A few years ago, as doctors were starting to pay more attention to women’s sexual function, a product called Eros was devised.  Eros was sold through prescription only and, at $394 a pop, it was designed to solve women’s sexual dysfunction. The EROS Clitoral Therapy Device was approved by the FDA in April 2000, giving a gentle suction action with the aid of a battery-operated pump. "Of the women who were treated, all experienced more sensation; more orgasm; more satisfaction; and more lubrication."

But, because of the price and need for a prescription, Eros was difficult for women to get their hands on or afford. The Eros brought pump technology into mainstream-focus.  Sex toy manufacturers started to pay more attention to the suction-toys and mimicked the design, adding other more advanced features such as vibration to the experience.  They also knocked down the price to what every woman can afford.  

What is a clitoral pump?
A clitoral pump is made up of a small hand-pump connected through a tube to a pliable suction-cup that fits over the clitoris and/or labia.  The cup can be oval or circular, with the smaller cups used on the clitoris and the larger cups fitting over the labia and clitoris.   The suction is created when the cup lies in direct contact with the skin, while the hand pump creates a vacuum.  The quick release valve on most clitoral pumps will allow for a quick reduction in suction.  The cups are made of pliable material such as rubber or silicone, allowing for complete contact with the skin and resulting in stronger suction.

How does it work?
Any woman who has had a partner gently suck on the labia or clitoris will be able to attest to the virtues of suction in sexual pleasure.  Suction brings  blood to the surface of the skin, thus causing extra oxygen to feed the cells, improving lubrication, increasing sensitivity to the touch by pumping up the volume, and creating a warming sensation to make you more aware of your sexual arousal.  

What to Look For

Suction strength: Many women complain that some clitoral pumps on the market are simply not strong enough.  We have a few suggestions. Look for hand pumps.  They are easy to control and give you just the right amount of suction.

Skin-to-cup contact: Here at Libida we like the Advanced Clitoral Pump which has a flexible handle making it is easy angle the cup without breaking the suction, while the smaller head and pliable material fits nicely around the clitoris.

Size and Shape: The whole goal to clitoral pumps is to get suction. And to get suction you need good skin-to-cup contact. Look for the right size and shape for you. If you like focused clitoral stimulation you will probably like a pump with a smaller head (try Advanced Clitoral Pump). If you like more diffuse stimulation, a larger cup to surround the labia and clitoris is better for you. Keep in mind your individual size and shape.

Some Common Questions

Does it hurt?
Generally no, it does not hurt.  The effect is gradual.  With strong suction, however, the feeling can be quite intense. If you feel any discomfort, use the quick escape valve. If you are having any other types of discomfort, discontinue use.  Do not use the suction device on the vaginal opening as this will cause discomfort and can be harmful.  It is better to remove any piercings, as well, as they may react to the suction differently and lead to some discomfort.

Will the enlarging effect be permanent?
Some women want to permanently enlarge their genitals.  While the pump will bring more blood into the labia and clitoris area, the affect is only temporary, and while permanent enlargement is possible, is it rare. It would require an extreme amount of time.

What are the pumps made from? The cups are made of pliable material such as rubber or silicone -- allowing for complete contact with the skin, and resulting in stronger suction. All pumps on Libida are made from phthalate free material, unless explicitly stated.

My pump doesn’t suck hard enough.  Make sure you have good skin-to-cup contact without air gaps, when you start the suction.  If you are having trouble getting the suction over the lips, try it between the labia lips.

Types of Clitoral Pumps

• Just pumps (Doc Johnson Pussy Pump): are the simplest of the pumps with a cup, and a hand pump, and tubing connecting the two. 
• Pumps with vibration (Advanced Clitoral Pump):  These pumps have the benefit of having both suction and vibration.
• Cup Size: Whole-vulva vs. just clitoris:  the pumps with smaller cups are designed to create suction directly around the clitoris (Advanced Clitoral Pump).  While the cups that have a wider breadth are designed to surround the labia, as well.
• Pumps with a teaser inside the cup (Penetrating Mini Clitoral Pump): These are a new kid-on-the-clitoral-pump block.  They are designed with a medium size cup, to surround more of the labia and clitoris, but they also add an extra bit of stimulation to the clitoris with a clitoris-stimulating nub within the suction cup.

How to Use a Clitoral Pump

Lube it up:  to create less friction between the skin and the cup, and to get better suction.

1. Position the cup over the clitoris only, or over the labia and clitoris --  whichever is more appealing to you.  Experiment from one to the other.
2. Move it around to make sure you have good skin/cup contact.  Move it inside the lips, then move it outside, which gets more suction?
3. Start pumping (either with the hand, or turn on the automatic suction)
4. If the sensation is too intense, use the release valve (or turn off the device) to quickly reduce suction.
5. If you have the option of vibration, turn it on. Lie back and enjoy.