What Is a Vacuum Erection Device (VED)?
A vacuum erection device, sometimes called a vacuum pump or penis pump, is an external acrylic pump that a man uses to get and maintain an erection. The VED consists of a cylinder that goes over the penis with either a battery operated or manual pump.
How Does a Vacuum Pump Work?
You place the pump over your penis. The pump creates a vacuum, which draws blood into the penis to create an erection. You then place a constriction band at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. The band can be left on for up to 30 minutes.
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Success Rates for VEDs
Some men use this device if they are not comfortable taking medication, or if they have tried oral medications and they do not work for them.
Many men move on to other therapies since there are some downsides with the VED:
- It can be awkward to use and takes the spontaneity out of sex.
- The penis can be cool to the touch since there is no active blood flow while the restriction band is in place.
- The penis may have a hinge effect and not stand straight up because the erectile bodies extend beyond your pubic bone.
Sex After Prostate Cancer Surgery
After prostate surgery for cancer, you may need penile rehabilitation. Penile rehabilitation helps the nerves that cause erections recover after prostate cancer surgery.
We recommend using a vacuum erection device as part of this treatment. It is important to get good blood flow into the penis soon after prostate cancer surgery. The use of the VED gets more oxygen into the penis which keeps the nerves and tissue healthy.
The daily use of vacuum therapy can also minimize any loss of penis length after prostate cancer surgery. It is important to follow a specific treatment plan from your urologist.
