Vacuum Erection Devices
Vacuum erection devices
A mechanical ED pump used to pull blood into the penis can cause an erection. The system includes a plastic cylinder, an external penile pump, and a tension band to place at the base of the penis. When the penis is erect, the ring is placed at the base to maintain an erection long enough to have sex (up to 30 minutes).20
PROS: An economical option that does not require prescription medications.
CONS: Men using VEDs reported discomfort and bruising when pumping and some men experience numbness or a cooled penis,20 21 using it right before intercourse may spoil the mood.
PATIENT SATISFACTION AND OUTCOMES: Satisfaction rates range from 68-80%53 and from 80-92% after radical prostatectomy. In a study of 85 patients, 73 of 85 (86%) decided to move onto other sexual aids.27
Make sure you understand the treatment options available to you and be open and upfront about how the options fit your lifestyle.
ED AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Diabetes
Men with diabetes are more likely to move to advanced treatments than those without diabetes.9 A healthy lifestyle can help you control your diabetes and improve ED symptoms. Treatment options are available; however, men with diabetes are less responsive to oral ED medications.4
Heart disease
What’s good for the heart is good for your ED symptoms. If ED occurs, most treatment options are available. However, oral ED medication and heart medications don’t mix well and the medication in some injections should not be used if you have blood clotting problems.22
Understanding ED and heart disease
Prostate Cancer
While ED may be a side effect of prostate cancer treatment, erectile function does not return in all cases. Penile rehabilitation and counseling may help both partners in recovery. Despite wide usage, 30-50% of patients who turn to sexual aids after surgery discontinue use within a year.27
Understanding prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction
ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ED SYMPTOMS AND CONCERNS.
