Published in the FTM Newsletter #41, June
98
Updated 1/14/00
I have changed the title of this column for
two reasons. It was pointed out that the phrase "New Man" by its
terms excluded those who had spent some time in the "community" and
had already addressed "new comer" issues as well as those members of
the community who identify as other than man or male. Exclusion was
never my strong suit. Hopefully, the new title will instil the sense
of inclusion and openness that I originally envisioned. Now, on with
the show.
The last article dealt with masturbation. This one deals with the
penis pump. Penile enlargement via the use of a vacuum pump is called
hyperemiation and is being used to treat erectile dysfunction. Why
are we even discussing this, you may ask? Well the answer is because
(1) it adds variety to masturbation and (2) it appears to work for
some people.
EXPECTATIONS, REASONABLE AND
OTHERWISE
One theory as to how the pump works is that the vacuum causes the
suspensory ligament to stretch. That increased pliability results in
the appearance of greater length. Another theory is that the pump
works in a fashion similar to muscular development. Blood enters the
area and engorges the tissue. The increased blood flow results in
better circulation which in turn results in greater erection (yes, we
do get erections).
Don't get too excited, you aren't going to grow 4" or anything like
that fantasy number that may be floating around your grey matter.
Mileage varies from user to user. No one can guarantee that it will
work or that your money will be well
spent. In fact, improper usage can
do more harm than good. Ligaments are capable of being torn, tissue
can be bruised or abraded. Before deciding whether to make an
investment in one of these products there are a variety of factors
that you should analyze.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly buying into that
phallocentric size queen mentality, but I do believe that just about
anything (within reason and the law) that increases pleasure is worth
trying. If the added perk is the potential for growth, how could I
pass it up? I, on my own, would never in a million years have thought
to use a dick enlargement device. Imagine my surprise when someone
mentioned that this was a possibility. I was instantaneously
possessed by the idea. The intrigue did not take long to culminate in
action. Within a couple of days I had my own pump. The potential for
growth and the variance in masturbation was enough of a selling point
for me.
If you have had phalloplasty or metaoidioplasty, my suggestion is
that you either pass or consult your physician. There is really no
telling what effect pumping could have on the scar tissue. Impatience
and an overzealous nature are also indicators that this activity may
not be for you as the likelihood for overusage and injury increase.
If you have limited spending cash, are saving up for surgery, or are
looking for guarantees, you may want to reconsider spending your
money.
Growth will depend on how consistent you use the pump, what you had
to start with, and genetics don't hurt any either. I polled the
mailing lists on the internet and received only one response, so
there are basically no figures available as to what you can
reasonably expect. I know that I gained a 1/2" in diameter and near
approximately 3/4" in length before becoming rather lazy about
pumping. These changes have been permanent and in my eyes worth the
$80.00 that I spent.
A LITTLE ANATOMY
Discussion of the clitoris in this section refers to tissue prior to
enlargement caused by androgen usage. Both the clitoris and the penis
contain two corpora cavernosa composed of erectile tissue. The glans
or head of the clitoris contains tissue similar to the corpus
spongiosum located in the glans of the penis. Also like the penis,
there is a suspensory ligament which holds the clitoris in place.
The Kinsey Institute New Report On
Sex states:
"[W]e all start out with gonads that have a potential to become either testicles or ovaries, and two sets of ducts that can develop into either the male or female reproductive tract, depending on the hormones present during fetal development. It is the hormones produced by the gonads that determine the way in which internal reproductive organs and external genitals will develop."
During sexual arousal, the primary tissues
affected in the penis are the corpora cavernosa and the corpus
spongiosum. These tissues become engorged with blood. It is no
different for clitoral tissue. Testosterone causes this clitoral
tissue to enlarge and become what Jake Hale has called "FTM specific
erectile tissue". The most significant results tend to be noticed
within the first year, although there have been reports of growth
after that time period. Pumping is a relatively new practice for
FTMs. Therefore, if it works for non-trans men, it should work for us
as well.
PRODUCTS:
The pump is generally comprised of two components, the vacuum device
itself and the cylindrical tubes [cylinder] in which the erectile
tissue is placed. The cylinder is composed of plexiglass or an
industrial grade clear cast acrylic and contains a plastic coupler
that allows it to be connected to the pump via a long rubber tube.
