Pumping is the use of devices to increase blood flow and heighten sensitivity. Most pumps are plastic (usually acrylic) cups or cylinders shaped to fit over the genitalia. They use suction to create a tight seal over the skin and a hand or motorized pump to increase pressure. This causes the tissue to engorge wherever placed. Most common ways to use them are on the clitoris, vulva, nipple, breast or anus). This heightens the sensation in the tissue and enhances stimulation so users can enjoy amazing orgasms!

Pumping the clitoris is similar to pumping a penis; engorging the erectile tissue and heightening the sensitivity can lead to powerful orgasms. The more engorged the clitoris, the more aroused the woman is. Pumping is merely a shortcut to that level of arousal by engorging it mechanically.

Stronger and more quickly achieved orgasms aren’t the only benefits to clit pumping. Clinical sexoligist Megwyn White claims that arousing the clitoris also activates the pelvic floor muscles, which helps with incontinence.

Of course, arousal of the clitoris has other sexy benefits, too. It increases lubrication, it is visually arousing, a larger clit can help with gender affirmation for female-to-male trans folx to have an engorged phallic member, and it enhances orgasms.

Breast pumping originated when the first breast pump patent for O. H. Needham was approved in 1854. The original breast pumps were glorified milking machines, inspired by the dairy industry. Improvements were made over time to mimic infant suckling so the breast responded better and produced more milk (and designed so that women didn’t feel like cattle). It took until 1956 for Einer Egnall to research what actually goes on during breastfeeding and apply it to a new and improved design that still serves as a model for pumps that are widely used today.

Breast pumps originally were used for several medically-related reasons. They were used to treat inverted nipples, to stimulate lactation in mothers with low milk production, or to collect milk while the mother was away from infants who have difficulty latching or weren’t with the mother at the time of lactation. While original access was limited to nurses and doctors, later versions of the machines were available to mothers in the home, or office. Due largely in part to the United States having very short parental leave policies, one of the primary reasons women in America pump today is so they can return to work sooner. They pump breastmilk and leave it at home for a caretaker to feed their child.

Of course, like most medical devices, someone put it to use in a more creatively erotic way! After all, there are a lot of hormones during and after pregnancy and it’s natural to feel aroused during this time. So, breast pumps started to be regularly used by non-pregnant participants.

For those who use breast pumps without the need to lactate, this would cause the breast itself to swell and enlarge. Larger breasts and erect nipples were very attractive and, for some, were an alternative to breast enhancement surgery. The heightened sensations from using these machines enhanced foreplay and ultimately their orgasm.

Once these devices were used on the clitoris, labia or vagina, their popularity grew even more. When a male penis is engorged with blood, it is one of the key indicators of arousal. The same applies to the female genitalia. Suctioning these erogenous zones not only increases sensitivity, it is a perfect way to warm up for sex!

For similar reasons, men use penis pumps to enlarge their member. It is for aesthetic as well as sensation.

Ass pumps are inspired by a medical fetish. The most common ass pump is a rosebud cylinder, which we talk about in our Guide to Medical Devices. Essentially, many people enjoy anal play and suctioning the anus heightens that sensitive tissue right at the entrance. It engorges it with blood and causes it to pucker out. The puckered, pink anus looks a little like an anal prolapse which some people find very attractive. People with prolapses or a pumped anus enjoy the sensation of rectal tissue being exposed, licked and played with.

People enjoy suction for the heightened stimulation it can offer. It can also be psychological and associated with a memory or impression. Below are a few reasons people enjoy pumping that may get you inspired!

• Heightened Sensation for Erotic Play After pumping, the pumped area is hypersensitive; any touch, stroke or slap will be far more intense!
• Aesthetic For many people, the sight of swollen nipples, pussy, clit or anus is a turn on just in itself.
• Mutual Masturbation Partners can play with suction while masturbating and watch each other’s members swell and enlarge.
• Solo Masturbation There’s nothing quite like getting direct stimulation in a hard-to-reach spot like the ass, clitoris or breast. Using pumps, these areas can be stimulated directly and intensely with a vibrator for powerful orgasms!
• Stretching and Warm Up of Genitalia Pumping increases circulation and acts as a powerful form of foreplay to warm up the genitalia and add sensitivity prior to any other types of play.
• Preparation for Fisting The added blood circulation and engorged tissue can be part of a warm-up for larger toys to be inserted into the swollen anus or pussy.
• ABR (Adult Breastfeeding Relationship), ANR (Adult Nursing Relationship) or lactophilia (those who are aroused by breast milk, breastfeeding themselves or nursing, or breastfeeding women). Breast pumping helps not only coax the milk out to prompt lactation, it also sensitizes the breasts and nipples thus enhancing the erotic nature of this fetish.
• Alternative to Plastic Surgery People who want larger breasts enjoy enlarging their breasts and nipples with pumps for a temporarily enlarged look.
• Gender Affirmation For ftm (female-to-male) folx, clit pumps make the clitoris look more phallic and can be included in gender affirming play as they treat their swollen clit like a penis.

