the hydromax tube-wall. Any advice how to be able to use something to either be able to pump equally on all member parts, or if this is just normal? would a wider version help this, or will it only make the curve worse?
I think it comes down to the cause of the curvature. If the curvature has increased over the years it could point to Peyronise Disease (which is scar tissue that a pump will help resolve) or (more likely) its purely genetics. In the latter case the best options for reducing the curvature is an extender like ProExtender or Phallosan Forte. Those that are very serious about increasing size tend to combine a Bathmate with an extender (such as the two mentioned) however they can be rather… time consuming. What you should also find is that using a Bathmate with water ultimately provides equal pressure over the entire length of the penis regardless and I’m unsure going for a wider Bathmate version will actually help (all that will do is mean more water and more weight.
I used a hydropump for about a year. Well, a couple months ago, I pumped a little to hard with and felt a sudden release in/on my lower abdomen. My erections are ok. But I feel as if my bowel movements have changed. I also feel as if and when I get an erection, it will fade away pretty quickly as soon as I’m done playing with it. When i ejaculate, it kind of just oozes out, not like my normal multille spurts. I’m kind of on the embarrassed side of even going in. I need help….
Very much a case of seeking the expertise of a medical professional to determine what the cause of the issue is and how to resolve the issues you’ve been having.
I had a hernia surgery 2016 or 2017. Will a penis pump make it worse?
Generally the answer is yes, but it does obviously depend on your own personal circumstances and health. The key thing you need to avoid are pumps that required a downward compression motion, so don’t opt for a Bathmate Hydro7 or any from the Hydromax series. There are plenty of options that combine either a hand pump or electric pump.