Risks

Although penis pumps are safe for most men, there are some potential risks. For example:

• You're at an increased risk of bleeding if you take blood-thinning medications. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and clopidogrel (Plavix).
• A penis pump might not be safe if you have sickle cell anemia or another blood disorder. These conditions can make you susceptible to blood clots or bleeding.

Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions and any medications you take, including herbal supplements. This will help prevent potential problems.

Side effects

Side effects of using a penis pump can include:

• Pinpoint-sized red dots (petechiae). This is caused by bleeding under the surface of the skin of the penis.
• Numbness, coldness or bluish-colored skin. This can occur when the constriction band is in place.
• Pain or bruising. Knowing how to use the penis pump correctly can help you avoid injury to your penis.
• Feeling of trapped semen. You might feel like your semen is trapped when you ejaculate, or ejaculation might be painful. Some manufacturers make constriction rings with a small cutout that might help with this.

Penis pumps have some other possible drawbacks:

• Unnatural-feeling erections. Penis pumps can cause an erection that doesn't feel natural or spontaneous. You might have a lack of firmness at the base of the penis, which can allow the penis to rotate or pivot more than it would with a natural erection.
• Awkwardness. Use of a penis pump requires patience and understanding from both you and your partner. It might take some time to become comfortable with the device.
• Manual coordination is required. Penis pumps require use of the hands and fingers to operate, which can be a problem for some men or their partners.