Nipple Suckers and Pumps All our options for nipple pumps and suckers that only need a hand pump or manual squeeze.

Clit Suckers and Pumps Suction pumps designed for the clitoris. Many of these can also be used on nipples, as well.

Clit and Nipple Suction Pump Sets Combo sets so all three locations can be stimulated at once!

Pussy Pumps and Labia Enlargers These are oval-shaped cups that fit over the entire vulva, including the clit!

Breast Pumps and Suction Cups Circular cups that fit over the breast. Many of these don’t fit over larger breasts, but they will suction in enough of the breast for it to be enjoyable to play with!

Anal Pumps and Rosebud Toys Cylinders that cause the anus to pucker. Many of these also have an insertable, as well. A few even vibrate!

Pump Accessories and Parts Extra cups and cylinders, motorized pumps and hand pumps, as well as tubing to go between the pump and the cup.

Silicone:

• Most preferred material used for sex toys
• Longer shelf life than most materials
• Easily cleaned before and after use
• Hypoallergenic and non-porous
• Click here for items made of silicone

To Clean: Wash with an antibacterial soap and warm water. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Safety: Do not use with silicone-based lube.

Acrylic

• A versatile thermoplastic that is easily molded during production
• Can be made to look like glass
• Click here for items made of acrylic

To Clean: Wash with mild soap or detergent and warm water. To avoid scratching the acrylic, spray the soap and water mix onto the item and then gently wipe clean or blot until dry with a damp cloth or chamois.

Polycarbonate (PC) Plastic

• A versatile thermoplastic that is easily molded and multi-colored
• Similar in transparency to glass
• Stronger than conventional plastic
• Click here for items made of polycarbonate plastic

To Clean: Wash with mold soap and lukewarm water using a damp sponge or soft cloth to avoid scratching. Do not scrub or apply heavy pressure. Rinse water often and blot dry with soft cloth or chamois.

ABS Plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene): A thermoplastic polymer that has a low melting point (can easily be melted and molded into different shapes).

• Click here for items made of ABS Plastic

To Clean: Wash with soap and water. Pyrex glass toys are dishwasher safe. Safety: Do not expose glass to extreme temperatures. Can be used with any lube.

Safety: Prolonged use and exposure to chemicals (used in cleaning or disinfecting) can cause the plastic to crack or become more porous. Replace these items more regularly than silicone or metal. Keep out of extreme heat or the plastic can become misshapen.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPE (thermoplastic rubber aka “skin-safe rubber”): PVC is an easily moldable plastic and TPE is an easily moldable rubber.

• Click here for items made of PVC

To Clean: Clean with mild soap and warm water using a washcloth. Dry after each use before storing.

Safety: This material is porous. PVC is a plastic and TPE is a rubber, meaning they are more porous and sometimes contain chemicals harmful for the body, so make sure you buy ones that are labeled non-porous and phthalate-free or use a condom with it as a barrier. This type of material doesn’t stand up well to extreme heat, so store it in a cool, dark place.

Rubber

• More affordable than silicone, great for beginners
• More porous than silicone, so harder to keep clean; requires a condom
• Can’t easily be disinfected
• Can have a nice, heavy weight to them
• Click here for items made of rubber

To Clean: Rubber is very porous and the chemical composition of each brand varies. Some rubber products contain phthalates which can be harmful to your health. Wash with mild soap and warm water and let air dry. Keep in a cool, dark place once dry.

Safety: Use a condom, as this material is porous and difficult to clean. Remember to switch condoms when switching between holes or users.

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about why these are used, time to try it out! Below are a few of our best-sellers and some great starter-kits that have everything needed for the best possible pumping experience!

Twist-Up Nipple Suckers Use these popular nipple suckers to tease the nipples and heighten sensitivity. No motorized pump required!

Twisted Triplets Nipple and Clit Suckers This set of three cylinders can be placed on nipples or clitoris. They don’t require a pump, so they’re ready to go at any time and are great to travel with!

Breast Enlarger CylindersFit over the breasts and are paired with a Digital Pump Connector.

