Erectile Dysfunction Information
Vacuum Erection Device for ED: How It Works, Pros and Cons
Oct
Erectile dysfunction is common health problem among men, many men feel embarrassed to talk about it openly. ED can have many causes, including reduced blood flow, diabetes, high blood pressure, psychological factors such as stress, low testosterone in some men, and nerve damage following certain surgeries.
For men who prefer an option that does not involve pills or injections, a vacuum erection device (VED) is a non-drug treatment option for erectile dysfunction. In simple terms, a vacuum erection device uses negative pressure to draw blood into the penis and help produce an erection.
Vacuum erection devices have been used clinically for decades, and specific medical devices have been cleared or approved by regulatory authorities for erectile dysfunction.
Vacuum Erection Device for ED
Vacuum Erection Device is made of the following parts, and understanding them makes the rest of this guide much easier to follow.
Parts
- Cylinder: The plastic tube fits over the penis and forms a seal against the body.
- Pump: Attached to the cylinder, the pump can be manual or battery-powered. It removes air from the cylinder to create a vacuum.
- Constriction ring: A soft, elastic ring placed around the base of the penis after an erection is produced. It helps reduce blood outflow and maintain the erection.
Functions
- Creates negative pressure inside the cylinder, drawing blood into the penis and producing an erection.
- Works purely through air pressure, with no drugs involved
- Increases blood filling of the erectile tissues.
- Because the device mechanically draws blood into the penis, it may help men whose ED is associated with nerve injury, including some men after pelvic surgery.
- The constriction ring helps maintain firmness by reducing blood outflow from the penis.
- Can be used on demand, right before sexual activity
- Because a VED works mechanically rather than by delivering medication, it generally has fewer systemic effects than drug-based ED treatments.
- Requires no absorption into the bloodstream, unlike oral medicine
- The device may produce an erection ranging from partially firm to sufficiently firm for intercourse, depending on the individual response.
Working
If needed, trim or shave pubic hair around the base of the penis to help create a good seal. Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant around the opening of the cylinder. Adjust the cylinder over the penis and press it against the body to create a tight seal, ensuring there are no air gaps around the edges. Once a good seal is established, operate the pump slowly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
As the pump operates, air will begin to escape from the cylinder, creating a vacuum that stimulates an erection. As the vacuum develops, blood is drawn into the erectile tissues and the penis gradually becomes more rigid, and An erection may develop within several minutes, although the time and degree of rigidity vary among individuals.
At this point, The constriction ring is then transferred to the base of the penis to help reduce blood outflow and maintain the erection. The Cylinder is then removed while the ring stays in place to hold the erection steady. The constriction ring should not remain in place for more than 30 minutes, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the time once this last step is done.
Erection Types and Stages
Types and stages help explain why a VED behaves differently from a pill:
Axial vs Non-Axial Erection
Axial rigidity refers to the ability of an erect penis to resist bending forces along its shaft. An erection can appear full but may not provide sufficient rigidity for comfortable penetration.
Stages of a Normal Erection
A typical erection involves sexual or other stimulation, nerve signaling, increased blood flow into the erectile tissues, increased rigidity, and eventual return to the flaccid state when stimulation decreases.
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Pros of a Vacuum Erection Device
- Can be reused when properly maintained, depending on the device and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Reusable for years with proper care.
- An erection can often be produced within several minutes, although response varies.
- VEDs may be an option for some men who cannot use certain oral ED medicines, but men with cardiovascular disease should discuss ED treatment options with a healthcare professional.
- Because VEDs do not deliver medication into the bloodstream, they do not have the drug–drug interactions associated with oral ED medicines. However, some medications may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
- VEDs may be used as part of penile rehabilitation after prostate surgery, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Clinical information from the Urology Care Foundation indicates that, with proper training, about 75% of men may be able to achieve a working erection with a VED, although individual results vary.
- May be useful for ED associated with several underlying causes, although effectiveness varies from person to person.
- A VED may have a lower long-term cost than some ongoing ED treatments, depending on the device, medication and insurance coverage.
- Can be combined with other treatments if a doctor approves
- Some VEDs can be purchased without a prescription, although healthcare professionals may recommend a specific medical-grade device.
Cons of a Vacuum Erection Device
- The constriction ring should not be left in place for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- May cause bruising, small areas of bleeding under the skin, or discomfort, particularly if excessive vacuum pressure is used.
- Mayo Clinic specifically lists a cold feeling as a possible effect.
- Keep, but ideally support it with device-specific medical information.
- Reduces spontaneity since it takes a few minutes to set up
- A VED treats the erectile symptom but does not necessarily treat the underlying cause of ED.
- Men taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines should consult a healthcare professional before using a VED because they may have a higher risk of bruising or bleeding.
- Needs correct cylinder sizing to work comfortably
- Requires lubricant every time it is used
- Ring can feel tight or uncomfortable if the wrong size is chosen
- Not ideal for severe cases of Peyronie’s disease without medical advice
Precautions
- Men with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, should consult a healthcare professional before using a VED because suction can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
- Men taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines should consult a healthcare professional before using a VED.
- Men with sickle cell disease should discuss VED use with a healthcare professional before using a constriction ring.
- Men with significant Peyronie’s disease or penile curvature should seek medical advice before using a VED.
- Men with an active penile infection, skin injury, or an open wound should avoid using the device until the area has healed and they have received appropriate medical advice.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an erection last with a VED?
The duration varies. When a constriction ring is used, it should not remain in place for more than 30 minutes. The erection itself may last long enough for sexual activity but varies from person to person.
Is Vacuum Erection Device Painful?
A VED may cause a sensation of pressure or pulling while the vacuum is created. Pain can occur if excessive vacuum pressure is used or if the constriction ring is too tight.
Does a patient need a prescription to buy a VED?
Some VEDs can be purchased without a prescription, although a healthcare professional may recommend a specific medical-grade device. Prescription and insurance requirements vary by country and insurer.
Can a patient use a VED along with ED medicine?
A VED may sometimes be used alongside other ED treatments, including medication, but patients should discuss combination treatment with their healthcare professional.
Is it safe for older men to use a VED?
VEDs can be an option for older men with ED, but age alone does not determine whether the device is appropriate. Overall health, medications, bleeding risk and the cause of ED should be considered.
Conclusion
A vacuum erection device (VED) is a non-drug treatment option that can help many men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection suitable for sexual activity. It does not work for everyone and may require some practice to use correctly. For some men, it can provide an effective alternative to medication or more invasive treatments, although it also has potential side effects and limitations. Talk with a healthcare professional or urologist if you have ED or are unsure whether a VED is appropriate for you.
Reference
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