These handy vacuum pumps are very beneficial and productive for those males who are experiencing any level of erectile dysfunction, a common type of sexual dysfunction for penis owners. These pumps give a temporary enlargement, lengthening, and girth enhancement and helps the user be able to participate in penetrative sex acts. If you are having trouble maintaining your erection or achieving an erection at all, consider checking out various penis pumps to do holistic therapy to work on restoring some of your lost function.
Certain conditions of the penis, like erectile dysfunction, hinder the ability to achieve or maintain an erection causing life altering issues for men. The feelings, emotions, and physical changes ED can cause can hinder daily life and interactions with others. There are some prescription medications that can assist with these issues, but those come with their own side effects and other serious complications. When you begin to struggle with erections, consider trying a penis pump.
The Workings of the Penis Pump
Penis vacuum pumps work by creating a suction, a vacuum, of pressure which increase the blood drawn into the penile shaft, increasing the volume of the spongy tissue that holds the blood flow that enlarges the corpora cavernosa cells, thusly creating an erection. The pump will also help to stretch and lengthen the suspensory ligament which helps to make the penis more elastic and allows for more growth during erections. Using a vacuum pump system on a regular basis, as therapy, reduces the risk of forming cavernosal fibrosis, which is an abnormal growth of tissue in the penis, which can worsen ED (ACS).
Vacuum Pump Benefits
The old saying. “use it or lose it, “is entirely true when talking about sexual function. As aging occurs, the natural sexual side effects or side effects from other health conditions can hinder or limit your sexual function. Regular use of a penis pump can prevent and lower the risk of developing ED-like symptoms, and a pump is a great, safe way to increase the size and firmness of the erection, regardless of your age or ability.
These pumps are helpful for those who have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. They enable the user to get enough of an erection to participate in penetrative sex acts, which is uncommon for those with full loss of ability. While pumps do give men the boost they need to participate in these acts, they are not a permanent fix, nor will they restore ALL function back to “normal.” (“Normal” here references getting a usable erection with every pleasurable thought; example: teenage years).
But they sure can help!
Overall, these pumps- both air pressure and water based- are safe with fewer side effects than the prescription medication or surgical options offer. One side effect is the chance of slight bruising, or the development of “hickey-like” marks on the penile shaft. This often occurs with first time use, and occasionally during the first few uses of a new pump, while the user adjusts and learns. Neither of those side effects are harmful or long lasting, but can be startling if the user is unaware they can happen. Pumps are also much less expensive than surgical intervention, have less side effects, and are not a permanent body alteration.
There is a low invasiveness with pumps, as their results are not permanent and fade away. Using a blend of treatments, like using a pump with the occasional help from an erection causing prescription medication could boast for a wonderful few hour of connection and pleasure. Depending on your situation, you may have multiple support device options available to help you to get the results you desire. You will need to find out what works best for you, your penis, and your sexual wants.
If you are having issues involving the genitals like incontinence, pelvic pain, feelings of heaviness, you might consider locating a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist or Physical Therapist in your area. These wonderful professionals are specialized in the pelvic floor and can teach you how to work with your body to restrengthen and power up your core.
One of the simplest pumps to begin with is a standard, basic hand-pump air pressure penis pump. These air pumps work by using a vacuum seal around the base of the penis shaft and the body, with controlled, pressurized suction to help increase the blood flow in to the penis. This creates a firmer, harder, longer lasting erection that can be used for penetrative acts, or anything else. By using the pump regularly and encouraging the penile shaft, blood cells, and tissues to work as they should, this helps to build and keep muscle memory, which can help with nerve healing and growth.
The clear tubes of these devices allow the user to see the results live and make decisions on pressure levels and length of use as they go. Many can be used with only one hand and have a quick release valve designed to instantly release all pressure, if needed. The donut rings and sleeves that come with pumps are designed to help hold the pressure suction while the tube is in use, and often after to act as a ring to help hold the blood inside of the penis shaft longer.
Do Doctors Approve of Pump Use?
Many doctors are beginning to prescribe penis pumps for erectile dysfunction treatment, although there is much work to be done to have the entire medical world to recognize this vital holistic treatment as valid. Urologists, surgeons, MDs, and PhDs alike are now recommending pumps to their patients, but have no viable, quality resource to secure these devices and products from. In a study by Raina, who polled 109 men after their radical prostatectomy, nearly 80% of those men regularly using a penis pump were able to participate in penetrative intercourse successfully. (NIH) Those other 22% of men were able to achieve a semi-erect level, but not long enough to penetrate their partner. 28% of those men were then offered a combination treatment with pumps and medications and were all then successful (ACS).
