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If your dong lets you down in the heat of the moment, it can be stressful and embarrassing, not to mention frustrating if you're in the mood for some fun. But while an occasional wayward hard-on is all par for the course, if your penis refuses to play ball on the regs then you are likely to be suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition – characterised by the repeated inability to achieve or keep an erection firm enough to enjoy penetrative sex – that can occur at any age. The most common causes can be either physical or psychological and treatment options vary, so it's worth speaking to a medical professional if you're genuinely concerned.
But the good news is, if you experience mild to moderate erection issues and just need a helping hand or you've simply always hankered after a bit more girth in the trouser department, a penis pump can help.
In a hurry? Here are the bestsellers. Keep scrolling for the full list.
• Best classic penis pump - Lovehoney Penis Pump and Ring Set, £39.99 • Best water powered penis pump - Hydroxtreme7 Penis Pump, £159.30 • Best male masturbator penis pump - Realistic Pussy Penis Pump, £34.99 • Best vibrating penis pump - Pumped Up Vibrating Penis Pump, £29.99 • Best automatic penis pump - Tracey Cox EDGE Penis Pump, £69.99
Penis pumps are designed to do more than simply increase the size of your member. ‘A penis pump is a vacuum device that helps penis-owners to strengthen and maintain erections,’ says Sarah Mulindwa, Sexual Health Nurse and Lovehoney Sexual Health Expert. ‘It is made up of a plastic tube that is placed over the penis, with a pump attached to the tube and a ring that fits around the penis.’
But the benefits don't end there. Penis pumps have been known to enhance sexual performance too. 'Anyone with a penis can use a penis pump, whether they suffer from erectile dysfunction or not,' explains Sarah. 'Use of the pump can make penetrative sex more pleasurable for all parties involved, as erections can be maintained easier and for longer.' Feeling pumped? Read on...
Penis pumps work by creating a vacuum around your member. 'This encourages blood flow to the area, thus expanding erectile tissue and ultimately giving a stronger erection,' says Sarah. 'Once the tube is removed, the ring remains around the base of the penis to help maintain the erection.'
How you use it also depends on the type of device and the desired outcome. 'Some penis pumps will require the penis to be semi or fully erect to use, while others can be used without needing an erection to begin with,' adds Sarah.
It's also worth noting that the pumped up effect is usually only temporary. 'It will vary from person to person and penis to penis, but the resulting erection can last for around 10-15 minutes, with use of a rubber ring extending this to up to 30 minutes.'
Penis pumps come with a number of physical and mental benefits for both penis-owners and their sexual partner(s) too.
• Longer sex sessions: If you suspect your sex life might be more of a sprint than a marathon, you might benefit from the use of a pump. 'As the prime function of a penis pump is to help penis-owners get and maintain erections, it can lead to more pleasurable, and even prolonged, penetrative sex, for both partners,' says Sarah. • Staying hard: Penis pumps are particularly useful for prolonging the duration of your erection during solo play or sexy time. 'Anyone who experiences erectile dysfunction or nerves during sex can use a penis pump to help them get hard and stay hard, particularly if using the accompanying ring,' she adds. • Increased sensation: Feeling sensual tonight? 'For the person using the penis pump, it can increase sensitivity to the area, making the pleasure of contact more intense. Because sensitivity to the penis is increased, it can make foreplay, sex and masturbation feel more pleasurable and intense for the one using the device.' • Visual benefits: If you've always wondered what if feels like to be well endowed, pumping works a treat. 'The temporary enlargement of the penis can also make things feel and look bigger, adding a visual and physical benefit for all parties.' • Playtime: The restrictive elements of pumping can play a part in playtime too. 'Some penis-owners even like to incorporate penis pumps into foreplay and even BDSM play,' adds Sarah.
Using a penis pump for the first time? Sarah recommends the following tips for beginners:
From powerful air-based suction pumps to textured canals, keep scrolling for our pick of the best penis pumps on the market...
Data fans will appreciate this clever pump and ring set. You simply slide inside, use the textured grip to create suction in the chamber and measure your growth progress using the handy size indicator along the outside. You can pump regularly for potential size increase, or immediately prior to sex for an instant boost. Just don't forget the lube.
Length: 10 inches Material: Hard plastic Type: Air-based
Dreaming of a mighty appendage to rival Aquaman's? This bestselling penis pump harnesses the power of hydraulics to boost the length and girth of your flipper. What's more, with repeated use the brand maintains that sit can permanently engorge your erections. Simply slip your member inside, pump the hand valve and watch the water-based vacuum system transform your snail into a whale.
Length: 10 inches Material: Hard plastic Type: Water-based
If you're after a straightforward handheld device to amplify your penis size, this simple but effective pump will be just the ticket. Simply slather on the lube, pop the pump onto your semi-flaccid shaft, use the bulb to create an air vacuum and watch your manhood expand before your eyes.
Length: 8.5 inches Material: Silicone Type: Air-based
Boost your size and blow your load at the same time with this multitasking male masturbator! It comes with a grippy handle for extra suction power, while a lifelike vaginal opening on the end will tantalise your shaft. And to really get the party started, it also includes a vibrating egg to get your buzz on, plus a stretchy cock ring to grip the base of your penis.
Length: 10 inches Material: Acrylic Type: Air-based
If you're new to the world of penis pumping, this cost-effective device promises to 'increase erection size, heighten stamina and escalate climactic intensity,' plus it comes with nobbles on the inside to massage your shaft while you experiment. Living the dream.
Length: 7.5 inches Material: Acrylic Type: Air-based
Ready to take pumping to the next level? Our friends over at Bondara take sex tech seriously, so this top brass device is a meaty piece of kit with bold ambitions in the penis-enlargement department. The cylinder is a straightforward affair, but the pressure gauge means business and the handheld pump promises to boost your man power and elongate the appearance of your member in record time.
Length: 9 inches Material: Plastic with silicone piping Type: Air-based
This piece of kit might look like a bomb's about to go off, but we can assure you that nothing but pleasure awaits. Simply slick the donut-shaped entry hole with plenty of lube, slide into the airtight seal and start pumping. And if that's not enough to get you off, it comes with a multi-function vibrator to transform your pumping session into a world of extrasensory fun.
Length: 7.5 inches Material: Soft plastic Type: Air-based
This classic device comes with all the bells and whistles including a finger grip pump, transparent canal to watch your progress and an air pressure release button. But with 12.5 inches of length to play with, it's better suited to men with big ambitions.
Length: 12.5 inches Material: Hard plastic Type: Air-based
Dreaming of a meaty peen but CBA to pump every night? This one does the hard work for you! Simply feed your flaccid or semi-hard shlong into the canal, select the settings and let the automatic rechargeable suction pump do its thing. After regular use it claims to enlarge your erections by up to 30%, but start gently and use plenty of lube to avoid injuring yourself.
Length: 7.5 inches Material: Silicone Type: Air-based