Many men turn to penis pumps to achieve a fuller, firmer erection. However, there’s some risks involved… so let’s take a deeper look into the possible side effects of penis pumps.
After we talk about the dangers to look out for, we’ll teach you how to prevent a penis pump injury while still getting reaping the benefits.
Side Effects of Hand Pumping
The following list highlights the dangers & side effects of hand pumping that users can experience:
1. Over pumping – Not Getting Enough Rest
Most people get excited about their new vacuum pump so they use it several times a day, every day. Before you know it, your penis starts will get overworked.
You may even be unable to obtain an erection. This is because you’ve been overpumping your penis without giving it enough time to recover.
An overpumped penis can lead to swelling, discomfort, and in some cases, penile tissue damage. Make sure to use the pump in moderation and give your blood vessels time to rest between sessions.
Limit pumping sessions to 10-15 minutes for a maximum of twice per day. Read our in-depth guide on how often to use a penis pump for more information because factors like experience level & what type of pump you’re using play a huge role.
2. Pressure Blisters
One of the most common vacuum device side effects is pressure blisters. These small, painful blisters can form on the shaft or head of the penis due to excessive pressure or friction caused by the pump. There’s good news though… pressure blisters are easily avoidable.
To prevent pressure blisters, use a water-based lubricant or a water penis pump. This helps reduce friction between the pump and your penis, decreasing blister risks. Stick to the recommended usage guidelines & maintain a safe level of pressure for your experience level.
3. Minor Bruising
Getting bruising at the base of the penis isn’t an uncommon side effect. It’s typically caused by pressure of constriction rings creating oxygenated blood under the skin. While bruising is usually temporary, it can still be uncomfortable and ugly.
To minimize the risk of bruising, ensure the constriction ring is sized appropriately. Don’t over-tighten the ring or leave it on for too long. Removing the ring within 30 minutes after your session can reduce the risk of bruising. You can also try using a pump with a silicone or cushioned constriction ring, which is less likely to cause bruising than a hard plastic ring.
4. Testicle Trouble
Your penis isn’t the only thing that get injured from a pump, testicles can get in the way during pumping sessions.
To prevent this from happening, take extra care when positioning your penis in the pump. Make sure your testicles are comfortably out of the way before you start pumping. Some penis pumps come with a testicle barrier, which is helpful in keeping your testicles safe during use.
5. Unreliable Post-Pump Erections
One of the main reasons men use penis pumps is to achieve better erections, aka avoid erectile dysfunction. However, some users may find their post-pump erections are short-lived. This can be a frustrating side effect, make sure you have realistic expectations about the results you hope to achieve with a vacuum erection device.
Penis pumping isn’t a miracle cure for erectile dysfunction, it’s a tool in the toolbox. They help improve natural erection quality but might not work for everyone. If you’re struggling with post-pump erections, adjust your pumping technique by lowering the pressure level.
6. Erection Quality Doesn’t Meet Expectations
Sometimes your erection quality achieved won’t meet your expectations. While penis pumps help improve erection quality for some, they aren’t a guaranteed solution for all men.
Make sure you’re using the pump correctly to get the performance benefits. Be patient and give yourself time to adjust to the device. Consult a healthcare professional to explore other treatment options if the vacuum pressure isn’t helping to improve blood flow.
How to Avoid Penis Pump Injuries
Now that we’ve covered the most common penis pumping injuries, here’s how to avoid them. Implement these tips to minimize the risk of a penis pump injury:
- Prioritize Quality Pumps: Invest in a well-made, reputable penis pump that offers adjustable pressure levels and safety features.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Carefully read the user manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for use, including recommended session duration or pressure level.
- Use a lot of Lube: Apply a generous amount of water-based lubricant to your penis and the cylinder interior to reduce friction.
- Start slow: As a beginner, you should be using low-pressure settings to allow your body to adjust. Don’t rush the process. As you get more experienced, you can gradually increase pressure.
- Pay attention to your body: Stop pumping if you experience pain or discomfort at any point.
- Give yourself rest days: Allow your penis to rest and recover between pumping sessions. Overuse can lead to injury and other side effects.
- Monitor your progress: Keep track of your pumping sessions, including duration, pressure levels, and any side effects or improvements you notice. Progress tracking prevents over pumping because it holds you accountable.
- Consult your doctor: Ask a medical professional for guidance if the steps above don’t help you avoid injury.
As long as you’re mindful of potential side effects, you can still enjoy the benefits of a penis pump while avoiding the risk of injuries.
FAQ
Water penis pumps can be safer and more comfortable than air pumps because they provide a more even pressure distribution. However, both types of pumps can be safe when used correctly. Ensure you follow the guidelines provided for the specific type of pump you’re using.
Penis pumps should not hurt when used correctly. Experiencing pain is a sign that you’re using too much pressure or pumping too frequently. Always listen to your body and stop using the pump if you experience pain.
For beginners, use a penis pump for 10-15 minutes once a day to avoid injury. Overpumping can lead to permanent tissue damage, so only increase your duration in the pump when you feel comfortable enough to do so.
A penis pump donut injury refers to the development of a swollen, doughnut-shaped ring around the base or the head of the penis due to excessive pressure or prolonged use of the penis pump. To avoid a donut injury, don’t use vacuum devices for an extended period of time.
Healing time for penis pump injuries depend on the severity of the injury and the individual’s healing capacity. Bruising or swelling can heal within a few days with severe injuries taking weeks to months. Always call your doctor if it’s not healing as expected.
While it’s rare, a penis pump can potentially cause priapism (a painful, prolonged erection lasting more than four hours) if used at excessive pressure levels for extended periods of time. If you experience priapism, seek medical attention immediately.
Swelling after using a penis pump can be caused by using too much pressure or using the device for too long. If swelling persists, consult a healthcare professional.
Penis pumps can provide temporary enlargement due to increased blood flow but are not a permanent solution. Using a pump for penis size can be safe when used correctly, but overuse or excessive pressure can lead to the common penis pumping injuries mentioned earlier. Typically, when people refer to PE they’re talking about penile injections or penile implants. Have realistic expectations if you’re planning to use a pump for enlargement, read our full article about permanent gains from penis pumping for more information.
When used correctly, penile pumps should not harm penis health. In fact, a vacuum device is typically prescribed to help men with sexual intercourse. However, incorrect use, overuse, or excessive pressure can lead to injuries and side effects that negatively impact erectile function.
Vacuum erection devices, or penis pumps, can be a safe and effective treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction. Speak to your doctor to ensure hand pumping is appropriate for you.
Constriction rings help maintain an erection after using a penis pump but do not directly prevent injuries. Using a correctly sized constriction ring can minimize the risk of bruising and other injuries.
Blood-thinning medications can lead to increased risk of internal bleeding during penis pump use. Since penis pumps increase blood flow, blood vessels can expand too much. This causes blood vessel damage & makes the user more likely to form blood clots. More serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis is also possible. It’s best to ask your doctor about whether it’s safe based your blood disorder.
Conclusion
Follow the guidelines outlined above to have a safe experience with your penis pump. You’ll be able enjoy the benefits while minimizing side effects if you take the precautions listed in this article.
At the end of the day, everyone’s different. Listen to your body and adjust your routine accordingly… staying safe should be your priority.
About the Author
Dante Black
Dante is the current CEO of NORMUK, and has taken charge in the restructuring of the website since the founder retired. NORMUK was a strictly UK based resource until Dante spearheaded & lead the transition globally.
The intent of all NORMUK content is to provide knowledge for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be interpreted as medical or legal advice . Always speak with a physician before applying any recommendations seen on NORMUK, or anywhere else on the internet.
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