PumpToys Library article: What's ball pumping about?

What does the term "pumping" mean?
A: Pumping is the application of a vacuum (a suction, or area of low pressure) to a body part.
How do you apply the suction?
A: A vessel of some kind is placed over the area you wish to pump. This vessel is typically called a cylinder. A tube runs between the cylinder and the pump, which is a device used to extract air from the cylinder. That may be as simple as oral suction, or it can be a manual or electric pump.
What is the objective of pumping?
A: That depends on the individual. Pumping causes blood and clear body fluids to flow into the exposed area, engorging the tissues and enlarging it. Sometimes the objective is to experience the temporary effects or appearance, but often it's used in conjunction with a plan for permanent enlargement.
How large is large?
A: That depends on many things. Most men's penises will enlarge substantially (as much as double) in circumference, much less in length. The scrotum is highly elastic, and it's not uncommon to have a pumped scrotal circumference of 15" or more. The enlargement is mostly temporary, with the effects diminishing over a period of 24-48 hours.
Can the penis or balls be permanently enlarged by pumping?
A: Permanent results vary dramatically with the individual; many have achieved substantial changes. Penis enlargement usually requires a combination of practices, of which pumping is only a part. It's a slow process, and requires commitment and self-discipline. However, some men experience no enlargement regardless of methods used. Permanent testicle and/or scrotum enlargement usually occurs with regular pumping, but again- some never achieve it.
Can pumping cause damage to your body?
A: Properly done, it does not. However, it's important to note that pumping can be harmful if you go to extremes, or don't use common sense and proven practices. If you have ever had a hickey, you have sustained an injury created by a vacuum. While a hickey is small, vacuum pumping could create a huge one- and one with much more tissue damage. However, you would have to be very careless to do so, as you can see what is going on at all times when pumping. Common sense, educating yourself and progressing gradually will avoid such problems.
What kind of cylinder should I use?
A: That depends on the area you want to pump, and the amount of money you wish to spend. If you pump the penis only, your cylinder would be straight, and the diameter small- perhaps 2" x 10" overall, such as found in our VelSeal Cylinders. If you are going to pump the penis and balls together, you need a much different cylinder, which is sometimes referred to as a two-stage, or combination. Usually an internal diameter of 4" or more is used for the body, but the entrance and neck of the tube is smaller- perhaps 3". Diameters over 4" usually do not fit up to the body well, and also allow an engorgement of the pubic mound area which is considered undesirable.
There's also a matter of your objectives. Some have an objective of length rather than bulk- they are looking for low-hangers, as well as penile and/or foreskin extension. These pumpers may use a smaller combination cylinder, which causes the temporary enlargement (and the stretching of tissue) to be more in length and less in girth. We make a cylinder for this purpose, called a LongJohnny. Taking the same objective to the ultimate is PumpToys' special contoured cylinder that adds shaping to the process, called a BullMaster.
What does pumping equipment cost?
A: Penis cylinders can be relatively inexpensive, starting around $20 for the mass produced kind sold in adult stores. However, those are usually very poor quality, and a waste of money. The better quality products are sold by specialty houses, and will cost more like $75-$100.
Combination cylinders start at around $80, with quality products starting at $100 and up to as high as $300. However, there is the Sun Tea Jar option, that has been used by thousands as a way to try it without spending a lot. It's also called an STJ, and can be put together for $10 at the bare minimum, or nicely for about $40. There is an article in the library that explains how an STJ cylinder is set up. See "The basic STJ- making your own". We also make an STJ Conversion Kit which doesn't require any materials or special skills to use.

Pumps come in a variety of forms. Many beginners have used only oral suction. While that's more than adequate in power, it's a nuisance. It also introduces oral bacteria to the tubing, which if not cleaned regularly can create a breeding ground and a risk of it's own. Again, common sense and reasonable hygiene eliminate such problems.

The simplest mechanical pumps look like a small bicycle pump, except the valves are reversed. This type of pump is available in adult stores (usually of poor quality) and from pumping specialty houses. Straight-line hand pumps vary from about $15-$60.

Another very suitable pump is available in automotive parts stores, under the name Mityvac. It's designed as a tool to do vacuum testing and brake system bleeding, and comes with a gauge and release valve. It's a one-hand operated (squeeze-grip) pump, constructed of very durable plastic. There is also a Mityvac constructed of metal, called the Silver-line Mityvac. PumpToys sells both models.

The up-scale end is comprised of electric pumps. This adds complication to the process, as you are tied to an outlet. It also means you want to be especially careful, to be sure that the device can't possibly short out- particularly if you wet-pump. Basic electric pumps vary from $100-$350.
What's wet pumping?
A: The genital tissues are very sensitive to temperature, contracting when cold- relaxing when warm. Wet pumping means filling the cylinder partially with warm water, to encourage relaxation and faster enlargement of the area. It is both effective and comfortable, so most experienced pumpers wet-pump.
How do you keep the seal area from leaking?
A: The "seal" takes place where your body meets the cylinder. The large cylinders from PumpToys have a soft plastic seal ring that is efficient, flexible and comfortable. Most cylinders use direct contact between the hard cylinder plastic and the skin. To maintain a leak-free seal under a light vacuum requires a smooth contact area. Depending on the cylinder used, the contact area may need to be shaved clean, or at least trimmed short. Lubricants are used in the seal areas to help minimize the leak problem, and to prevent skin friction discomfort. Shaving is more necessary in large entry cylinders, because the contact area is larger and farther up the hairline.

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