Pleasure Tools

Posted by Beth Darling on Jul 24th 2025

Pleasure Tools

Hi Beth, 

My partner’s been eyeing one of those penis pumps we saw at your store. He’s curious if they actually work. Will they actually give him harder erections?

Will they increase his penis size?

Are they safe?

What should we know before trying one? 

Doubting in Dallas



Dear Doubting,

Love that you’re both so curious and that you’re having these kinds of conversations together!

Penis pumps can be a fun, sometimes helpful, addition to your sexy toolkit, as long as you use them safely. You may have already seen that a penis pump is usually a clear tube that fits over the penis. It’s attached to a manual or battery-operated pump that creates a vacuum around the penis.

The vacuum draws blood into the penis, thus creating an erection. Once the penis is hard, the tube is removed and a snug ring (usually referred to as a cock ring) can be slipped onto the base of the penis. This ring helps maintain the erection by preventing the blood from leaving the penis.

Many men, especially those dealing with occasional or ongoing erectile difficulties, find that using a pump can help boost confidence, blood flow, and rigidity. Some even use them post-prostate surgery or in addition to medication. Always check with a doctor first in those cases.

Now, about the size thing: Yes, a pump can create a temporarily fuller appearance because it pulls more blood to the penis than might otherwise occur. Think of it kind of like a post-workout look for the penis. But it’s unlikely to permanently increase size.

Of course, as with any product, safety matters. Over-pumping, over-use or using too much pressure can lead to bruising, numbness, or broken blood vessels. To stay safe, I absolutely suggest that you stick with a well-made, body-safe pump from a reputable brand. While I know none of us like to read the instructions, it’s worthwhile to take the time for this since it’s your penis at risk. 

Important: More is not better! Don’t pump for longer than 30 minutes. Don’t sleep with a cock ring on, in fact, it’s best to not leave one on for more than about 30 minutes.

Lastly, before using a penis pump, anyone with any medical conditions (especially related to blood pressure, blood thinners, or circulation) should check in with a healthcare provider first.

No one wants to break or bruise their penis. Plenty of men use pumps with zero problems. It can be a great way to play, experiment, or add a little boost when needed. Some couples even use it as part of their sexy pleasure, laughing, watching, touching, turning it into a shared, sexy experience instead of a “fix.”

Used responsibly, penis pumps can be fun, functional, and confidence-boosting. Just think of them like any other intimate prop that can increase pleasure, connection, and curiosity.

If you decide to add one to your sexy prop closet, our Sara’s Secret staff is incredibly knowledgeable and will happily help you find the pump that best suits your sexy life.

Cheers to pumping up the pleasure!

Beth