The Vagina Sucker Place over labia, vulva and clitoris to pump up the pussy. This easy-to-use device includes a hand pump. Great for beginners.

Digital Automatic Pussy Pump This cup and digital pump duo are for serious pressure play! Enjoy the intense pulsing from the digital pump. These digital pumps are stronger than hand pumps and include a pressure gauge.

Intake Ass Sucker Device This device fits perfectly over the anus to pucker it like a rosebud! Simply twist the knob to seal and increase pressure. No pump necessary.

Rosebud Driller Cylinder with Silicone Swirl Insert Add more sensation with a silicone insertable. As your asshole is pumped, the sensitive tissue will rub against the silicone swirl for maximum pleasure!

Enhanced Premium Hand Pump with Pressure Gauge Make sure to get one if the device doesn’t come with a pump already!

Metal Penis Pump Though this item is mostly used for penis pumps, this pairs perfectly with most breast, pussy and ass pumps as well and is a popular model!

Pumping Buddy T-Hose Connector This connector allows you to pump two cylinders or cups at once!

Choose a device with a quick release pressure valve.
Especially when trying this for the first time, make sure that there’s a function on the pressure valve that allows for quick release. If it’s too intense, it can be painful or cause injury.

Start slow and try it out on less sensitive areas first.
Pumping too fast or hard can cause bruising and blisters. Go slow and test the edge of your limits incrementally.

If it hurts, that’s a sign something isn’t right.
If pumping is painful, the pressure may not be right for that area and could potentially cause damage. Stop, gently massage or stroke the area to recirculate the blood and readjust either the pressure level or location of the device before trying again.

Before testing on a sensitive area, try it on your palm or thigh first.
This will allow you to get a feel for how the device works and what kind of pressure

Lube up the rim of the cup/cylinder as well as the ass/clit/vulva/breast before use.
This will help ensure an air-tight seal and also make it easier to adjust placement without breaking the seal.

When using a hand pump...
The seal gets tighter when you release the bulb, not when you squeeze it, so make sure to go slowly so you don’t over-pump.

Warm up by increasing the pressure and then releasing, repeatedly.
Get the blood flowing and the skin stretched by repeatedly pumping and then releasing. Do this slowly and incrementally add more and more suction until the desired level is found. This will help keep things safe and sexy.

Pick the right pressure for your member.
For more focused and intense suction pressure, choose something with a small base. For something more diffused, choose a wider base.

Small cylinders are great for nipples or the clitoris.
This is intense and focused pressure and will fit right over these areas well.

Wide, oval shaped suction cups are best for labia and vagina pumping. They can also be used on breasts.
This includes the vulva as well as the clitoris.

Combine a clit pump with kegel balls to intensify orgasms.
Lubricate the kegel balls and insert them far inside the vagina. Once in, practice clenching and then releasing the muscles to warm up the PC (pubococcygeus) or pelvic floor muscles. These muscles need to be strong in order to avoid incontinence post-pregnancy or in old age. However, the stronger these muscles are, the stronger your orgasms can be! Pair a clit pump with kegel balls to engage the PC muscles while getting your clit sucked for an intense orgasm!

Wear a clit pump during sex!
It will be easiest to get to the clit sucker without tugging too hard on it or knocking it loose if done while in positions such as doggy style.

Use the pump with a vibrator.
After pumping the area, with the pump still sealed and on the body, use a vibrator on the outside of the plastic cup or cylinder. The sensations will be intense!

Play with different pumping speeds.
Short, rapid pumps are very different than gentle, slow pumps. Explore what feels good.

Is pumping safe?
Yes, but it’s important to go slowly and be gentle. When there’s too much pressure too quickly, there can be some tissue damage. If there’s a history of medical issues with the area being pumped, consult a doctor first.

Where can I use cylinders?
Cylinders fit over the nipples or the clitoris… but they can be placed on other parts of the body, too! Like cupping, these suction cups or cylinders can suction to any area of skin on the body as long as it feels good. Try placing them on the breast, along the back, on hips or ass. If you want to pump the penis, anus or vulva, you will need a cup or cylinder that fits those specific body parts.

Are hand pumps or motorized pumps better?
It’s a matter of preference. Hand pumps are great to start with, but motorized pumps allow users to know exactly how much pressure they want based on a digital number displayed on the device. Additionally, motorized pumps tend to be more powerful for more extreme pressure!

Will pumping make my breasts/ass/nipples/vulva larger?
Pumping works by pulling tissue into the suction cup. It does enlarge any part of the body suction, but it is only temporary. There is no evidence to suggest that this will permanently increase the size of any body part.