You’ve probably heard of a penis pump, but pussy pumps – and their close cousins the clit pump – are much less well-known. But, they’re growing in popularity and have a cult-like following among those who are into them.
Because of this, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around out there. Plus, as with using any new toy for the first time, it can be really helpful to read up on what to expect and learn how to use one safely before you get started.
With that in mind, we’re sure you’ve got lots of questions: from what a pussy pump even is, to how to use one, or where to buy vagina pumps online. Luckily, we’ve called up Tracey Coates, the Sexual Wellness Expert at Ricky.com to give us some answers which might help explain why people have been turning to pussy pumps to liven things up in the bedroom and why they might work for you, too.
What is a pussy pump?
Let’s start with the basics: what are we even dealing with? Kind of resembling an oxygen mask, pussy pumps are placed over the vulva to create a vacuum.
Consisting of a plastic chamber (which might feature a silicone rim), this part of the vagina pump is connected via a small hose to a hand-controlled or automatic pump. Some people like the more retro look of the hand-pump, like the below pump from Ricky, while others prefer the convenience of the electric pump.
As Tracey reminds us, there are also different varieties of manual pumps: “The pumping mechanism is usually a bulb or lever, with most users tending to opt for the bulb as it is quick and easy to use. However, this is entirely dependent on your preferences so it’s worth your while having a browse to begin with.”
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Why do people like pussy pumps?
The reasons that people use pussy pumps are multifaceted, to say the least. The main goal of using a pussy pump is *suction* but you might be wondering why anyone would even want that. Well, this suction increases blood flow to the desired region, which then results in a whole load of different and interesting benefits.
Chief among them is the increase in sensitivity to the area, which makes each touch and stroke feel more intense. As Tracey explains: “Both vaginal and clitoral pumps enhance sensitivity, allowing users to experience more intense stimulation, subsequently making sex and masturbation feel even better. Vaginal pumps increase the blood supply to your vagina which swells the labia, while clitoral pumps create a vacuum around the clitoris to boost blood flow also, temporarily increasing the size of the clitoris.”
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As Tracey touches on, there’s also an aesthetic element: the swollen, enlarged look which pussy pumps give to the vulva are a real turn-on to some people. For individuals inclined towards BDSM, it can also feed into power play scenarios, fetish or (especially when it comes to hand-pump versions) medical role play.
Best pussy pumps
Open GalleryWill pussy pumps or clit pumps make me orgasm?
Right, we’re just going to come out and ask the question on everyone’s lips: is this going to get you off? The answer isn’t a straightforward “yes”, it’s more that pussy pumps are a fun accessory that might make your climax more intense or a wonderful companion to sex via penetration or with your fave vibrator.
“Both vaginal and clitoral pumps are real assets to the bedroom, helping to spice up foreplay with a partner or just for solo masturbation,” explains Ashley. “When experimenting with a partner however, we’d suggest controlling the pressure yourself and only using prior to penetrative sex for arousal.”
Remember that pussy pumps aren’t just for using with a partner. “They can be used alongside other sex toys during self-pleasure too,” Ashley explains. “By boosting the sensations users experience through different speeds and patterns, these toys will not only increase the chances of an orgasm but enhance the intensity of orgasms also.”

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How to safely use a pussy pump
Below is a rough guide to using a pussy pump for the first time: remember that each pump varies from model to model. Before you start reading remember the golden rule: if you feel pain of any sort, stop pumping and remove the suction cup right away.
And, in case it wasn’t already clear, you don’t keep the vagina pump on for any kind of sexual touching or penetration! The pump primarily preps the area, making it super sensitive.
Open GalleryAre clit pumps different to vagina pumps?
Clit pumps and vagina pumps are basically the same concept but differ on one important detail: suction cup size. Clitoral pumps are smaller and targeted at just clit stimulation, whereas pussy pumps are larger and intended for use on the vagina or entire vulva.
Clitoral pumps might be the smaller of the two, but they are by no means any less mighty. Curious about buying one over a pussy pump? Here’s what you need to know. “Clitoral pumps come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to reflect the individuality of its users,” says Tracey. “We’d recommend experimenting with a few cylinder-shaped sizes at first until you find the most comfortable fit for you.”
And what about use? “Most clitoral pumps are manual, enabling the user to take control of the suction but we’d suggest only using this for ten minutes at most, each time. Aside from a classic manual clitoral pump, there are vibrating clitoral pumps as well, which can be controlled with a separate remote.”
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What you need to know when shopping for a pussy pump
A big part of safely using a pussy pump goes back to choosing a safe model in the first place. One of the best ways to ensure is by prioritising quality when shopping around.
“When picking any toy, quality should be your priority. Try to stick with reputable brands and a pump that suitably matches your size and shape – safety is key here and a higher quality pump will likely perform better,” reminds Tracey.
In order to get the best results from the pussy pump, before buying you should be clear on the specifications of what you’re looking for, like size or intended area of use. “All pumps do vary in size, so it’s important to consider the exact areas you wish to stimulate, whether that be the entire vulva or just the clitoris. For example, if you’d prefer to focus on the former, you’d need to opt for a slightly larger cup size to achieve this,” Tracey explains.
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