How to Use Vacuum Pump for Erectile Dysfunction
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Satadeepa is a Psychologist with 5 years of experience in the field of mental health and holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. Her areas of work interest and specialization include anxiety & mood disroders, relationship issues, self esteem development, grief, behavioural sleep medicine and sexual wellness.
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Updated on 03 November, 2023
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According to the latest study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology, erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs among 5% of men aged 40 and 15% of men with age 70 or above. The studies also reveal that ED can occur anytime to anyone based on contemporary circumstances, psychological factors, medications and physiological conditions.
ED is marked by difficulty in attaining or maintaining an erection, all or most of the time, and hinders sexual performance. In this aspect, many men go for non-medicated treatment procedures to enhance their durability and enhance their sexual performance. One such method is using a vacuum pump to strengthen the penile smooth muscles and sustain an erection longer.
What is a Penis Vacuum Pump?
It is a mechanical device that comes in the form of a vacuum plastic tube that can be hand-held or battery-operated. There are constriction rings present inside the pump that fit on the penile shaft and cause a suction-like effect.
A vacuum suction is created within the tube and the constriction rings stick well to the penile shaft. Based on the pressure an individual can take, it can be adjusted. This pump is also called a vacuum erection pump, a vacuum erection device or a vacuum pump for ED.
How does a vacuum erection pump work?
The proper use of this pump should be understood well to avoid any injuries or complications due to excess creation of suction. A pump can be one of the efficient devices or methods that enables a man to maintain his erection.
A penis pump is used to increase the blood flow in the tissues of the penis and make the penile shaft stiffer. The controlled use of vacuum devices can help an individual to sustain an erection for a longer period. Here is how one should use a penis pump safely.
Step 1: Physicians request to shave pubic hair to avoid entanglement and to ensure that the tube has created a proper vacuum for better suction effects.
Step 2: It is ideal to use a water-based lubricant on the shaft for an easier introduction into the pump tube. Also, a lubricant ensures that the skin of the penile shaft creates a proper vacuum inside to deliver the ideal suction effect. Hence, a lubricant will offer a better sealing effect and assists in the removal of the penile shaft from the tube once done.
Step 3: Carefully insert the penis inside the plastic tube. Most vacuum pumps are transparent in nature. It helps the individual to check the mechanism of the penis pump and to adjust the process as per personal convenience.
Step 4: depending on the mechanism of action of the device, create a vacuum inside the tube. It can be either a manual or a motorized device. The suction pressure will be felt on the penis. Based on your comfort, control the suction pressure and let the blood flow into the penile shaft making it stiff.
Step 5: When the penis is properly erect, place the constriction ring on the base of your penis to maintain the blood pressure inside.
Step 6: After you have achieved a proper erection and the construction ring is placed on the penis base, remove your penis from the tube. Make sure you have released the vacuum inside to loosen the penis from the tube.
As per conventional device usage, a constriction band can be placed safely over the base of your penis for 30 minutes. If you feel any discomfort, remove the constriction band immediately.
It takes time to understand the mode of action of a penis pump. Once you understand how to use it properly, you and your partner can decide when to use it. As per the suggestions from the experts in sexual or reproductive health, it is ideal to use a pump before foreplay or during sexual arousal.
Using a penis pump will enhance the longevity of an erection and will increase the time span of penetrative sex to gain more sexual pleasure. Users have reported the enhancement of sexual performance by using a pump on a regular basis. Moreover, the strength and stiffness of the penis also enhance to some extent by using a vacuum pump.
Enhancing the size of a penis with a vacuum pump is just a myth. There is no scientific evidence that a penis pump can enhance the dimension of the penis. Any claim regarding such myths is purely anecdotal.
Advantages of Using a Penis Pump
By using a penis pump according to the instructions, an individual suffering from ED can get immense benefits. If the case is mild to moderate then a penis pump can be one of the most useful non-clinical methods to use and maintain an erection for a considerable time period.
As per a review published in 2018 in the Journal of Urology, the use of penis pumps generated satisfaction rates of more than 80% among individuals with ED. This review is the amalgamation of six studies performed. In fact, 11 more studies in this review reported an escalation of 60% in satisfaction rate among the users.
This review substantiates how useful a vacuum pump can be to tackle ED issues. Let us discuss it in simpler words to understand the advantages of using a penis pump for ED.
Easier manual to follow
The devices prevalent in the market have an easier manual to follow. Most people can easily comprehend how to use a vacuum pump on their own. This is one of the easiest supportive treatments for erectile dysfunction that can be followed.
Acting fast and delivering results instantly
The proper use of a vacuum pump for ED will deliver results within a few minutes of its application. When you have mastered how to use a pump, the results are quite impressive. You will not have to wait for an hour to see the outcomes.
In fact, studies show that individuals who have gone through prostate removal surgery can also maintain an erection for a couple of minutes by using a pump. Even though prostate surgery damages the nerves in a penis, this pump can maintain an erection for a few minutes.
