Choosing a pump is particularly challenging if you aren’t guided. From devices that resemble bike pumps, to under-water inflation devices, battery operated ‘penis enlargers’ through to mystical multi-part contraptions and simplistic sleek designs – the options are endless and the price range ever variable. Generally, the pump cylinder will fit any penis, a pump will have an adjustable or universal seal for the base to take varying girths. Occasionally men are too long or too girthy for most pumps, but, thankfully, we have a solution for them! Read on for the low down in pump choices!
Pumps vary in cost from roughly $50 – $1000. Medical grade vacuum erection devices can be rebated from most health funds in Australia. We write a letter to the health fund stipulating it is an essential rehabilitation device, however, given penis pumps don’t have an item number (no surprises there!!) the rebate seems to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Most of my patients have succeeded with getting a good rebate. Often pumps fall into an ‘unlisted device’ category.
” That pump is bloody awesome, its way better than anything you buy from an adult shop, a serious bit of kit that is now part of my life, that thing works a treat, and the rings keep it up. I had a comfortable ring on, but it wouldn’t stay, I put one of the stronger rings and it stays there so I can use the thing “
Cecil / age 54 – feedback on the vacurent Pump
BASIC PUMP
Years ago, this was my go-to pump. Medical grade pumps used to be in excess of $700 so we used to recommend patients started with a cheap pump, and if they adapted well to it, to purchase a medical grade device. If I have men with financial strife, I will recommend this pump. This pump would be fine for someone with partial erections, but if pumping from completely flaccid, it takes a fair amount of work and a universal seal is essential. So, although the pump is cheap at $50, by the time you add a universal seal, ring and lubricant, you are looking at $150, so by that point, most men say, ‘well I may as well get the medical grade pump’.
PRO’S: Inexpensive and good to ‘see’ if pumps are for you. There is a release valve which makes for quick release in between ‘rehab’ sets. This pump is simple for people ‘boosting’ a partially erect penis.
CON’S: Two hands are needed!! You will also need to purchase a universal seal, and a constriction ring so even though the pump seems cheap, once you add these items, it begins to add up. You will be unable to claim a rebate from your health fund. A major con (as far as most men are concerned) is that it resembles a bike pump!
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS: rolling a ring onto the pump before you start will allow for easy application of ring onto the base of the penis when you are engorged. You would need a flexible ring though to fit around the pump, so the issue with this is the ring that stretches over the pump, may not be rigid enough to maintain the erection.
THE FLESH PUMP – ELECTRIC PUMP
There are many electric pumps on the market, as a rehab tool it’s great, lay back and relax while the pump does all the work. This pump is however almost as expensive as some of the medical grade pumps, these cost around $200, you would not be able to apply for a rebate from your health fund. This pump gently and gradually draws blood into the penis.
PRO’S: this pump feels quite nice and soft so is probably more pleasurable than some of the other pumps. The very soft and squishy base cups the penis applying gradual pressure without the risk of pinching the skin.
CON’S: The end is so bulky it is impossible to roll a ring down onto the base of the penis, so you are limited to a lasso style ring and even that is tricky to get on underneath the squishy seal.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS – don’t forget to charge it! This pump is also very long and large. This is good for penile rehabilitation, but it is a little awkward to try and get a constriction ring on to maintain the erection
VACURECT – MEDICAL GRADE
The vacurect being such a simple device is a crowd favourite. It is compact and easy to transport and a single-handed device making it perfect for incorporating into intimacy.
What I loved about this pump when I first saw it was the simplicity, the seal at the base doubles up as a constriction ring, so once you’ve pumped up, you can just take the pump off and leave the ring on. This pump is very well priced for a medical grade pump, the pump costs $300 but includes lubricant and the seals/ rings.
PROS: Single handed device and the seal doubles up as a constriction ring. There are 10 various sized seals. Due to the shape of the seal, it helps the penis to ‘stand up’ a little better than with a normal curved constriction ring. The pump is super easy to clean and compact for travel. The seals are firm enough to maintain the erection in someone who is pumping from completely flaccid. This company have great customer service. On occasion if we have had issues with mechanical parts of the pump like the internal seals – the rep has managed these situations well, but overall there is minimal troubleshooting needed. Vacurect now make a ‘rehab’ ring for men who find the biggest seal too tight.
CONS: Very occasionally men are too girthy or too long for the vacurect. In about 500 patients I have only ever had one patient who was too large for this pump. It takes patience and perseverance to find the right ring size.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS: slow and steady pumping motion is needed. This pump does not have a ‘release’ valve, so you need to manoeuvre your thumb between the seal and penis to release the blood or take the pump and ring off and start over. A thicker lubricant is better as the seals are fairly rigid. Trial and error is needed to work out what ring is needed to maintain the erection. Whichever ring you use for rehab, you will need a ring one or two sizes smaller when you are wanting to maintain the erection.
OSBON – MEDICAL GRADE
This is the wonderous adjustable pump for men who need a little more length or girth. Osbon have various pumps available with additional add on sections to meet specific needs.
These pumps start from about $700 so they are quite costly. Their customer service is excellent so for men who are too long or thick for ‘standard’ sized cylinders, this company will work with you to establish the add on sections to the pumps which are needed.
PROS: the pumping motion is quite controlled as the handle prevents you from pumping too quickly, so you achieve a nice slow motion easily. This company makes pumps with wider cylinders or longer tubes. There is a release valve which makes for quick release in between ‘rehab’ sets.
CONS: The pump has several parts which need connecting and is actually quite heavy.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS: This pump is quite large and heavy, so it is a little more challenging to incorporate into intimacy. The rings are a little tricky to add to the base, so practice is needed.
