At some point during their ongoing exploration of the wonderful world of sex toys, an avid pleasure enthusiast is eventually going to stumble across their first clitoral pump. They’ll also likely have more than a few questions.
What is a clitoral pump, anyway? What does it do, how does it work, and – perhaps most importantly – who should consider using one? Let’s unpack the answers to all your burning questions about this innovative and handy option.
Why Use a Clitoral Pump?
In a nutshell, a clitoral pump (also sometimes known as a pussy pump) is basically a vulva-friendly version of a penis pump. Most models feature a soft silicone cup that fits over the vulva and an attached mechanism designed to apply gentle suction to the area.
The idea is to increase blood flow to the area, which provides a variety of benefits. Here’s a closer look at a few of the most noteworthy.
Clitoral pumps help boost arousal
Proper arousal is just as much about ample blood flow for vulvas as it is for penises, so anything you can do to help this process along is going to help you feel more aroused more quickly.
The better the blood flow and the more intense the arousal, the more sensitive you’ll be to stimulation and the better your sex play will feel.
Clitoral pumps can mean better orgasms (and more of them)
Consistently achieving female orgasm isn’t as effortless as most of us would like. Not only is everyone’s body different, but you need to know exactly what you’re doing. And adequate arousal is naturally a must if you’re serious about getting there.
By taking the guesswork out of getting aroused enough, a clitoral pump drastically boosts your chances of having an orgasm in the first place. It can also increase the quality of your orgasms, as well as make it easier to achieve multiple orgasms if that’s your goal.
Clitoral pumps produce a unique sensation
Part of the beauty of trying an entirely new type of sex toy on for size is that it will likely bring a wholly new kind of sensation to the table, and clitoral pumps are no different in this regard.
You already know just how pleasurable the right amount of genital suction can be. A clitoral pump doesn’t just get you primed and ready to get it on by yourself or with a partner. Using it can be an intensely pleasurable experience in its own right.
Who Should Consider Using a Clitoral Pump?
Clitoral pumps can be a fantastic help for anyone who has trouble getting aroused or staying that way. For example, they can work wonders for women dealing with the effects of menopause, perimenopause, or certain medications. They can also help you reach orgasm more consistently and get more out of the sexual experience.
But you don’t have to need a clitoral pump in order to benefit from one. If you love exploring different categories of sex toys, pride yourself on maintaining a well-rounded collection, and have a vulva (or sleep with anyone who does), a clitoral pump is definitely a handy item to have on hand.
How to Get Started with a Clitoral Pump
Whether you already have a pump or are thinking about getting one soon, it’s always a good idea to know a bit about what to expect and how to start when you’re taking something new for a spin. Here are a few beginner’s tips for getting the most out of a first experience with a clitoral pump.
Test it first
If you’re having a little beginner’s anxiety about using your pump for the first time, you’re not alone. Many people want to know what to expect as far as how it will feel before they actually use it on their genitals, so they test it first.
Try attaching the pump to your arm or the back of your hand and running it on the lowest setting for a little preview. It naturally won’t feel the same as it would on your vulva, but it can give you a better idea of what to expect.
Take it slow at first
Anytime you’re using a new toy, it makes sense to ease into things a little at a time. So use your pump on the lowest, gentlest settings until you’re used to that. Then gradually work your way up to the more intense settings.
You should always use caution when operating clitoral pumps on the highest, most intense settings, though. Be especially careful with pressure and prolonged use. Listen to your body, and always err on the side of caution for safety’s sake. Be sure to read the owner’s manual that came with your specific pump, as well.
At the end of the day, a clitoral pump isn’t that complicated to learn to use, but it still comes with a bit of a learning curve. Be patient with yourself, ease into your experience, and enjoy the ride!