There are a number of pump manufacturers, but there two basic types,
manual and electrical. For purposes of this article, we will limit
ourselves to the manual pumps. The electrical devices tend to be
expensive ($300+) and frankly, scare the hell out of me.
There are two types of manual pumps, those that can be operated
single-handedly and those that require two hands to operate. The two
handed pump is made of brass and has rubber seals. It looks like a
bicycle pump only wider. The single-handed pump is plastic and looks
like a brake line bleeder. I recommend the plastic unit because in
addition to the convenience of using one hand (which allows you a
free hand to situate the cylinder), it has a trigger which allows you
to relieve the pressure if you over-pump. The double handed pump
requires that you twist the plastic end of the cylinder to release
the vacuum pressure. The pumps are actually somewhat reasonably
priced running from $30.00 to $35.00 and are sold separately from the
cylinders.
There are a variety of cylinders that can be purchased for use with
the pump. There are nipple cylinders, foreskin stretchers, and the
penis cylinders. The nipple cylinders have flush ends and tend to
come in smaller diameters and lengths. The foreskin stretchers have
flared ends, are slightly larger and come in intermediate diameters.
The penis cylinders also have either flush or rounded ends and come
in a variety of diameters. The concern is not so much with diameter,
but with the fact that length adds weight and can break the seal.
Since we have less tissue to deal with to compensate for the added
weight, using a cylinder designed for a penis may prove
frustrating.
The next step is to determine what size cylinder you will need.
Purchasing a cylinder with too large a diameter will prevent you from
creating a seal which basically means that you will not be able to
establish the vacuum that is needed. The most reliable way to
determine what cylinder size will be right for you is to purchase a
Circle Master Template at an art supply or drafting store. The cost
should be under $5.00. One such product is manufactured by Koh-I-Noor
[Template No. 851204]. You may wish to measure yourself in a flaccid
state as well as while erect.
Once you know what size diameter you are in your erect state, you are prepared to purchase a cylinder. Depending on your measurement, you may want to start out with the nipple cylinder. Nipple cylinders start rather small and are as large as 1" in diameter. The foreskin stretcher starts at 1" in diameter and gets slightly larger from there. If you have been fortunate enough to surpass the largest foreskin stretcher, the next step would be the penis cylinders. Special orders are available through http://www.leathertoys.com
If you are within the first year of
testosterone, especially within the first four months, buy larger.
The changes are the most pronounced during that period of time. If
you've reached a plateau then it's up to you. Please note that there
most vendors have "NO RETURN" policies on the cylinders. This means,
you bought it, you keep it. Check before you buy. Measuring The
largest nipple cylinder is 1" in diameter. The smallest foreskin
stretcher is 1" in diameter. If you are within the first year of
testosterone, especially within the first four months, buy larger.
The changes are the most pronounced during that period of time. If
you've reached a plateau then it's up to you. Please note that there
most vendors have "NO RETURN" policies on the cylinders. This means,
you bought it, you keep it. Check before you buy.
Nipple cylinders are most often sold in sets, but not always, and
prices range from $50-55. You may need to buddy up to buy the nipple
attachments for maximum cost savings. The largest nipple cylinders
which are sold are 1" in diameter and 3- 4" long. This will more than
likely be your starting or intermediate size if you have already
started taking testosterone. If you have, no intention of doing so,
Good Vibrations in San Francisco carries a clitoral enlarger and
sells single cups in shorter sizes. Bigger is not better and in fact,
if you purchase something too large, the weight on the end may
interfere with your ability to maintain a seal. Again, too short or
tight will pinch and be uncomfortable. Make sure that what you
purchase is at least 1" in length or 2" if you are taking
testosterone.
Once the largest nipple cylinder becomes too small, the next size
graduation is the foreskin stretcher. It is similar to the nipple
cups, but has a plexiglass ball which is removable. You really don't
need the ball, but may want to keep it around as it makes a wonderful
cat toy or may prove useful for those of you who enjoy the sexual
company of men who are interested in stretching their foreskins.
The cost of cylinders ranges from $40.00 - $65.00 for the cups
depending on size and whether sold singly or doubly. Don't be afraid
to comparison shop. If you don't want to buy via mail order, you can
go to one of the local sex or leather shops (usually the gay shops)
and will more than likely be able to find this product locally. If
you don't know how to find these stores check your local gay &
lesbian yellow pages.
