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 called up clinical sexologist and couples therapist Ness Cooper to give us some answers that 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. No, not the type you use to clean up bits of dust (hopefully your vulva doesn’t need that, babe) — this one’s much more pleasurable and, frankly, less work.
Consisting of a plastic chamber (which might feature a silicone rim) typically connected via a small hose to a hand-controlled or automatic pump, the vagina pump can increase sensation in your vulva — or wherever else you choose to use it.
Just like the great dilemma of books vs e-books and vinyl vs streaming, some people prefer the more retro look of a hand-pump, while others prefer the convenience and *sleekness* of an electric pump.
Some sex tech companies are now making pussy pumps that also vibrate or stimulate the clitoris with a flickering tongue (some even have an insertable arm for penetration fans) — and double up as sex toys in their own right.
These can be expensive, and might not pump as well as single-function pussy pumps, but they can be lots of fun. And that’s all a gal wants, right?
What does a pussy pump do?
Admittedly not the most aesthetic of sex toys out there, pussy pumps generally favour function over style — but it’s all in the name of getting to O, we promise.
“A pussy pump is a pump that covers the vulva and produces suction, causing blood flow to the genitals,” says Cooper.
“The pump can help heighten pleasure by activating nerve endings and erectile tissue. The suction is formed when applied to lubricated skin that has minimal hair. When pumped, the labia and clitoris become swollen and erect as both have erectile tissue in them. When the labia is erect it can tug on the clitoris and lead to further pleasure.” Tug me tender, IG!
Why do people like pussy pumps?
The reasons 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 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. There’s also an aesthetic element: the swollen, enlarged look pussy pumps give to the vulva are a real turn-on for 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. “There are kinks around people having penetrative sex after their partner with a vulva has pumped as it can make the individual appear and feel more turned on,” Cooper explains.
“There are also creampie kinks where pumping for some is part of the practice. In the BDSM scene there are pussy pumps which also hook up to electro stimulation machines, to provide extra stimulation.”
What to look for when buying a pussy pump
If at this point you’re thinking this all sounds a bit intense for a beginner — fear not. Cooper suggests what to look out for when buying a vagina pump for the first time.
1. Power
Maybe your hands get enough work in, so the idea of having to hand pump your cooch is the last thing you want to do. Luckily, vulva pumps can be either manually or battery operated.
But beware — this isn’t a choice that comes down simply to effort, as the power you’ll get varies between each type. “Battery pumps can be faster, however hand-pumps may offer stronger suction,” Cooper warns.
You might also consider whether you want a pump that vibrates or not — although non-vibrating pumps can be made buzzy with the addition of a bullet vibrator or wand.
2. Stimulation type
Crucially, you’ll need to think about which area of your vulva you want to pump — there are pumps that stimulate the whole vulval area or those that only stimulate the clitoris.
“Clitoral pumps are a smaller pump that allow for more focused suction and stimulation on the clitoris,” explains Cooper. “Some can be worn during penetrative vaginal play too.” Although these are pretty similar to — and often not as good as — clit suction vibrators, she notes, so you could be better off opting for a Womanizer or other type of clitoral suction toy.
“Some pumps can also be used on the breasts and nipples,” Cooper adds.
3. Size
You’ve heard of leg gains, but you’re yet to discover vulva gains. If you’re planning to work your way up to a bigger suction cup over time, it’s worth investing in a pump that allows you to switch different sizes in.
“Many pussy pumps allow you to change the size of the pussy chamber, for some this can guarantee a better experience,” Cooper says. “In BDSM, some may challenge themselves to pump to larger sizes over time.”
How we tested the best pussy and clit pumps
Cosmo’s team of sex writers are lucky enough to have our desks piled high with the latest sex tech — so of course we have to take one for the team by testing out each product to find the best pussy and clit pumps on the market. At the time of testing, our writers were aged between 22-31 and all have vulvas, falling at different places on the gender spectrum.
