Pumping 101: How to Start

by Sado BJ
Jan 08, 2020
Tags #Health & Safety #Eagle Leather #Fetish #Workshops & Education #Toys #Pumping

WHAT IS PUMPING?

Pumping refers to putting your cock inside an acrylic cylinder which has a hose on the end, connected to a hand pump.  The pump works to evacuate air from the cylinder, increasing the pressure inside the cylinder.  This has the effect of pulling your cock further into the cylinder and stretching and expanding it toward the walls of the cylinder.  Many people enjoy pumping for the pure pleasure of it, while others pump to increase the size of their cock.

DOES PUMPING WORK?

The short answer is YES!  But it all depends on the quality of the gear you buy, knowing how to use it properly, and following a schedule to increase your growth.

USING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

  • If you purchase a low quality adult shop pump or cylinder, you’re unlikely to see any growth results.  If you have tried these in the past with no effect, don’t be disheartened - using a top notch pump and cylinder combo is a totally different experience and generates totally different results.
  • We strongly recommend only using a pump with a pressure gauge and trigger vacuum release.
  • We recommend using our Heavy Duty Hand Pump with an LA Pumps cylinder.  The Hand Pump is one handed unlike some others on the market, which allows greater ease of use.

WORKING OUT YOUR SIZE

  • While erect, wrap a piece of string around the thickest part of your penis. This might be around the head of the penis, or at the base.
  • Using a pen, mark where the string crosses itself.
  • Lay the piece of string next to a ruler. This measurement will be the circumference of your penis.
  • Compare your circumference measurement to the Size Guide below to find the corresponding cylinder diameter which is appropriate for you.

  • Avoid ejaculating for several hours prior to or during a session.  This will ensure you get maximum expansion without swelling.
  • To ensure the best suction, trim or shave the pubic hair at the base of your penis.
  • For best results, make sure you’re fully erect at the start of your pumping session.
  • Avoid taking aspirin, blood thinning drugs or viagra before a session.


  • Before you pump, warm up your body, penis and scrotum which will relax the tissue and draw blood into your vessels.
  • The best way to do this is to have a warm shower, bath, or even a sauna before hand.
  • When you’re about to get started, massage and gently stretch your penis and scrotum for several minutes.
  • Lube up!  Apply your favourite lube to the head, shaft and base of your penis (don’t use silicone lube if you are using a silicone based cushion with your cylinder).  For extra sealing, ensure you apply lube directly on your pubes as well.
  • Do not use oil based lubricants.  Pumping with oil based lubes may cause blisters of lymphatic fluid or air from body tissue which will take time to heal, re-occur more easily and with greater frequency, and may become infected.  However, some people do like to apply a coat of vaseline around the base of the cylinder for a better seal, especially if they are extra hairy.
  • Place your erect, lubricated cock  in the cylinder and gently begin squeezing the trigger on your pump.
  • If you have trouble getting a seal going, try pressing the cylinder gently into you body to increase the skin-to-cylinder contact.
  • To avoid your scrotum being sucked into the cylinder, pull down gently on your balls and sack until pressure is formed in the cylinder.
  • Gradually increase the pressure over time until it sits at around to 7-10 mm Hg on your pump dial.  It should feel like a gentle tugging and shouldn’t hurt.
  • If possible, try to maintain arousal through your pumping session.
  • You should never feel any pain or discomfort - if swelling or pain occurs, release the pressure and don’t use your pump for 48 hours afterwards.
  • Never increase pressure over 10 mm Hg.  The circulatory system and body tissue can easily be traumatised by exceeding this level.
  • Every 10-15 minutes, remove your cock from the cylinder and massage and re-lubricate your penis and scrotum.  This will ensure blood flow is maintained  in and around the penis.
  • Release the vacuum often and then reapply pressure.
  • Don’t pump for more than one session every 24 hours.
  • Never use a cock ring while pumping.
  • Every person is different - take it easy and never pump beyond your own level of comfort.  A high level of pressure is actually not necessary for good results.  