SOURCES:
665 One # Short of Hell
8722 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 854-7276
$49.95 pump (one handed, plastic)
$55.00 Foreskin Stretcher and other cylinders
$60.00 nipple cylinders (pair)
website: http://www.665leather.com/
Mercury Mail Order
4084 18th Street, Dept. CR
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-1188
$30.00 pump - (one handed, plastic)
$55.00 nipple cylinders - mail order $59.95 for a pair
$55-65 approx - foreskin stretcher
webpage: http://www.mercurymailorder.com
Jaguar Books
4057 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415)863-4777
$28.00 Pump
$58.00 pair of Nipples 3/4 or 1"
$58.00 Foreskin Stretcher large and small
Image Leather My recollection is that they only had the cylinders
in
2199 Market Street Small (1 3/4) through Jumbo (2 3/4)
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-7551
$59.50 Pump
The Leatherman, Inc.
111 Christopher Street
New York, NY 10014-4222
(212)243-5339
Orders (800)243-5330
$55 .00 Pump
$25.00 Foreskin Stretcher large and small
$69.50 Nipple 3/4 or 1" =
Good Vibrations [Good Vibrations does not have the single handed
pump,
1210 Valencia #BS but they do have smaller cylinders]
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 974-8890
(800) 289-8423 Orders Only
e-mail to goodvibe@well.com
Web Page http://www.goodvibes.com
Los Angeles Pump Distributing, LLC.
7985 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 25
West Hollywood, CA 90046-5112
Phone: (310) 289-7199 Fax: (310) 289-7199
Email: getbig@cockpump.com http://www.cockpump.com
Leathertoys.com
Internet only: http://www.leathertoys.com
Yet another vendor
http://www.yinyangchi.com/Penis.html
Please note the prices listed above have more than likely changed since 1997.
USE
Now that you know what to buy, how the heck do you use the thing?
Connect the cylinder to the pump. Place enough mineral oil or some
other lubricant to coat the inside of the cylinder. Always use
lubricant to prevent abrasion. I tend to like the oil-based
lubricants for this use since there is no penetration or latex
involved. It is best to be sexually aroused before beginning to pump.
You want blood flowing into the erectile tissue so as to enable you
to form a seal. Place the cylinder on your erectile tissue. Once the
cylinder is in place pump slowly and gradually until you feel
pressure. If you feel pain, back off. An intense pinching sensation
means that you either need to resituate the cylinder or it's time to
move up in size. Remember, pain is an indicator that there is
something wrong. If you feel pain, stop immediately and release some
of the pressure. Here's where the one-handed pump comes in handy. If
there is no pain, leave the cylinder on for so long as it feels
comfortable, but do not exceed 5-10 minutes. You can expect to feel
pressure or perhaps a very slight pinching sensation on the underside
of your member. Release the pressure then rest for 5-10. Repeat once.
As you get familiar with the device and the reaction of your body,
you can work up to a second repetition. WARNING: Over-exuberance will
result in injury.
The formation of a vacuum may be prevented if pubic hair gets in the
way. One alternative is to use vaseline around the area of skin that
comes in contact with the cylinder. That supposedly creates a seal.
The other alternative is to shave.
Go slow and easy. Soreness is an indication that you need to take a
break for a day or so. It is imperative that you listen to your body.
When you are done pumping . . . well, I don't need to tell you how to
scratch that itch.
After use, clean the cylinder with a liquid antibacterial soap and
water. Do not use alcohol or alcohol based products as that tends to
cause plexiglass and other acrylics to shatter. Happy pumping.
***
Please write and let me know how this has worked or not worked for
you so that the information can be shared. Your identity will remain
strictly confidential. Any questions, suggestions, or topics or
requests for further information are greatly appreciated. Please
write to Michael Hernandez at
Lbear@otherbear.com
***
© Copyright 2/1998
By Michael M. Hernandez
All Rights Reserved
DO NOT COPY, PRINT, REPRINT, DISTRIBUTE, E-MAIL, POST ON YOUR WEBSITE OR OTHERWISE DISSEMINATE.
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