Where possible, we’ve used the pumps in a number of different ways and locations (read: the bath if it’s waterproof), looking for features such as ergonomics, material, pressure, vibration settings if it has power, and how comfortable each one is.
When we’re not able to test a product out, we’ve assessed the rest of the products by whether they meet experts’ recommendations and read hundreds of product reviews — so don’t accuse us of only lying down on the job (ahem).
Best pussy pumps to shop RN
Okay, enough yapping. Now you know the pleasures awaiting you, let’s get to our sex writer’s round up of the best pussy pumps on the market RN.
DOMINIX Deluxe Clitoris Pump Excitement System
Pros
- Options are a luxury
- Easy to remember the best pressure for you
Cons
- Doesn’t involve the rest of your vulva
| Type | Set of three clit pumps |
|---|---|
| Features | 3 cylinder clitoral pump system and hand-trigger pump with easy to use pressure release valve |
| Material | Hard plastic |
| Power | Just the power of your hands |
| Size | 1 x large cup: 3.3 x 1.4 inches 1 x medium cup: 2.9 x 1.2 inches 1 x small cup: 2.9 x 1.1 inches |
| Waterproof | Unforch not |
If you’re up for a challenge, this one’s for you. The heightened sensations after using a pussy pump are unmatched, so we can understand why you might want to come back for more — but it’s advised to only pump for half an hour at a time, tops, so trust the process, baby!
Should you be desperate to work your way up to a clit as sensitive and voluminous as your hair, this set comes with three suction cups that can be switched out as and when you’re ready.
For your first time pumping, load the rim of the smallest cup up with your fave water-based lube (ours is Pjur RN, in case you were wondering) and once you’ve found your desired pressure, write it down for next time so you can beat your PB.
You’ll want to level yourself up on this one, trust us…
Lovehoney Rose Pussy Pump with Clitoral Stimulator
Pros
- Smaller and cuter than other pussy pumps out there
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Suction may be too intense for some
| Type | Hand-held with flickering tongue |
|---|---|
| Features | 3 tongue speeds and 7 patterns, travel lock |
| Material | Silicone, hard plastic |
| Power | Rechargeable |
| Size | 4.4 inches |
| Waterproof | Yep! |
If you’re at all interested in the world of sex tech (we’re gonna take a wild guess and say you are) you’ll likely have seen the classic rose suction vibrator, sold in many varieties by sites like Lovehoney, Sextoys.co.uk, and Ann Summers.
This pussy pump from Lovehoney certainly takes inspo from the floral shape of the original viral rose toy, but it’s a *tad* less subtle, and delivers totally different sensations to your vulva.
Instead of a suction mouth, the petals on this open up to a silicone rimmed suction cup, which is home to a flickering tongue set with 10 rotation modes. The combination of the two is, of course, blooming lovely.
Puffilator Vibrating Electronic Pussy Pump
Pros
- Super easy to use
- Vibrations to make it more of a toy than a device
- Remote control for hands-free fun!
Cons
- Bullet is battery powered
| Type | Vibrating manual pump |
|---|---|
| Features | 10 vibration speeds and quick release valve |
| Material | ABS Plastic, rubber tubing & TPR bunny |
| Power | 3 x AA batteries in remote & 3 x LR44 cell batteries in bullet |
| Size | 4.5 x 2.2 inches |
| Waterproof | Sadly not :( |
If you’re gonna buy something that looks like a medical device, it might as well be pink — right? Luckily for you, the colour isn’t this pump’s only defining feature.
Not only does it feature the classic manually pumped suction cup — which you’ll be pleased to hear can have its pressure quickly released via the valve on the side — its dinky removable bullet also sends 10 vibration modes throughout its surface for added stimulation.
In case you can’t spot the vibrator, it’s encased by something we all know and love: the rabbit — although this one is essentially just there for decoration, as far as we can tell. Oh, but the vibes are controlled by remote, so you can lie back and relax. Hop along, then!
