Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Mechanical Vacuum Devices

Before the discovery of PDE Inhibitors -- oral medications such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, which allow arteries and smooth muscles in the penis to relax and therefore permit more blood to flow into the penis -- one of the more popular treatments for ED (erectile dysfunction) included the use of vacuum-constrictor devices, more commonly known as pumps. Though drug therapy has indeed revolutionized the ED industry, non-drug options, such as pumps are still very much alive and they may even be more appropriate than drug therapy in certain cases. This is especially true for patients that are taking other prescription medications that cannot be mixed with PDE inhibitors because they may lower a person's blood pressure to unsafe levels for example.

Components of a Vacuum Constrictor Device (VCD)

Penile vacuum devices are made up of three (3) major parts:

1. A plastic cylinder which is placed around the penis
2. A pump that is used to remove the air within the cylinder and create a vacuum effect
3. A constricting band: an Elastic ring placed on the stem of the penis to keep it rigid

How does a Vacuum Device Work?

After the penis is placed within the plastic cylinder, the man squeezes the pump until all of the air is removed. This creates a suction or vacuum feeling which forces blood to enter the penis under enough pressure to cause rigidity, thus an erection is achieved. The erection process usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes.

In order for the penis to stay rigid after the cylinder is removed, it is necessary to first place the elastic ring around the stem of the penis. Otherwise, the buckling pressure will be lost. Also, be sure to use an appropriate lubricant when sliding the elastic ring onto the lower end (stem) of the penis.

After sexual intercourse, removal of the elastic ring or band will cause the erection to automatically cease. Keep in mind that the ring should remain on the penis for no longer than 30 minutes, because longer use may result in injuries to the penis.

The Vacuum Entrapment Device (VE)

The vacuum entrapment device is a variation of the vacuum constrictor device which uses a silicone sheath that is placed on the penis and is worn during sexual intercourse. The device applies a continuous vacuum during sexual activity thus keeping the penis rigid.

How Effective are Vacuum Constrictor and/or Entrapment Devices?

Vacuum devices cause erections in almost all men. Furthermore, reports indicate that there is a high degree of satisfaction from both the person using it as well as from the sexual partner's side. Also, vacuum devices are sometimes used in combination with other ED (erectile dysfunction) treatments such as sildenafil (Viagra). This is especially true for patients that are not entirely satisfied with the results achieved with medication use. A study published by the Journal of Urology found that patients that simultaneously used drug therapy, as well as vacuum devices always claimed they experienced more satisfaction.

The study concluded that patients who were not satisfied with one treatment or the other when used alone (i.e. VCD alone or Drug Therapy used alone), could have a combined treatment be recommended.

Perhaps the biggest complaint regarding vacuum devices is that they do not allow for spontaneity. Sex with vacuum devices is always a planned event and requires certain steps in order to prepare for it. Other than that, vacuum devices are usually well accepted.

How Safe are Vacuum Devices?

When vacuum devices are used appropriately and for short periods of time they appear to be quite safe. Prolonged use may cause possible bruising, chaffing or other injuries to the penis. Vacuum devices should not be used by men that suffer from prolonged congenital bleeding.

Side effects include less force during ejaculation and possible bruising of the penile shaft. The penis may also turn a bit purplish in color and may at times feel numb or cold.

What to Look For When Purchasing a Vacuum Constriction Device

Safety features should be your first concern. Find out what they are and how they can ensure you aren't at risk of injury. One particularly important safety feature should be effective pressure release valves. Vacuum constrictor devices come in both battery powered versions, as well as manual pump versions, though battery powered versions tend to be much more expensive.