Erectile Dysfunction: Medical Penis Pumps

A vacuum constriction device (VCD) is an external pump with a band on it that a man with erectile dysfunction can use to get and maintain an erection.

The VCD consists of an acrylic cylinder with a pump that may be attached directly to the end of the penis. A constriction ring or band is placed on the cylinder at the other end, which is applied to the body. The cylinder and pump are used to create a vacuum to help the penis become erect; the band or constriction ring is used to help maintain the erection.

The pump helps the penis become erect while the band maintains the erection.
Vacuum constriction devices (VCD) work by placing a medical penis pump and a band on the penis of a man who has erectile dysfunction. The medical penis device helps the man obtain and maintain an erection.

These Parts Make Up the Vacuum constriction device:

• The acrylic cylinder
• The pump
• The constriction ring

Simply slide the cylinder over the penis. Pump until the penis is engorged with blood. Then slide the ring onto the base of the penis.
How Does It Work?

To use the device:

• Place the pump, which can be pumped by hand or run on batteries, over the penis.
• Pump the air out of the cylinder so that a vacuum is created. The vacuum draws blood into the shaft of the penis and causes it to swell and become erect.
• Once the penis is erect, with the help of lubricant, slide the retaining band down onto the lower end of the penis.
• Remove the pump.

Once you have pumped the penis and placed the band at the base of the penis, you can leave it on through the duration of sexual activity. Warning: do not leave any constriction device on your penis for longer than thirty minutes.

Who Should Consider Using a Vacuum Constriction device?

Medical Penis Pumps are safe and can be used by patients with ED caused by many conditions, including:

• Surgery for prostate or colon cancer
• Psychological issues such as anxiety or depression

• Poor blood flow to the penis
• Diabetes

Vacuum constriction devices should not be used by men who may have a significant congenital bleeding disorder or a disorder that predisposes them to a condition called priapism

(a prolonged, sometime painful erection lasting over several hours). Examples include sickle cell anemia, some forms of leukemia, and other blood conditions. Do not use medical penis pumps if you have congenital bleeding disorders. Also, do not use medical penis pumps if you have disorders that lead to priapism such as sickle cell anemia, other blood conditions or some varieties of leukemia.

What Are the Side Effects?

• A black and blue mark or small area of bleeding on the shaft of the penis. This is usually painless and generally will resolve in a few days.
• Decrease in the force of the ejaculation. The constriction band traps the ejaculate or semen at the time of orgasm. This is not dangerous and usually does not cause pain. The semen will usually dribble out once the constriction band is removed. Generally, this does not interfere with the pleasure of a climax or orgasm.

How Well Do Vacuum Constriction Devices Work?

Studies suggest that about 50%-80% of men are satisfied with the results of VCD. As with any other method of treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Does Insurance Cover the Devices?

Most insurance policies, including Medicare, cover at least part of the costs of a vacuum constriction device, especially if a medical cause for ED has been documented. Medicaid, however, does not cover the device.

How Much Does the Device Cost?

Vacuum constriction devices vary in cost from $300 to $500, depending on the brand and type. The battery-powered versions tend to be more expensive, but also tend to work a little more quickly. Battery-powered devices are especially helpful for men who do not have good hand strength and coordination.

There are several devices currently on the market that work effectively. Some of these devices can be obtained without a prescription.

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