Is a penile vacuum safe and effective for treating impotence?

Erectile dysfunction or better known as impotence is a problem that is quite disturbing for men. The reason is, this disorder can drastically reduce men's confidence levels. A pumping device known as a penis vacuum or in foreign terms is called a vacuum constriction device is said to be able to overcome this complaint. So, is it true that penis vacuum is safe and effective to use for people who experience impotence?

What is a penis vacuum?

A penis vacuum or also known as a penis pump is a device used to help people with erectile dysfunction (ED) get and maintain an erection before starting sexual intercourse.

This device, another name for the vacuum erection device, helps achieve and maintain an erection by sucking air through a tube that is attached to draw blood to the penis.

This tool is made to restore the lost confidence of men due to erectile dysfunction which can damage sexual activity with a partner. A report from the American Urological Association states that this device is also useful when drugs like Viagra are no longer effective.

Vacuum forms the penis

Penile vacuum for impotence consists of three separate parts which are divided into:

Clear plastic tube to place on the penis.
The pump attached to the tube which is equipped with battery power or it can be manual.
A narrowing ring or ring used at the base of an erect penis.

Researchgate.net

How to use a penis vacuum

First, apply water-soluble gel to the shaft of the penis to make a watertight tube. Place the penis into the tube. Then pump the air slowly so that the penis is tightened and filled with blood (it takes approximately 10-20 minutes to achieve a full erection).

After that, place the ring at the base of the penis to maintain an erection. Rings usually come in several sizes and tensions. It's a good idea to try different ring sizes to determine which one fits you best.

Once the ring has been attached, you can remove the pump and start sexual activity you and your partner. With the help of this vacuum most men can have an erection for 30 minutes.

So, how safe and effective is a penis vacuum for people who are impotent?

Quoted from Web MD, research shows as many as 50-80 percent of men who use this tool are satisfied with the results.

Several studies have also shown this tool to be a safe and effective ED treatment to use. Vacuum pumps have also been shown to be successful in helping prevent nerve damage that can result in temporary impotence in prostate cancer surgery.

This tool can be an impotence treatment that can be used as an option for several reasons, namely:

Vacuuming the penis is quite effective. With practice and proper use, the majority of men can get an erection that is firm enough for sex.
The risk involved is lower than other impotence treatments.
Does not require surgery so it minimizes complications.
Can be used in conjunction with other treatments. This tool can be used in conjunction with other drugs or penile implants. In some cases, a combination of medications may work better to treat impotence.
Using a penis vacuum can help you regain erectile function in the penis for a while.

But like most other treatments, even though it is classified as safe, this tool also has side effects that need to be known, namely:

Raised spots on the penis caused by bleeding under the surface of the skin called petechiae.
Numbness of the penis
The skin of the penis is bluish
Bruises
Pain
Painful ejaculation

These side effects are usually temporary and only last for a few days after use.

The use of a penis vacuum is classified as safe and effective to treat impotence, not to enlarge the penis. This tool is not able to cure erectile dysfunction, but can help you to rekindle your sex life with your partner.

Doctors will also usually prescribe other oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction on an ongoing basis. However, always consult a doctor before you decide to use this tool as an alternative treatment for impaired function of your penis.