If you want to increase your size, you need to follow a schedule and pump approximately every second day.  By pumping every second day, you’re giving the issue in your cock a day to recuperate and rebuild.  

Here’s our suggested schedule that we have found works well for us:

  • Week 1-2: 10 minute pumping session with massage before and after
  • Week 3-4: 15 minute pumping session
  • Week 5-6: 2 x 10 minute back-to-back pumping sessions with 5-10 minute break in the middle for massaging
  • Week 7 Onwards: 2 x 15 minute back-to-back pumping sessions with 5-10 minute break in the middle for massaging.

Think of pumping the same as exercise - if you regularly go to the gym and stick to your schedule, you will see results.  Similarly, by sticking to a scheduled program such as the above, you should begin to see results within 4-6 weeks.  

By following this schedule, some users have gained between 1-3”s in erection length over time, and an increased thickness as well - in fact increased thickness is more common than increased length.  Please remember that results are generally not permanent, and you must continue to pump in order to retain the size.  

Once you’ve achieved your optimum size results, it’s best to continue pumping at least once a week in order to maintain your results.

  • Chuck on a cock strap for up to a few hours after your session (snap cock straps are much easier to apply and remove quickly, so they’re the best for this).  This will allow you to remain semi erect for around 45 minutes, and it also assist in the enlargement process by maintaining a fair amount of blood in the penis. It’s good to massage after you pump as well to ensure blood flow in and around the penis. Ensure you wash any lube off and urinate after your session to maintain cleanliness.


  • Use a mild antibacterial soap that is not abrasive to clean out your cylinder.  Warm soapy water works well, or you can use a standard toy cleaner.
  • Never wash the pump.  This will shorten its lifespan and it isn’t necessary anyway.
  • As with all sex toys that can't be fully sterilised, cylinders should not be shared for reasons of safer sex.


PAIN OR DISCOLOURING?

If your cock turns purple or blue, gets cold and numb, or you get a sensation of pins and needles, STOP immediately and massage.  If the condition persists, see a doctor.
It’s likely you’ve overpumped either for too long or with too high levels of vacuum, or you might have increased the pressure too quickly.

NO ERECTION / LOSS OF ERECTION?

There may be a bad seal on your pump.  Try using more lube and firmly pressing the cylinder onto your body.  Have you trimmed your pubic hair?  
Also check the connection between the pump, hose and cylinder is not leaking air.

SKIN ON THE SCROTUM IS BEING PULLED IN?

  • You might have lube on your scrotum by accident.  Stop and remove lube from your scrotum.
  • You may also have purchased the incorrect size. Please ensure you measure correctly as we cannot offer exchange or refund for hygienic reasons.
  • Pumping with the cylinder faced downwards can improve this problem.
  • As you learn to pump, this will be less likely to occur.

SWELLING AFTER YOU PUMP?

If you experience swelling after a session, it’s likely because you weren’t fully erect when you started, or you used too much pressure.  Alternatively you may not have massaged afterwards.  If you follow this guide correctly, you shouldn’t notice any swelling after a session.

Vitamin C and Zinc are recommended to assist in tissue rebuilding.  You can buy these together as a tablet at most chemists.

  • Repeated damage from incorrect pumping can result in permanent erectile dysfunction and tissue fibrosis.
  • Pumping can aggravate existing conditions such as peyronie’s disease, priapism or urethral strictures.
  • You shouldn’t use a pump if you have sickle cell disease, diabetes, a history of prolonged erections.
  • Don’t pump if you’re taking aspirin or other blood thinners.
  • Discontinue use and consult a doctor if any complications occur.

Please be aware that pumping is not for everyone and each individual has their own physical and medical limitations. Users use at their own risk.

Eagle Leather does not accept any responsibility for any injuries or conditions that may occur from genital pumping. If you have any concerns regarding genital pumping and it's associated risks, please do not be afraid to chat to your GP. If you would like to be put in touch with kink friendly GPs in your area, please contact us as we may be able to help.

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