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5 min read · Performance · Updated

Do penis pumps like Bathmate actually work? An honest answer

Pumps are sold with a lot of big promises. Some of what they do is real and useful. Some of it is marketing. Here is which is which.

The short answer

Yes and no. A pump reliably makes you fuller and firmer for a while, and urologists use vacuum pumps to help with erection problems. There is no good evidence that any pump makes you permanently bigger.

What a pump actually does

A pump is a tube that fits over the penis. Taking out the air, or water, creates a gentle vacuum that draws blood in. The result is an erection, or a fuller and firmer one than usual.

Medical vacuum erection devices, prescribed after seeing a doctor, work the same way and are a recognised treatment for erection problems. The pumps sold for pleasure are not medical devices, and nothing here is a treatment.

What it does not do

Despite the marketing, there is no good evidence that pumps permanently increase size. The fuller look after a session is real, but it fades over the next few hours. Reviews of enlargement methods by UK urologists have found the evidence weak and the results poor.

If a product promises permanent extra inches, treat that as a red flag.

Water pumps like Bathmate

Water-based pumps, often called hydro pumps, use warm water instead of air and are used in the bath or shower. Water spreads the pressure more evenly, which many men find more comfortable than an air pump.

How to use one safely

  • Follow the time on your pump’s instructions and build up slowly.
  • Pump gently. More pressure is not better, and it should never hurt.
  • If you use a ring afterwards, take it off within 30 minutes. That is the limit UK urologists give.
  • Stop if you notice bruising, small red spots or numbness, and give it a few days.
  • If you take blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin or clopidogrel, or have a blood disorder, check with your GP first.

Who it suits

  • Men who enjoy the fuller, firmer feel a pump gives before sex or solo time.
  • Men who are curious and want to try something new, as long as they follow the safety rules above.
  • If you have trouble getting or keeping an erection, see your GP rather than buying a pump: erection problems can have causes worth checking, and a doctor can prescribe a medical device if it suits you.

Questions

Does Bathmate permanently increase size?

There is no good evidence that it does. It makes you fuller for a few hours after a session, which is what most happy users are describing.

Are penis pumps safe?

Yes, used gently and as directed. Common minor side effects are bruising, a cold feeling or small red spots. Check with your GP first if you take blood thinners or have a blood disorder.

How long should a pump session be?

Follow the instructions for your pump and build up gradually. If you use a ring afterwards, never leave it on for more than 30 minutes.

Can a pump help with erectile dysfunction?

Medical vacuum erection devices are a recognised treatment, but they are prescribed after seeing a doctor. Pleasure pumps are not medical devices. If you have erection problems, see your GP first.

Sources

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If something hurts or worries you, stop and speak to a GP or pharmacist.

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