Scott Weaver
Updated at: August 22, 2024 · 9 min read
Penis Pumps: Exploring How A Penis Pump Works, Safety Concerns, Effectiveness & Alternative Methods To Pump It Up!
Designed to enhance sexual performance and confidence, a penis pump can be an important tool in a man's arsenal. This article will delve into the science behind these devices, providing a clear understanding of what a penis pump is, what it does, and why it might be a tool you want to consider. We will also answer a wide variety of different questions that people may ask about penis pumps. As well as this, we will also look at some medications that you can use if you are struggling with erectile dysfunction.
Key Takeaways
Penis Pumps Help with Erections:
A penis pump, also known as a vacuum erection device, creates a vacuum around the penis to draw blood in, helping men achieve and maintain an erection. It can be useful for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) or those seeking a temporary size increase.
Safe and Effective for Many:
Penis pumps are a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative to medication for treating ED. They can also help men who have undergone prostate surgery or have conditions like Peyronie's Disease.
Potential Side Effects:
While generally safe, penis pumps can cause side effects like bruising, irritation, or discomfort if not used properly. It's important to follow instructions carefully to avoid these issues.
What is a penis pump?
A penis pump, also known as a vacuum constriction device (VCD) or vacuum erection device (VED), is a device used to help achieve and maintain an erection. It is often used by men who are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) but can also be used recreationally by those seeking a temporary increase in penis size.
Penis pumps usually consist of three different parts. These are:
A tube that is usually plastic and clear that fits over the penis
A pump that is either hand or battery-operated
A ring or band that fits around the base of the penis
What do penis pumps do?
A penis pump is used to help someone achieve an erection or to help provide a temporary increase in penis size.
The pump creates a vacuum around the penis, which draws blood into it that causes it to swell and become erect.
Once an erection is achieved, the band or ring is slid down to the lower end of the penis to help maintain the erection.
Why would I use a penis pump?
Penis pumps can be effective for a wide variety of different people. Here are some reasons why someone may start using a penis pump:
They have erectile dysfunction and are trying alternative forms of treatment.
Someone has undergone prostate surgery or radiation therapy that has caused them to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Someone is suffering from Peyronie’s Disease, a condition that causes abnormal curvature of the penis. Penis pumps can help maintain penis length and girth and can in some cases mitigate curvature.
Some people use penis pumps recreationally to help increase their penis size.
Sometimes a surgeon will recommend using a penis pump to stretch the skin prior to penis implant surgery.
Are penis pumps useful for erectile dysfunction?
Yes, penis pumps can be a helpful tool for managing erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man finds it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.
This condition can occur due to several factors such as age, chronic illness like diabetes or heart disease, psychological stress, and more. A penis pump can assist those with ED by creating a vacuum around the penis, causing blood to flow into it and result in an erection.
How many men suffer from ED?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) may actually be more common than you may think. It is important to note that erectile dysfunction is more common in older men. Around 50% of men aged between 40 and 70 will at some point experience erectile dysfunction. This number is higher when looking at men aged 70 and above, with around 70% experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Because so many men do not seek medical help with erectile dysfunction it is hard to say what the actual number of people is. Ending the stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction is important as it can help men get the treatment they need without feeling any shame.
Penis Pump FAQs
Below UK Meds answer some of the most commonly asked questions about penis pumps:
Is a penis vacuum pump the same as a penis pump?
Yes, a penis vacuum pump is indeed the same as a penis pump. Both refer to the device that uses vacuum pressure to draw blood into the penis, leading to an erection.
Is a vacuum erection device the same as a penis pump?
Yes, a vacuum erection device is the same as a penis pump in the same way that a penis vacuum pump is the same as a penis pump.
What are the benefits of a penis pump?
Penis pumps can actually have several benefits for some people. Here are some of the key benefits of penis pumps for men suffering from erectile dysfunction:
It is a non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction
It is effective at treating erectile dysfunction
It provides an effective alternative to medication
It can be a cost-effective alternative to medication
It is useful for people that have had certain medical procedures such as prostate surgery or radiation therapy
How can you use a penis pump with water?
