Unlike traditional erectile dysfunction treatments, these devices do not require men to take medication, in order to achieve an erection. But are these devices a suitable alternative to Viagra, or other medical treatments. This article looks at what a penis pump does, how it works, and how to use them.
A penis pump is a device which is inserted over the penis, using suction to draw blood into the vessels to produce an erection.
A penis pump consists of:
Penis pumps work for most men with ED. They might be a good choice if ED medication is not suitable, causing side effects, does not work, or if you simply don’t want to use ED medication. They are available over-the-counter or to buy from sex shops.
A penis pump treats erectile dysfunction. It cannot permanently cure ED, but it can help to improve the quality of your erections.
A penis enlargement pump, also known as a penis vacuum pump, creates a vacuum around your penis that draws blood into the penis to help achieve and maintain an erection. The increase in blood flow can help give harder erections for sex.
The pump is often used with a constriction ring (also referred to as a cock ring), to help keep blood in the penis once an erection has been achieved.
Penis pumps are often marketed as penis enlargement devices. It is important to note that whilst they can help to achieve a fuller erection (which can make it seem as though your penis is bigger), they cannot naturally make your penis bigger. This is because they do not alter the anatomy of the penis and work by simply encouraging blood flow to the area.
Follow these instructions for how to use a penis pump safely and properly:
You should make sure your penis pump has a vacuum limiter safety feature to prevent the vacuum pressure from becoming too strong and injuring your penis. You can also release pressure from inside the cylinder, if your erection becomes painful. Do not go past the pain barrier. This can cause injury and there is no benefit in doing so. You should also ensure that the constriction ring is the right size. Too tight and it can be uncomfortable, but too loose will make it ineffective. Your device may come with a video or visual instruction guide. It is important to follow the steps to ensure you are using it safely. Correct use will avoid injury, and increases the chance of success.
It can take a few tries to get the hang of it. Remember, practice makes perfect.
An electric penis pump is battery-operated to avoid the need for manual pumping. Electric pumps are battery operated and work at the touch of a button. They use a motor and negate the need to “squeeze to pump” the vacuum device. They can be used by anyone and may be especially helpful if you have dexterity issues and arthritis.
Manual pumps allow you to control the pressure in the cylinder yourself. Simply squeeze the bulb to pump. They use air in the chamber to create a vacuum seal that helps draw blood into your penis. Manual penis pumps are often cheaper than electric penis pumps, and they are quieter too. However, they require more effort. You can also buy dual use penis pumps that can be operated by battery, or hand pumped.
Some pumps use water rather than air pressure. You add water to the cylinder and pump. The benefits of water pumps are that they can help to tell if you’ve created a tight enough seal or not, due to leaking water. Creating a tight seal is an integral part to the success of a penis pump. It is also easier to create an air tight seal with a water pump. The drawback is that you need to have a supply of water nearby, and it can get a little messy.
This is largely down to your personal preference. You can ask a health care provider to assist you in choosing the best penis pump for your needs. Electric pumps are easier but require batteries and can be noisy. Manual pumps take a bit of effort to pump but can be more affordable and are quieter. An air pump is less messy and won’t get the bed wet, but creating an adequate seal can be slightly more difficult. Water pumps make it easier to ensure you have a good enough seal, but they are notorious for causing water spillage.
A 5-year study looking at the results of those that used penis pumps, reported that the devices resulted in both patient and partner satisfaction. The study was carried out on 2 different groups. Penis pumps resulted in an 82% patient satisfaction and 89% partner satisfaction in group 1; and an 84% patient satisfaction and 89% partner satisfaction in group 2. 79% of patients reported an increase in the frequency they had sex, after discovering the use of a vacuum pump. Overall, results from using a penis pump appear to be promising.
You may wish to consider the before and after effect of a penis pump, to help you decide whether it’s working for you or not however. In simple terms, if you have been able to achieve a satisfactory erection firm enough for penetration, you can consider it to be a success.