Bellesa FlutterWand
Pros
- We love three toys in one — the tongue can also be used without the suction
- Great for more advanced pumpers
Cons
- Pump is quite strong — so not great for beginners or sensitive vulvas
| Type | Electric pump with flickering tongue and G-spot wand |
|---|---|
| Features | 1 suction mode, 3 flickering tongue modes, 5 vibration modes |
| Material | Non-porous body-safe silicone, ABS plastic |
| Power | Rechargeable |
| Size | 2.3 inch diameter suction cup, 5.5 insertable inches |
| Waterproof | Ya |
There are certain forms three in one is never acceptable in — shampoo, body wash, and conditioner combos, we’re looking at you. But we’ll make an exception for this Bellesa baby, which has a tongue stimulator, pump, and G-spot stimulation wand all in one wand. Magic!
Small enough to sit over your labia, the pump is set with (unforch just) one suction mode, powerful enough to have your vulva plump in no time, while the tongue flickers up to three speeds against the C-spot for stimulation that’s as close to the sucking of oral sex as you can get — just don’t leave lube out of the equation!
Once you’ve had your clitoral orgasm, simply turn the wand around to power up the five vibration modes on the G-spot wand for a bonus internal O as the cherry on top.
Shots Clitoral and Nipple Pump Set
Pros
- More precise stimulation than other pumps
- Chambers are detachable
Cons
- The hose ‘legs’ might get in the way
| Type | Clit and nipple pumps |
|---|---|
| Features | Manual pump, detachable cups, and quick release valve |
| Material | Plastic, silicone, acrylic |
| Power | No power here |
| Size | 5 x 2 x 10.5 inches |
| Waterproof | Nope |
If having your entire vulva engulfed by what is essentially a silicone oxygen mask isn’t exactly screaming ‘sexy’ to you, this option from Sextoys.co.uk is the solution to experiencing plump puss pleasure without committing to the full cup.
For precise action on your clit and nipples (a key erogenous zone, FYI) it comes with three finger-sized cups, the pressure of which is centrally controlled by pumping the T-shaped handle.
Should you want the long hose out of the way, you can unclip each of the cylinders to keep them in place and maintain the pressure in the chamber — just don’t forget the secret is to not leave them on for more than 30 minutes.
Plumper Blue Vibrating Pussy Pump & Love Egg
Pros
- “Honestly not experienced anything quite like it before,” says one happy reviewer. Race you to the check out 🏃🏼♀️
- Rabbit ears inside will feel great against your sensitive clit
Cons
- All three types of stimulation might be too much for beginners
| Type | Clit and nipple pumps |
|---|---|
| Features | 5 levels of pulsing suction and 3 vibration speeds and 7 patterns |
| Material | Silicone |
| Power | Rechargeable |
| Size | Suction cup: 3.25 x 2.6 inches. Egg: 3 x 1.35 inches |
| Waterproof | Totes |
It’s all very well having a plump vagine on the outside, but just like beauty, pleasure on the inside counts, too! This pump comes with a love egg loaded with three vibration speeds and seven patterns, so you can use it either to warm up your C-spot and other erogenous zones before inflating your vulva.
Once you’ve switched on one of its generous five suction modes, pop the egg inside you to stimulate your G-spot and enjoy triple the stimulation as those rabbit ears rub against your clit.
Not only will your partner be raring to go thanks to its clear chamber by the time you’re done, but you’ll be plenty warmed up and ready for penetrative sex, or anything else you have in store ;)
How to safely use a pussy pump
Below is a rough guide to using a pussy pump for the first time, but bear in mind 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.
- Prepare: Some individuals like to trim or shave the pubic area around where the pussy pump will sit. This helps avoid any pubes getting caught or pulled upon by the plastic chamber.
