We frequently recommend using a penis pump—otherwise known as a penile vacuum device or vacuum erectile device—to enhance the results you achieve while using at-home Li-ESWT.
A penis pump includes a plastic tube that fits over the penis and a manual or battery-powered pump connected to the tube. The pump creates a vacuum that allows more blood to flow into the penis.
Many men with erectile dysfunction use penis pumps as a way to support a healthy sex life.1 Sometimes, they’re used together with a constriction ring, otherwise known as a cock ring, which is placed around the base of the erect penis to help sustain an erection.
How to Find the Best Penis Pump
Since there are a lot of penis pumps on the market to choose from, shopping for one may feel overwhelming. With all those choices out there, how do you know which is the best penis pump?
The good news? We’ve done the work for you. We’ve researched many of the penis pumps available and concluded that Dr. Kaplan’s Metal Hand Pump System is the best one to enhance your results with Li-ESWT. Pumping is an important supplement to at-home Li-ESWT treatments and can supercharge your results.
Before we explain why we chose Dr. Kaplan’s pumping system as the best penis pump, let’s dig into some important criteria.
The Most Important Factors When Choosing a Penis Pump
The most critical factor in choosing a vacuum erection device is safety. You want to select a device that treats your most sensitive organ with tender loving care. Your top priority is choosing a penis pump with a quick-release valve, which allows you to release the penis pump if the pressure gets too high.
Quality Materials
Beware of vacuum pumps made from cheap materials. Pumps made of thin materials break more easily and also can produce poor or uneven suction, which could damage your penile tissue.
Follow the Instructions
It’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions that come with your penis pump, to avoid injury. If you experience pain, immediately reduce suction.
Speak with Your Doctor
It’s always a good idea to speak with a medical professional before starting a new therapy, or if you suspect an injury has occurred.
Choose a Brand You Can Trust
Choosing a reputable brand ensures that the device is safe. In choosing a penis pump to offer, we felt we could trust Dr. Joel Kaplan’s device. Dr. Kaplan is known as the pioneer of penis vacuum pump technology. He has a Ph.D. from Saybrook Institute, and his company is the number one most recommended brand by doctors for sexual health and wellness products. This solid reputation is one of the reasons we offer the Dr. Kaplan pump in the accessories section of our website.
Which Type of Penis Pump Is Best?
Penis pumps fall into different categories:
Air pump
Water pumps, also called hydro pumps
Battery-operated, usually called electric pumps
Manual penis pumps
Air Pump
Air pumps are the most common type of penis pump. Air filling the chamber creates a vacuum seal that draws blood into the penis.
Water Penis Pump
Water pumps, also called hydro pumps, use water pressure rather than air to create a vacuum around the penis. Unlike with air pumps, water between your penis and the chamber softens any jarring effect of the pumping. The water pressure also may lead to more uniform pumping, and you can use higher pumping pressures than you can use with air.
However, if you want to use the water feature on these devices, you must pump in the bath or shower. Many of these types of penis pumps give you the option of not using water, but you might not get optimal results without it.
The big problem? Water penis pumps don’t come with a pressure gauge. Some pumps compensate for this lack of a pressure gauge by having a ruler on the side. Unfortunately, because the length of the pump changes as the silicone compresses, the ruler length also changes and might not be accurate. A ruler or tape measurer will provide the best accuracy.
Another disadvantage? You may need to shave your pubic hair before the pump seals against your skin.
Electric Penis Pumps
These battery-operated penis pumps work at the touch of a button. Electric pumps are especially suitable for men with arthritis or other dexterity issues.
Manual Penis Pumps
With these hand-powered pumps, you squeeze the bulb on the end of a hose to control the vacuum pressure. Manual penis pumps often are more affordable than electric ones. With a manual penis pump, you also have more control over how you pump.
Best Penile Pump
We’ve checked in with our customers and, combined with other expert reviews, we’ve narrowed it down to the best penis pump that will complement your results with The Phoenix.
Best Manual Pump – Dr. Joel Kaplan’s Complete Metal Hand Pump System
This manual pump is practical, easy to use, and created with safety in mind.
Pros
Recommended by doctors
It includes the PumpSmart App to log pump sessions, track erection quality and size, and visualize your progress.
Has a quick-release valve to release pressure fast
Includes detailed instructions for proper use
Made of durable metal construction that’s built to last
Convenient for travel
Many of our customers report a positive experience.
Cons
Like other manual pumps, it takes more dexterity to operate compared to battery-operated pumps, so it may be challenging for people with arthritis to use.
Possible Side Effects of Vacuum Erectile Devices
Using a penis pump is usually safe. However, a penis pump can have side effects, especially if you’re using too high a pressure and pumping too hard. These side effects include:
Bruising
Swelling
Discoloration
Numbness
Red spots
If you have a blood disorder, a history of blood clots, or take blood thinners, talk to your doctor before you use a penis pump since these devices may cause bleeding under the skin in some men.
Penis Pump Safety Tips
The best way to prevent side effects from using a vacuum pump is to follow the directions and use the appropriate pressure.
Other ways to ensure you have a safe experience include:
Never pump too hard or too much or use too much pressure.
Let the pressure out slowly. Releasing it too quickly can cause discoloration.
Use a penis pump with a pressure gauge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penis Pumps
Why do men use penis pumps?
Men use penis pumps primarily to produce longer-lasting and harder erections so that a man can engage in penetrative sex. Some men who use these vacuum erection devices notice that they enhance penis length and are effective at penis enlargement. Any additional length is usually temporary due to the increased blood flow and erection when using the pump.
Are penis pumps effective?
If you want to use a penis pump to help you last longer in bed and for improving erectile function, there is a lot of evidence that these devices work.2 A penis pump also can make your member look longer temporarily, so many men use it as a penis enlargement tool.
How do penis pumps work?
A vacuum erection device uses suction to increase blood flow to the penis temporarily. During pumping, the blood flow fills your penile blood vessels, leading to an erection.
What are the best penis pumps?
The best penis pumps emphasize safety by including a quick-release valve. Avoid cheap penis pumps made from low-quality materials since these can produce uneven suction that damages penile tissue. We like Dr. Kaplan’s Metal Hand Pump System because he’s a trusted expert in the field, it’s made of durable, long-lasting material, and we’ve heard a lot of good reports from customers.