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In your journey to finding the best erectile dysfunction remedy, you may have stumbled across penis pumps—or the more pleasant-sounding vacuum erection devices.
Make no mistake: penis pumps are effective and can help you achieve boners suitable for sexual activity. But as with all treatments, it has some drawbacks.
From pain due to constriction to penile instability, there are some notable downsides to taking this form of treatment.
Besides that, erectile dysfunction treatments are prescribed by doctors and depend largely on the root cause of the underlying condition.
As such, penis pumps might not be the best treatment for everyone. For a better appraisal of your health, consult your health practitioner before opting for any treatment.
Let’s explore the concept behind penis pumps and their benefits and drawbacks.
What Are Vacuum Erection Devices?
Vacuum erection devices, or penis pumps, help men achieve an erection by forcing blood into their penis. More specifically, a vacuum erection device uses a constriction ring and vacuum-like device to create a suction that draws blood toward the penis.
First invented in 1874 by American doctor John King, vacuum technology has been used to help men gain an erection for a long time. However, the early prototype wasn’t a practical or long-lasting solution, as the erection faded as soon as the pump was removed.
Otto Lederer, a mechanic, fine-tuned the pump while trying to regain the erectile function of men in their old age in the 1970s. This invention was further perfected by Geddings Osbon in 1974. And by 1982, this device was finally labeled as a viable prescription product by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Used widely from then on, penis pumps have been used to help men achieve and maintain an erection for up to 7 minutes.
How Do You Use A Penis Pump?
Before getting prescribed a vacuum erectile device, a licensed doctor will teach you how to use the device during the first clinical session.
An erection pump has 3 separate parts:
- A plastic tube that goes over your penis
- A pump that is attached to the tube
- A band or ring that fits around the base of your penis
Before proceeding with the treatment, apply water-soluble jelly at the base of your penis before using a penile pump. This creates a water-tight seal to prevent air leakage.
Then put your penis in the tube and gradually release air to draw blood. Lastly, place the band around your penis to maintain the erection.
Although using vacuum constriction devices isn’t too difficult, it can cause complications to arise if done wrong. Before using one, speak to a local ED doctor for additional information on how to use it correctly, or if alternative ED treatments may be more beneficial to consider long-term.
Downsides of Penis Pumps
The main issue when using a penis pump is that you have to manually adjust them before they work. It’s not spontaneous like a normal, healthy erection. In fact, it takes around 10 to 20 minutes to get erect, which can be more than enough time to kill the mood.
Penis pumps can also cause reduced blood flow or ischemia. For this reason, a vacuum pump isn’t advisable to be in use for longer than 30 minutes.
Moreover, a vacuum constriction device can also cause a slew of side effects.
Incorrect usage of penis pumps can also lead to complications, including:
- Development of petechiae (tiny spots of blood under the skin)
- Hematoma (a pool of clotted blood, mainly by a broken blood vessel)
- Penile fibrosis
- Sexual dysfunction (if you did not have it before using penis pumps)
- Device infection
- Leg spasms
Moreover, VED devices are not suitable for men who are on medications that involve blood thinners. This is because the combination of these two treatments subjects the user to an increased risk of internal bleeding.
While some reports claim ED pumps can enlarge your penis, most studies find no significant elongation. In fact, using ED pumps may even result in tissue damage and injuries to your penis.
Penis pumps are readily available in the market, but consult a doctor before buying one. If you’re looking for suitable pumps for erectile problems, choose a penile pump with a vacuum limiter to prevent excessive pressure buildup.
Alternatives to Penis Pumps
Penis pumps may appear to be a trustworthy quick treatment for erectile dysfunction, but they are not as effective as they are marketed to be. According to a published study, only 30% of patients were satisfied with the usage of penis pumps for elongation.
Another problem is that penis pumps are not a permanent treatment. This necessitates the inclusion of other treatments which offer permanent relief from erectile dysfunction.
These treatments include:
ED Therapy
Erectile dysfunction therapy uses a combination of oral medications, gels, creams, and injections to stimulate blood flow to your penis.
This form of treatment is often prescribed to men who need a customized approach to erectile dysfunction treatment.
Penile Implants
Penile implants involve a minimal surgical procedure to implant a prosthetic semi-rigid or inflatable rod into your penis. This rod helps you get erect when intended.
With a satisfaction rate of 86%, patients using penile implants or penile prostheses for sexual intercourse find it to be a highly effective and recommended to treat erectile dysfunction, although more invasive compared to other treatment options.
Acoustic Wave Therapy
Also known as shock wave therapy, this process uses low-intensity, noninvasive acoustic waves to enable the formation of new blood vessels directly inside your penis.
According to one study, acoustic wave therapy can also promote natural and spontaneous erections. This treatment is especially effective for men with mild erectile dysfunction.
Other ways you may increase your erectile function are by following a healthy diet, exercising often, and quitting any harmful habits, like smoking and drinking.
Regain Your Sexual Vitality with Medical Guidance from Tampa’s Top ED Clinic
While penis pumps can help you achieve an erection, it’s neither fast nor permanent. It may be helpful for those with no other ED treatment options, but there are more reliable methods out there.
Treating erectile dysfunction with acoustic wave therapy, proper ED therapy, and other surgical procedures may help you develop a longer lasting and healthier erection.
For further information on alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction, or other sexual problems, contact a sexual health professional for guidance about medical treatments.
You can overcome sexual health conditions with various other methods and men’s health treatments recommended by health practitioners at Tampa’s Prestige Men’s Medical Center. This includes ED therapy, acoustic wave therapy, testosterone treatment, and adrenal fatigue treatment. Don’t miss out on any opportunities you can find to get the proper treatment and achieve a happy and fulfilling sex life.