Drug-free alternative for ED
It is a commendable option for individuals who are unable to cope with ED pills. For instance, the most common treatments for erectile dysfunction are Phosphodiesterase Type-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) such as sildenafil, tadalafil and avanafil. Patients can also use these medicines along with a pump for better outcomes. This drug can cause a natural erection without the need for a mechanical device.
Cost-effective solution
A vacuum pump can be used multiple times and is a good purchase when it comes to regular usage. There is no need for a prescription for refilling. Simply using a water-based lubricant and a vacuum pump will deliver the same results.
No need to wait
As mentioned earlier, the effect of a vacuum penis pump can be seen within a few minutes. There is no waiting time like the pills. It means a man can use it whenever he wants and even multiple times in a day without fearing adverse drug effects.
Risks Related to Vacuum Penis Pump
Although vacuum pumps are considered safe by most healthcare professionals and highly effective for treating in a non-invasive and non-medicated way, it is better to learn the pitfalls and possible risks.
The use of a penis pump can range from once to several times a day. As it is a mechanical device, a user must learn the risks and then proceed to use it with caution.
Bruising or pain
The improper setting of the penile shaft inside the vacuum tube can cause bruising. Penis has the thinnest skin in the entire human body. Hence, the proper placement of the shaft inside a tube plays a major role in safety.
If anyone suffers from pain or witnesses bruising on regular use of a pump, he must stop for a few days and learn how to introduce the penile shaft and use it without bruising.
Blood vessel damage
It may happen that a user is unable to understand and optimize the suction pressure. On repeated use of high suction pressure, it may happen that the penile shaft forms red dots under the skin. It shows that the blood vessels inside the penis have ruptured causing these red blood dots. Hence, the pressure needs to be adjusted properly for safer use.
Discolouration, skin numbness and tingling
The discoloration of penile skin shows that there is a lack of blood flow. In fact, skin numbness and tingling sensation in the penis mean that blood is not reaching the tissues properly and irritates the nerve endings. It also means that the constriction ring used is too tight and needs to be loosened a bit.
Reduced firmness at the base of the penis
It has been reported that during the use of the vacuum pump, the base of the penis does not seem to be firm or stiff like the rest of the shaft.
Painful erection and ejaculation
One of the risks of using a constriction ring after using a penis pump is painful ejaculation. It is obvious that a constriction ring maintains the blood inside the tissues to prolong the erection. Due to this, the ducts carrying semen and sperm inside the penile shaft might get constricted and will not be released properly. It may result in painful ejaculation due to trapped semen.
What to Consider before Choosing a Vacuum Erection Pump?
The efficiency depends on the design of the mechanical pump used for suction and increasing the blood flow. If you are a newbie to this ED solution then make sure the vacuum pump design has been recommended by the sexual/ reproductive health experts.
Focus on the design and find whether there is a vacuum limiter included in the design or not. It enables you to avoid too-strong suctions and avoid injuries. Check the constriction ring included in the design and make sure it is comfortable enough to use. Consider the size of your penis for choosing the vacuum constriction device size also.
Sex therapy and the treatment of health conditions related to the cardiovascular system can also make situations better.
Penis pumps are often prescribed by doctors along with erectile dysfunction medications. You can get a product prescribed. Thus, a vacuum erectile device is a safer option to go with.
Bottom line
From the above discussion, we can conclude that using a penis pump can be very useful for ED cases. It is a non-medicated non-invasive treatment for ED that any man can easily comprehend and start using right away. Doctors do not generally recommend penile implants as primary treatment method for ED. Using vacuum constriction devices can be helpful as one of the first line of treatments.
The results are quite faster than the pills used. All you have to focus on are the risks and safety issues related to the use of vacuum pumps. Make sure you have studied the guidelines to use a vacuum pump to enhance your erection and keep using it when needed. Remember, penis pumps are not designed to increase the size but for achieving erection and then increasing the duration of erection for better sexual performance.
One important feature to look for when comparing penis pumps is a vacuum limiter — a feature that limits the amount of negative pressure in the vacuum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a vacuum erection device?
A: A vacuum erection device (VED) is a non-invasive medical device used to treat erectile dysfunction. It creates a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into the erectile tissues, resulting in an erection. A constriction band is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
Q: How to use vacuum pump for erection?
A: To use a vacuum pump for erection, place the cylinder over the penis and create a vacuum by pumping out the air. This will draw blood into the penis, causing an erection. Once the desired erection is achieved, apply a constriction band at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
Q: What are some oral medications for ED?
A: Some oral medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). These medications are commonly known as PDE5 inhibitors and help improve blood flow to the penis, facilitating erections.
Q: Do I need therapy for Erectile Dysfunction?
A: Whether you need therapy for Erectile Dysfunction depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Consulting health care providers is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or counseling to address any psychological factors contributing to ED.
