Erectile dysfunction is a common disorder, especially in older men. Treatment options include oral medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, medications inserted into the urethra, medications given by injection directly into the penis, and penile implants. Another good option for some men is a penis pump, also known as a vacuum constriction device (VCD). These pumps are available by prescription.
How do penis pumps work?
A penis pump consists of a plastic cylinder that fits over the penis, one or more rubber constriction bands (tension rings), and a hand or electric, battery-powered pump. These devices don't cure erectile dysfunction — but they can help you achieve an erection sufficient to have sexual intercourse.
To begin you place a hollow plastic tube over your penis. You then use a hand pump or electric pump attached to the tube to create a vacuum inside the tube and pull blood into the penis. Once you achieve an adequate erection, you slip a tension ring around the base of your penis. This helps you maintain the erection by keeping blood inside the penis. You then remove the vacuum device. The erection typically lasts long enough to have sex. Do not leave the penis ring in place for more than 30 minutes.
Who are penis pumps for?
Penis pumps are a safe and effective erectile dysfunction treatment for many men. But research shows that older men in stable relationships are most satisfied by this treatment method. Some men get the best results using a combination of medications and a penis pump. Penis pumps can also be used by men who have a penile implant in place.
What are the advantages of penis pumps?
Penis pumps can be a good treatment choice if medications for erectile dysfunction don't work or penile implant surgery isn't a good option. Penis pumps can also be used along with other treatments for erectile dysfunction. Unlike some other treatments for erectile dysfunction, a penis pump allows you to start and terminate an erection at will. Compared with other treatment methods for erectile dysfunction, penis pumps are the least expensive treatment — despite the cost of the initial purchase.
What are the drawbacks of penis pumps?
Penis pumps are a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, but they do have some drawbacks:
- Penis pumps are cumbersome and can cause an erection that doesn't feel natural or spontaneous.
- Penis pumps require manual dexterity to operate, which can be a problem for some men.
- Use of a penis pump requires patience and understanding from both you and your partner. It may take some time to become comfortable with the device and incorporate it into foreplay.
- You may have to shave your pubic hair at the base of your penis so that the pump can get a good seal.
- You may feel like your semen is trapped when you ejaculate. Some manufacturers make constriction rings with a small cutout that may help with this.
Side effects
Using a penis pump is safe for most men, but side effects can include:
- Hemorrhagic spots on the penis (petechiae)
- Numbness or coldness of the penis
- Pain or bruising of the penis
- A sense of trapped semen during ejaculation or delayed ejaculation
Will using a penis pump make your penis larger?
While advertisements in magazines and on the Internet market penis pumps with the claim that they can be used to increase penis length or girth, there is no evidence that they work for this purpose. While using a penis pump is a safe way for men with erectile dysfunction to achieve an erection, attempting to use a penis pump to enlarge the penis can cause injury.
Is a penis pump the right treatment for you?
Talk to your doctor before trying a penis pump for erectile dysfunction to make sure your condition is not caused by something that can be more easily treated — and to make sure you're getting the best individual treatment. If you and your doctor decide a penis pump is a good choice, use a penis pump that has been prescribed to you — that way you can be sure its components are made by a reputable manufacturer. Penis pumps available in magazines and sex ads may not be safe.
Although penis pumps are a safe erectile dysfunction treatment for most men, if you have certain health problems such as blood coagulation problems or sickle cell anemia, or you take certain medications such as blood thinners, you need to be more cautious when using this method. Talk to your doctor about your health conditions and any medications you're taking to make sure you are getting the safest and most effective erectile dysfunction treatment.
Although it can take some time to get comfortable using a penis pump and there are some drawbacks, using a penis pump is a safe, effective and noninvasive way to treat erectile dysfunction. Used on their own or in combination with other treatments for erectile dysfunction, penis pumps help many men continue to enjoy an active sex life.
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