Vacuum Erection Devices (Penis Pumps) for Erectile Dysfunction

Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs), or penis pumps, are used to draw blood into the penis, causing an erection. The devices come in both manual and electric versions. Some men prefer the convenience of electric pumps, while other’s prefer the control of a manual device.

Pumps may be used for several purposes, described below.

Achieving an Erection

Penis pumps are a good alternative for men who don’t respond to, or prefer not to take, oral medications for ED.

Using a penis pump is simple:

The opening of the tube is coating with a lubricating gel.
A nylon or polymer constriction ring is stretched around the opening of the tube.
The penis is inserted into the tube, pressing the lubricated opening tightly against the man’s body.
The pump is activated, creating a vacuum in the tube, and causing the penis to expand.
When the penis is sufficiently hard, the constriction ring is slipped off the end of the tube, onto the base of the penis, so that it traps the blood in the penis.
The vacuum is released using a valve on the pump, and the tube is slipped off the penis.

Be sure to remove the constriction ring within 30 minutes, or if it becomes painful. Restricting blood to the penis for prolonged periods can cause permanent damage. (See our article on “Priapism: an Erection That Won’t Go Down.”)

Pros

Although a good quality FDA-approved vacuum pump can be expensive ($200-$400), it is much cheaper than oral medications like Viagra and Cialis in the long run.
For men who don’t want to depend on chemicals, or have side-effects from oral medications, vacuum pumps are a natural alternative.

Cons

Using the pump is a little cumbersome, and – let’s face it – can kill the mood.
Some men find the pump and constriction rings uncomfortable or even painful.
For some men, the pump does not produce a firm enough erection for penetrative sex.

A study done in 2002 found that overall satisfaction was 68%¹. Pain, inconvenience, and premature loss of rigidity were cited as reasons for dissatisfaction.

Therapeutic or Rehabilitation Use

In order to remain healthy, the penis depends on regular erections to oxygenate the tissues. It’s believed that is why men often get erections during the night. Men with severe ED – particularly men who have undergone prostate removal or radiation treatment for prostate cancer – often find that their penis actually shrinks. Peyronie’s disease can also reduce circulation in the penis.

Regular use of a vacuum pump (20 minutes per day, three days a week) can maintain the health of the penis, and prevent or even reverse shrinkage² ³ ⁴. Vacuum pumps are often used in conjunction with Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy to restore blood flow to the penis.

Men who are planning a penile implant are advised to use a vacuum pump daily for a month prior to the surgery, to stretch and loosen the tissues. This will insure maximum length after the implant surgery, and may also speed recovery⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸.

Vacuum pumps have also been shown to be useful in decreasing curvature and shrinkage due to Peyronie’s Disease⁹.

Penis Enlargement

Late night infomercials and ads on porn sites may promote vacuum pumps to permanently enlarge the penis. It doesn’t work. (See our article, “What You Should Know About Penis Size.”)

As noted in the previous section, a penis pump may help to prevent or reverse shrinkage for men with severe ED. But a pump will not enlarge the penis beyond its original size.

Tips

For maximum benefit, use a penis pump twice a day, for ten minutes per session.

The “ring” that fits against your body (at the base of the tube) needs to make a good seal in order to achieve a proper vacuum. If you have problems getting a good seal, you can run a bead of a water-based sex lube around the ring. (You can buy water-based gel lubricants at Amazon.com.)

Be sure to clean the ring and the cylinder after every use!

Safety

If the vacuum is too strong, a pump can rupture blood vessels in the penis, resulting in bruising and possibly permanent damage. For that reason, it’s very important to get a well-made, FDA-approved vacuum erection device.

These devices have two ways to “release” the vacuum: a manual button, and an automatic valve that is triggered if the vacuum becomes too strong.

Avoid the cheap pumps often sold sold in sex shops. A good pump will cost between $80 for a basic model, to $200 or more for a top-of-the-line pump.

Pump Recommendations

Pos-T-Vac

We recommend the Pos-T-Vac line of medical grade, FDA approved pumps. They are solidly constructed, comfortable, and achieve a good vacuum.

We have a pump that has been in use for more than five years!

The pump includes stretchable latex constriction rings in three sizes, and a tube of lubricant gel.

The manual model is currently available at Amazon.com.

(Please use our Contact Form to notify us if this link is broken or the pump is out of stock.)

Adam’s Rechargeable Penis Pump

If you’re looking for an inexpensive rechargeable pump, you can’t go wrong with this model from Adam and Eve. It’s solid and well made, with a very comfortable donut sleeve. It includes a USB cable for charging, and a change last 3-5 hours.

There are five levels of vacuum pressure; easy to use buttons let you adjust the level. A digital display shows the current pressure.

The pump is currently available at AdamEve.com.