Whilst it works well for most men, there is no guarantee that it will work for you. If you are not happy with the results after using a pump, it may just be a case of you needing more practice. You may also wish to consider other ED options such as sex pills. It is possible to use ED medication together with penis pumps.
Penis pumps can be an attractive option for men with ED for several reasons. They are inexpensive with just one up-front cost, non-invasive and they can safely be combined with other treatments, such as ED medication. However, they do come with risks and side effects.
The risk of losing sensation is higher the longer you leave the constriction band on for. Bands should be used for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Reduced ejaculation can be another problem attributed to constriction bands. Whilst it may reduce the force of ejaculation, it will not have an effect on the intensity or pleasure of an orgasm.
This can be caused by using the pump for too long, or pumping too hard. Repeatedly doing this can actually cause ED.
This is usually temporary and will go away after a few days. It is more likely to happen the first few times you pump. With experience and practice, you are less likely to experience pain or bruising.
This is caused by using the constriction ring for a long period of time. Using it for less than 30 minutes is not a problem. Sensation will return, however, using it for longer than 30 minutes on a regular basis can damage penile health.
Known as petechiae, you may notice tiny red dots under the surface of the skin. These usually resolve within a short space of time.
The purpose of a penis pump is to help you to get and keep an erection. It may seem unnatural to pump, but try to engage in sexual activity shortly after removing the pump. Once you get into it, it’s likely you’ll forget about the process beforehand.
You should evaluate how safe it is to use a pump device. It’s advisable to talk to your doctor before using a penis pump. They can check for any underlying causes of your ED and check your medical history to ensure a penis pump is safe for you to use.
Penis pumps should not be used if you:
It can be dangerous to use a penis pump in these scenarios.
Penis pumps are generally effective at producing erections for most users, with the duration typically lasting around 30 minutes, though this can vary by individual. These devices are considered safe and do not carry the side effects often associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) medications. Unlike penile implants, which require surgery, penis pumps are noninvasive.
In terms of cost, a penis pump is usually more economical over time compared to medications or other treatments, since it can be used multiple times without ongoing expenses.
Additionally, a penis pump can help following procedures such as prostate surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Another advantage is that you can use a penis pump along ED medications or other treatments without increasing the risk. For some individuals, consistent use of a pump may even help encourage more spontaneous erections.
Some men are eligible for a penis pump on prescription via their GP or a specialist. However, penis pumps are not always available on the NHS. You should speak to a doctor about where to get a vacuum pump for erectile dysfunction. A penis pump will only usually be recommended if you meet the NHS eligibility criteria.
You may be eligible if you have one of the following long-term conditions:
You should not attempt to make your own homemade penis pump. It is unlikely to be successful in helping with your erections and it could cause injury or infection.
Tip: Stay away from DIY penis pumps!
You can safely use a penis pump with medication for ED. Some men find a combination of erectile dysfunction treatments work best for them. Common treatments that are used with penis pumps are sildenafil tablets and tadalafil tablets. Sildenafil has a window of action of around 4 hours, whilst tadalafil can last for up to 36 hours. It is also available as a daily pill, to avoid the need to schedule dosing. The use of medication can help some men to get and stay hard, if a penis pump is not working, and vice versa.
Important note: Many men using penis pumps do so, because it avoids the need to use medication. Products marketed as natural Viagra, or herbal remedies to ED, should be approached with caution. Whilst these products may contain some natural ingredients, it’s difficult to know what else is in these products, or whether they have been produced in line with good manufacturing processes. Unlike medication which needs to be sold by a licensed pharmacy, these products can be sold by anyone. They lack scientific evidence, and can be harmful to your health. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Penis pumps do work for many men in improving their erections (over 80% of men according to research). In addition to giving you bigger and stronger erections, they can be enjoyable to use too. However, like most things, they don’t work for everyone. If you have ED, you need to find the best ED solution that suits you. Unfortunately, they will not help to make your penis physically bigger than it is. Fortunately, they can help you to get an erection firm enough for sex.
To summarise, the benefits of penis pumps for ED include:
Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.