Long term conditions like diabetes, heart disease, spinal injuries, or cystic fibrosis can hinder the ability to achieve an erection. Peyronie’s disease, or the curvature of the penis, can also encourage the penis to straighten- but not without guidance from a doctor. Some suggest those with Peyronie’s disease use a hydro-water pump for gentleness.
Vacuum pumps are a great boost for mental health as well. They help to restore the function that many routinely use, or desire, and this helps to boost the overall mental health outlook. For a man, simply watching their erection rise after a time of inability can lift their spirits enough to want to try, work on things, and get back in the game.
These types of positive results show medical professionals that the use of these devices id extremely beneficial for most all men dealing with these issues. If you are unsure if you should try it, or if your doctor would approve, simply reach out to them for an appointment and ask their thoughts.
The Safety of Penis Pumps & Vacuum Systems
Pumps are safe for most all men. There are certain conditions that would cause a pause and a check in with their medical doctor before proceeding. There are also numerous conditions that cause no problem whatsoever, and the user is safe to proceed with pump therapy. Diabetes, poor blood flow, surgery for cancer or other penis-related issues, or psychological conditions patients are safe to proceed.
Some conditions that requite a healthcare check in are:
If you take any medication to thin your blood such as warfarin, heparin, and some over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Naproxen.
- If you suffer from Priapism whereby the penis remains erect for a prolonged period of time causing pain and discomfort.
- If you have Sickle Cell anemia. Some forms of leukemia or any blood disorder which makes you susceptible to bleeding or blood clots.
- If you have heart disease or other heart conditions.
Here are more details on the few side effects from pump use.
Unnatural Erection. Erections using the penis pump may feel unnatural or un-spontaneous at first. This is completely normal for men who have been affected by erectile dysfunction. While it may feel awkward or strange, with practice, patience, and understanding you will become very comfortable with your pump.
Petechiae. These pinpoint-like dots occur under the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. This can also happen with pressure increases inside of the body, such as those that happen during severe bouts of vomiting. To avoid the wild pressure increases, make sure your penis pump has a quick release valve for safety.
Pain and bruising. This happens at the base of the shaft and generally resolves itself a few days after use. It takes time and patience to learn the proper use of your penis pump. The proper position, comfortable pressure levels and soft-feeling, flexible support rings and lubrication are important factors to consider when beginning use. If you cannot get a proper seal between the body and base of the tube, you may need to shave the area, so a firmer connection can be made. If you do suffer from these issues, consider trying a penis pump that is gentle and uses water as a part of the process. Also, whenever you are using a pump or any action that creates friction on the penis, consider using a high-quality lubrication to create a barrier to protect your skin.
Decreased Sensation. When the pump is in place, or the support ring is helping to maintain the erection, numbness, coldness, or slight bluish coloration could happen. Constriction bands, also known as support rings or cock rings, should only be left on for thirty-minutes maximum. Once the pump or rings are removed, feeling returns and the numbness subsides. (NIH, CDC)
Pumps for the Differently-Abled
There are many models of pumps that are designed to be used with one-hand only, or even a hands-free design. These pumps often have an electric component, and the pressure is controlled digitally by entering the desired pressure number, and the mechanical functions activate the pressure inside with the push of a button. This is much easier for those who have lost dexterity in their hands.
Hydro-therapy pumps are a great alternative for those who want to try new sensations and can be used in the shower, bathtub, or even the bedroom. They use the gentle power of circulating water to give the user a completely safe, controlled erection. When shopping for these devices, search for those that are skin safe, phthalate free, and as chemical free as possible. Made in the USA is best, but not always available. Water-based pumps are made for specific sized erect penis, so pay attention when ordering.
Please reach out to our team if you have questions about pumps, use, or sizing.
Most importantly, do not let the fear of trying something new, or the worry that sexual dysfunction brings, hinder your decision to try a pump and pump therapy. As humans, we are designed desire, crave, and need intimacy, and the ability to feel sexually close to another person. When that ability is taken suddenly taken away, a part of our internal self is lost. Do not give up on your intimate desires!
Citations:
ForHims
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization
Testicular Cancer Foundation
American Cancer Society
Note: This article is for informational purposes only with information compiled from numerous major health sources listed in the citations. Please consult your medical team for your situation or concerns.