Most guys probably know about the use of cock pumps for firmer erections, but they may not be aware of some of the other reasons for using penis pumps, or the differences between the various penis pumps available on the market today.

First, we should address the most fundamental question here: What is a penis pump?

In the medical profession, doctors don’t refer to these devices as “cock pumps,” obviously. The technical term is “Vacuum Constriction Device,” or VCD. VCDs are cylindrical devices designed to be worn over the penis, and their primary purpose is to improve blood flow to the penis. These pumps force blood into the tissue of a penis, creating an erection that is thicker and firmer. Penis pumps can do this even in men who are unable to achieve an erection on their own – but they’re not limited to men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, as they serve to enhance the erections of men who don’t have ED, as well.

Penis pumps are also commonly used to treat men with Peyronie’s disease, which involves the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, causing painful, excessively curved erections.

While treating ED and Peyronie’s disease are important uses of VCDs, there are many benefits of using a penis pump which can be enjoyed by men who do not suffer from such afflictions. Among other things, men who use penis pumps enjoy thicker, harder erections, extended foreplay, temporary increase in the size of their penis (length and/or girth), and better blood flow to the penis.

Once you’ve decided you want to give penis pumps a try (or have been told by a doctor you should use one because of one of the medical conditions mentioned above), the question becomes which kind you should choose.

There are three primary types of penis pump: air-based (or vacuum), water-based (hydro) and electric. Each kind will increase blood flow to your penis and afford the benefits of doing so, but there are important differences between them.

Air-based/vacuum pumps pull air out of the cylinder to create a vacuum. In response, your erectile tissue expands, blood rushes into the tissue and your penis enlarges and hardens. In using the device, one hand holds the “barrel,” while the other operates the pump. If you choose a vacuum pump, it’s recommended that you opt for one with an air pressure gauge, so you don’t accidentally over-pump and create too much pressure on your penis. You should also consider obtaining an aftermarket penis pump sleeve or using a water-based lubricant to reduce the risk of blistering.

Hydro pumps are safer with respect to the possibility of causing blistering, and some pump users who have tried both air and water pumps contend that hydro pumps offer more increase in penis size, as well. Unlike vacuum pumps, hydro penis pumps don’t create an air-tight space, which makes them more comfortable in the opinion of many men who use them. Instead, hydro pumps introduce the necessary negative pressure into the device’s cylinder by pumping in water. All the above may make hydro pumps sound like the clearly superior option – but be forewarned: They also tend to be the most expensive penis pumps on the market.

Electric penis pumps are battery powered, with many models being chargeable through a USB connection. Electric pumps offer some of the same advantages as hydro pumps, including one-handed operation, but generally at a lower price point than hydro pumps. The best and most feature laden electric penis pumps monitor pressure, and/or have automatic timers on them to prevent over-pumping.

When you’re ready to start using your penis pump, it’s advisable to start off slowly. Begin with pumping sessions no longer than 15 minutes and limit yourself to two or three times a week. You can then gradually increase the frequency to every day, if you feel so inclined. If you want to pump for more than 15 minutes, make sure to at least take a break after each 10-15 minutes, taking a few minutes to stretch and massage your penis to help with blood circulation and aid the pumping process.

Bear in mind that using a penis pump too often, or for too long in a session, can damage the elastic tissue inside your penis over time – which can in turn cause the same sort of erectile problems that pumps are designed to treat. Just be careful, start slow and increase your use of the pump gradually and cautiously and you should experience no problems or unintended effects.

As you can see, whether you need a penis pump to treat ED or Peyronie’s disease or would just like to try one out for any of the other benefits mentioned above, you have many options at your disposal. Ultimately, the “right” penis pump is the one you find the most comfortable, enjoyable and effective to use. Just exercise caution – especially until you’ve gained some experience using penis pumps – and you’ll find them to be among the safest, most reliable and lowest risk sexual enhancement products available.