- Lube up: As always with toys, make sure you are using a water-based lube. With pussy pumps, line the rim of the chamber to make the experience more comfortable.
- Get in position: Place the suction cup in the desired place on your vulva or clit, so as to create a seal.
- Pump that pussy: Start squeezing the hand-pump, using the lever or, with the automatic models, pressing the appropriate buttons. Keep a slow and gentle pace until you start to feel suction developing (the area might feel tight, or like there is a pressure). Then, stop using the pump after an additional pump or two.
- Build up to it: If you become more experienced with using a pussy pump, you may want to leave the suction cup on for five or an absolute maximum of 10 minutes after you stop pumping.
- Take it away: Press or activate the release valve on the pump, which should remove the suction and allow the toy to be removed.
- Recovery time: Before touching or exploring the area, give yourself a few minutes to relax and adjust without rushing. This encourages blood to begin flowing normally again.
- And when in doubt, use more lube: Due to all this suction action, your vulva will likely be kind of dry. Be sure to dig out some water-based lube (we love the non-sticky Sliquid) and apply it before you play.
- Squeaky clean: Make sure you clean the pump after use for hygiene reasons.
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.
FAQs about pussy pumps
To remove any element of doubt about inflating your cooch like a balloon, we’ve answered your questions:
Are 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 to 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.
Will 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 can act as a wonderful companion to sex via penetration or with your fave vibrator.
Are pussy pumps safe to use?
If you’ve not already found out the hard way (we’re talking a UTI, thrush, bruising, or at worst, a trip to the docs), your genitals are a delicate environment — so anything that goes near that area needs to treat it with care and kindness.
While pussy pumps are generally safe to use (as long as you’re not over-using them), those who already experience vulval discomfort might want to steer away from using a pussy pump, Cooper notes. “Not all body types are suited to pussy pumps, and some may find their body shape reduces the ability to form a suction with the pump’s seal,” she says.
“Conditions where the clitoral hood doesn’t have mobility may feel uncomfortable when using a pussy pump (similar to those with penises using penis pumps when their foreskin doesn't retract fully). If you have a dermatological condition which affects your vulva, the suction from a pussy pump may aggravate the condition.”
To avoid any unwanted side effects, it’s as easy as making sure you don’t use your toy for more than the recommended time. “It is recommended that you shouldn’t use a pussy pump for more than 30 minutes a time. Removing to add more lubricant can help reduce discomfort,” Cooper says.
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
Lois Shearing is Cosmoplitan's Former Senior Sex and Relationship Writer. They have been writing about sex, sexuality, gender, politics, and relationships for almost ten years. Their writing on these topics has appeared in Mashable, The Independent, Metro, The Advocate, and Byline Times, among others. In 2021, they published their first book, Bi the Way with JKP. They are currently working on two other books, set to be published in 2024. In a previous life, they worked as a content marketer and content writer for various tech start-ups. They continue to be interested in the tech sector and its impact on our lives, relationships, and work, with particular regard to the ways AI will shape our relationships in the future. Outside of work, they are deeply passionate about queer community organising, and run the only support resource for bisexual survivors of sexual violence in the UK: the Bi Survivors Network. You can find them on Instagram and X.
Honey is the Senior Sex and Relationships E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and Men’s Health. She covers shopping guides and reviews of the best sex toys; deals events — including Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday; and sex, dating, and LGBTQ+ trends.
Her journalism career started in 2020 when she started Sextras, a podcast and digital magazine about sex and relationships. Find Sextras on Spotify or Substack, where she writes and chats about everything from positive masculinity and how to practise sex magic, to why the latest kink or porn category is blowing up.
She has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and previously reported for HR magazine. Her features also appear in Glamour, Refinery29, The Independent, and more.
When she's not asking everyone she meets invasive questions about their sex and dating lives, you'll find Honey singing around her flat, teaching herself a new craft, or working her way through a new '90s/'00s box set with her flatmate.
