You’ve probably heard about a penis pump before, but vagina pumps and clitoris pumps aren’t as well-known. Vagina pumps’ effects mimic what happens when you’re aroused and intensify sensation. So we answered all the questions you’ve been dying to know. Then we asked three women to share what it’s actually like to use one…
But First, What Is A Vagina Pump?
Simply put, a vagina pump is placed over the vulva to create a vacuum. It also looks remarkably like an oxygen mask.
But the term vagina pump is actually a misnomer. “You don’t pump the vagina, more the vulva,” explains Dr Elna Rudolph, medical doctor, sexologist and clinical head of My Sexual Health. (Biology lesson: the vagina is the tube leading from your external genitals to the cervix of your uterus, not just everything that sits between your legs.)
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How Do I Use A Vagina Pump?
To use a pump, you place the cup over the vulva. Make sure to create a seal (it is advised that you use lubricant to help with the sealing part). You then use the attached pump to suction out any air, which creates a vacuum. This in turn, leads to the lips and clitoris being filled with blood and appearing swollen.
The pump can be hand-controlled or automatic and it can be a bulb or a lever. But what you opt for really just depends on your preference… So make sure to read our reviews and browse the options yourself. Inside scoop: many people prefer the bulb because it’s easy and quick to use.
Why Do People Like Using Vagina Pumps?
Why do this, you ask? Because the effects mimic what happens when you become aroused and can intensify your sensation during sex. Some people also use pumps in their BDSM play.
“It’s part of normal arousal to become swollen,” says Rudolph. “Some people like the swollen look (mainly because they see it in porn and find it erotic) and some women use it to enhance their sensation – you basically artificially create arousal by pulling blood into your genitals.” Long-term use of a pump could also lead to improved sensation overall since using a pump encourages more blood flow.
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How Long Do The Effects Last For?
“The intense pleasure will last only as long as you keep the pump on. The swelling might last up to a day, but it typically disappears within an hour or so. You might have a pleasant sensation from the swelling too, in which case the pleasure lasts after removing the pump,” explains Rudolph.
What’s The Difference Between A Vagina Pump And Clit Pump?
While vagina pumps and clit pumps look very similar the main difference is in the size of the suction cup.
Vagina pumps have a bigger suction cup. This is to fit over the vulva and increase the blood supply to your vagina/vulva which also swells the labia. Clit pumps have a smaller suction cup and are more targeted for your clitoris. These pumps create a vacuum around the clitoris to boost blood flow, too.
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Who Shouldn’t Use A Vagina Pump?
It’s not so much that certain people shouldn’t use them. It’s more about using them with caution as with any new toy.
While pain will usually prevent you from harming yourself, Rudolph cautions those who use pumps as part of their BDSM play: “You could push yourself beyond your pain barrier, in which case you could damage the tissue by overfilling it with blood.”
Women who suffer from skin conditions should use with caution, as well as postmenopausal women who are not taking local oestrogen because their skin isn’t very elastic and might tear, explains Rudolph.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on what vagina pumps involve, it’s time to get reading. Then get shopping so you can experience even more intense pleasure!
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Vagina Pump Reviews
Three women tested three different pumps. Here’s what they thought:
1. Exciting Vibrating Sucker
✅ Vagina pump and vibrator
✅ Mega blood flow
✅ Detachable bullet vibrator
✅ 7 levels of vibrations
❌ A little hard to use
❌ A lot of pumping
I have the sex drive of a teenage boy and am always up for trying new things, so I jumped at our sex ed’s offer to test a toy I hadn’t ever considered, never mind even heard of… The low-down: the Exciting Vibrating Sucker is a combo pump and vibrator. The promise: mega blood flow. Engorged clitoris (excellent for you). Enlarged vulva (candy for your partner). Heightened sensitivity and ultra-intense orgasms. Win-win.
So, I was keen, but there was a small predicament, or two. First, my bf is out of town. I figured that would be okay, though, because this little gadget promises good solo times with its detachable bullet vibe (plus seven levels of hum – yes!). Cool. Ready. But then there was the technical side… I’m randy as sin, but my randiness relies heavily on not having to think too hard about what I’m doing – and initially I just couldn’t figure out how to use the thing. Plus: All that pumping, for a lazy lover like me, felt like work. My BF will definitely be in charge of that in future 🙂
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The Verdict:
But, on the major plus: once I’d figured out how to position it to create a proper vacuum and thought about how turned on my guy would be by the process and results, it was all good. Actually, it was REALLY good. My guy is in for a happy surprise… Recommended for adventurous couples.
2. Bad Kitty Vagina Pump
✅ Pretty easy to use
✅ Works quickly
✅ Heightened sensitivity
❌ The size could intimidate newbies
❌ Can dig into your groin a bit
I’ve enjoyed using a few sex toys during my time, but this was the first time I’d ever seen, let alone used, a vagina pump. To start, the sheer size of the pump is quite daunting – it’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be – but I quickly realised that it has to be that big in order to cover your whole, ahem, “area” and create the vacuum you need in order for the pump to work.
After slathering myself and the cup with lube, I give it a try – with my boyfriend watching apprehensively next to me. It takes a bit of manoeuvring and trial and error to get into a comfortable position, but I worked out that it is much more comfortable for me to put my legs together once the cup in in the place – otherwise the sides of the cup dug into those weird tendon things in my groin.
As soon as I started squeezing the little pump that’s attached to the cup, the pressure began to build – and I was surprised at how quickly it did. It took a moment or two for me to get used to the sensation, but once I did, it was actually quite pleasant – intense and tingly. I pumped a few times and then just enjoyed the sensation of the vacuum, before taking it off.
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The Verdict:
My boyfriend and I engaged in a bit of foreplay, then I used the pump again before we had sex. The whole area was definitely a lot more sensitive and the sex was more intense – having my boyfriend watch me while I used the pump definitely added to the intensity.
I’m interesting in using the pump again, I think the more relaxed and natural I become with it, the more pleasure I will be able to derive from it. I’m definitely keen to explore and see how my body reacts.
3. Clit Kiss
✅ Small and not intimidating
✅ Can be used for nipples or clitoris
✅ Can make you orgasm
✅ Great for foreplay
❌ Too small for entire vulva
This fairly small and inoffensive contraption is meant to be used for nipple and/or clitoris stimulation, but I’ve only used it for the latter. It fits fairly easily over your clitoral area and then the aim is to squeeze the pump manually so that it creates a suction over the clitoris, swelling the area slightly and making it more sensitive.
After 10 or so pumps I could already feel a difference. I continued using it – simply repeating the pump-action motion – for a couple more minutes. My skin started getting more tingly and the entire clitoral area became more and more sensitive, so much so, that I actually orgasmed from the sensation.
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The Verdict:
It felt quite different to usual masturbation, which is a lot more, erm, hands on, because unlike a gradual build-up, it hits you pretty suddenly. Naturally, I was very pleasantly surprised. Sometimes, when receiving oral sex, it takes a while before you get properly aroused and close to orgasm. I would recommend getting your partner to use this first and then they can take over with their tongue.
