Before you begin pursuing therapy for erectile dysfunction, know that ED can be symptomatic of many underlying problems more serious than erectile dysfunction. Please read “What is low testosterone?” and “If you feel your testosterone petering out, do something.”
What can you do if the little blue pill isn’t helping you maintain that erection long enough to satisfy your partner? Or what if your doctor says taking Viagra or Cialis is not safe, because you are on a medicine with nitrates? Or perhaps you are just looking for a little boost to your sex life and trying to change things up. Famous from Austin Powers, believe it or not, the Swedish penis pump is a real thing.
A mechanical device for treating erectile dysfunction is the vacuum erection device (VED), also called a penis pump. Using a vacuum seal, it creates an erection by forcing blood into the penis as you remove air from the chamber. To prevent the blood from flowing backward you roll a rubber ring from the end of the device onto the base of your penis.
These devices are used for many reasons. One common reason is for anxiety-caused ED. Another common reason is penile rehab. Yeah, like push-ups for your schlong, the VED gets oxygenated blood flowing into the penis. This is often prescribed after prostate surgery when the patient is waiting for the nerves to the penis to wake up. In the months after prostate surgery urologist will often prescribe a combination of pills and regular use of the VED to get the penis pumped.
The VED is sometimes used if medication hasn’t worked successfully for ED. Or you could use a VED along with oral medication. It is generally safe and has almost no side-effects. It works for most men when used correctly. Its cost is generally lower than other options. It doesn’t require surgery or injections.
When you go to a urologist to ask about treatment options, be prepared to answer many questions. They help the doc prescribe the best option for you. Bring a list of prior illnesses, surgeries, especially urological surgeries, your meds, and other ED treatments you have tried.
What the penis pump looks like
The penis pump consists of a round, hollow plastic tube open on one end. The other end has either a hand- or a battery-operated pump. The entire device is basically a cylinder. You place it around the base of your penis (careful not to get the hairs caught) , create a good seal, and then activate the vacuum. Some penis pumps are available over-the-counter, online, or through magazine ads. But talk to your doctor before purchasing or using any of these. If you get one with a prescription, upon your doctor’s orders, you are assured it was manufactured reliably and will suit your needs. It should have a vacuum limiter to keep the pressure from getting too high and injuring your penis.
How to use the penis pump
To use the penis pump hold the open end toward your abdomen and insert your penis into the chamber. Hold the device tightly against your abdomen.
Activate the pump. You begin creating a vacuum as soon as you start pumping.
- If it’s hand operated, squeeze the pump to remove air from the chamber.
- If it’s battery-operated, turn on the power.
When an erection is achieved, roll the rubber ring from the opening of the hollow end onto the base of your penis. A bit of lubricant often helps here. The ring can remain in place for up to 30 minutes. It prevents the blood in your penis from flowing back into your body.
Prior to using it, you might want to shave or use Nair on the pubic area so that hair doesn’t get caught in the rubber ring.
Are they awkward to use?
Using a vacuum pump requires practice. Some men find that inviting their partners to participate removes some of the awkwardness and even contributes to foreplay.
Having a demonstration in your doctor’s office is essential for understanding correct usage. Correct use often correlates to successful sexual experiences. Many doctors offices will have a rep from the company selling the device who is willing to come to the office and spend 30-45 minutes with each patient, teaching them how to use their device.
How well do they work?
In one study, about 80% of men found this device successful.
Risks
If you have certain conditions or take certain medications, you may be at risk with a VED.
If you have sickle cell anemia or another type of blood disorder, using a VED might make you have blood clots or bleeding.
If you take blood-thinning medications, you might be at increased risk of bleeding. Examples of such medications include Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pletal, Brillinta, Jantoven and Plavix.
Side effects
One side effect is that your erect penis tends to be purple and often cold. To warm it, again, this could be part of foreplay, apply a warm compress, such as a hot water bottle or a heating pad. When you’re all warm, turn your attention to your partner.
Another is that your erection does not feel the same as a natural erection. If your penis is not firm at the base, it might rotate or pivot.
Other possible side effects:
- Numbness
- No ejaculation; a feeling of “trapped” semen
- Bruising and swelling of the penis
- Difficulty having an orgasm
- Pinpoint-sized red dots on the penis; caused by bleeding under the surface
A simple solution?
The penis pump will not cure ED, but it might enable you to get an erection long enough to have sex. This non-invasive treatment is generally successful and you will appreciate that there is no surgery and the only injection is the one you make into your partner.
From a clinical standpoint, the penis pump is not a great solution for complete erectile dysfunction. Its best role is for penile rehabilitation – getting healthy blood flowing to the penis. It is also great for augmenting a partial erection – a little extra blood flow into an already partially erect penis might be the extra ingredient your relationship was missing.
One extra tip – if you are prescribed a penis pump, check to see if your insurance will pay. Prices range from $200 to $600 or more. Medicare stopped paying for this device around 2013. However, if you tell the seller that you are paying without insurance, you might find that there is a substantial cash discount. It’s always worth asking.