What Is a Pump?
A pump, in combination with a cylinder or cup, is a device used to create a vacuum which pulls blood to the surface of the skin. This causes the tissues that have been pumped to engorge and become erect. Some women, transfeminine folks, and femme-of-centre people use a pump in combination with hormones in order to help facilitate growth of breast tissue or to help stretch skin in preparation for surgery.
Similarly, some men, transmasculine folks, and masculine-of-centre people use a pump to help change the size and shape of their genitals - often only temporarily. There are different styles of pumps, many of which can be used with different detachable cylinders. Some pumps also come equipped with a gauge for serious pumpers and statistics nerds!
How To Choose a Pump
LA Pumps Breast Pump Cylinders: These acrylic cylinders come in four different sizes, all of which can be used in conjunction with either of the LA pumps we carry. They can also remain in place after suction has been applied and the pump has been detached, maintaining the suction while your pump gets to work on another part of the body!
LA Pumps Cylinders: These acrylic cylinders are available in 3- inch and 5-inch lengths, and each comes in a variety of diameters. As with the breast pump cylinders, these cylinders can stay in place after suction has been applied, freeing up your pump for use on other body parts. LA Pumps Brass Pump: The Brass Pump can be used in combination with any of the LA Pumps cylinders we carry. While this style can take a bit of patience and practice to get used to, it can offer a bit of a more affordable option for folks who are trying out pumping for the first time.
LA Pumps Deluxe Brass Pump: The Deluxe Brass Pump is also compatible with all of our LA Pumps cylinders, and comes with a gauge, so that you can tell exactly how much suction you’re applying at any given time! It is also designed to be pumped with one hand, freeing up your other hand to hold the cylinder in place. Please note that this design does require a fair amount of hand strength to use.
LA Pumps Buddy Pump T-Hose: This hose is compatible with both of our LA Pumps, and is designed to allow the user to attach two cylinders and apply suction to two body parts at once. Folks using the Breast Pump Cylinders may find this particularly useful.
How to Choose a Cylinder Size
Regardless of the body part you plan on pumping, the cylinder selection process is all about choosing a cylinder that’s not too big and not too small - something that’s just right. This may involve a little bit of educated guessing. You’ll want to choose a cylinder with enough room to cover the tissue you’re pumping, but that’s not overly big. You’ll also want something that allows enough space for the tissue to engorge comfortably without pressing up against the inside of the cylinder. Take a measurement of the body part you wish to pump, and compare it with the measurement for each cylinder on the product page. This can help give you an idea of which cylinder size will work best for you.How To Use a Pump
When pumping, it’s important to create a good seal between the cylinder and the body part you’re working with. Take the cylinder and run some thick water-based lubricant around the edges. A lot of folks also find it helpful to lube up the body part they’re pumping, to help create a good seal and keep the tissues hydrated and elastic. Once everything is lubed up, you can put your cylinder in place and start pumping!
Go slowly, and (if the seal is strong) you’ll start to see the area darken and rise with pressure. Pump until a good vacuum has been created, and then stop.
We recommend not leaving the attachment on the body for more than twenty to thirty minutes, and do be sure to remove it immediately if it is painful or uncomfortable.
Whether the area has been pumped for 30 seconds or 10 minutes, once the cylinder is removed, the body part that was in the vacuum will be engorged and extremely sensitive, due to the increased blood flow to the surface of the skin.
Pay attention to your body’s cues, and remove the attachment if you’re experiencing unwanted pain, discomfort, or if you notice any bruising or blistering.
It’s worth noting that people who bleed easily, are diabetic, have vascular health issues, or are taking blood thinning medication should be sure to pay close attention when pumping, and go slowly. Bodies are great at sending their own signals. If there’s unwanted discomfort, then take a break. If you experience notable bruising or swelling, try using less pressure.