A water-based penis pump, also known as a hydro pump or a water pump, operates on the same basic principles as a traditional air-based pump but uses water instead of air to create a vacuum around the penis. You may choose a water-based penis pump as they provide even pressure around the penis, and can also be used in the shower or the bath.
How can you use a penis pump without water?
Using a traditional air-based penis pump involves a series of steps. The specific instructions might vary based on the manufacturer, but here is a general guide that covers a wide variety of different pumps:
Prepare your penis. Make sure your penis is relaxed. You may wish to shave your pubic hair around the base of your penis and on your testicles to ensure that the pump seals properly.
Assemble the penis pump by using the instructions provided with it.
Insert your penis into the pump, making sure that it is comfortable whilst still forming a tight seal.
Pump slowly, or use the battery-operated pump if your pump has one.
Keep an eye on your penis and the pressure gauge on the pump. If you feel pain or discomfort you will need to stop pumping and release the pressure.
Once the desired erection has been attained, apply the constriction band provided with your pump to the base of your penis. This will help to maintain the erection. If you also wish to use a sex toy such as a penis ring.
After intercourse or when you wish to lose your erection you should remove the constriction band or penis ring. You should not usually maintain an erection gained from a penis for over 30 minutes.
How effective are penis pumps?
The effectiveness of penis pumps will vary from person to person. Several reports have claimed different levels of effectiveness. A study in 1992 by Cookson & Nadig found that user satisfaction with long-term use of penis pumps was consistently over 80%. Another study conducted by Canguven et al (2009) suggested that penis pumps also helped to treat erectile dysfunction when used alongside PDE5 inhibitors. A popular PDE5 inhibitor is Viagra and its active ingredient sildenafil. Furthermore, a 2009 study by Raheem et al found that penis pumps are effective at remedying curvature of the penis caused by Peyronie’s disease.
What side effects can a penis pump have?
While penis pumps are generally safe for most men, they can cause some side effects, especially when not used properly or overused. Here are some potential side effects and risks associated with penis pump use:
Bruising or discolouration of the penis
Irritation to the skin
Numbness, cold feelings or bluish colour on the penis
Pain or discomfort during or after usage
Feelings of having an unnatural erection
Decreased ejaculation force
What alternatives erectile dysfunction treatments are available?
If you do not think that a penis pump will work well for you, or if you try a penis pump and it does not provide the desired effects that you are looking for, you may wish to look into alternative erectile dysfunction treatments. Here is a table of all of the erectile dysfunction medications that you can purchase from UK Meds.
ED Medication | What is it? |
| Viagra (Sildenafil) | Viagra (or generic Sildenafil) is a very well-known prescription ED treatment that comes in pill form. Viagra (Sildenafil) can be purchased in different strengths and works by increasing blood flow to the blood vessels in the penis. |
| Cialis (Tadalafil) | Cialis (or generic Tadalafil) is a prescription erectile dysfunction medication that comes in tablet form. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis when a man becomes sexually aroused. |
| Cialis Daily | Cialis Daily tablets also contain Tadalafil and work in the same way. The difference between Cialis and Cialis Daily is that you use Cialis Daily every day. |
| Cialis Together | Cialis Together is an over the counter version of the erectile dysfunction (ED) medication Cialis. It comes in tablet form and works by increasing blood flow to the penis when a man becomes sexually aroused. |
| Viagra Connect | Viagra Connect is the over-the-counter version of Viagra. It works in the same way, however, it is only available in one strength of tablet. |
| Levitra | Levitra contains the active ingredient Vardenafil. It also comes in tablet form. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis by relaxing the muscles on the walls of the blood vessels in the penis. Levitra is a prescription-only medication. |
| Eropid (Sildenafil) | Eropid also contains sildenafil like Viagra and Viagra Connect. It also does not require a prescription, similar to Viagra Connect. This medication comes in tablet form. |
| Spedra | Spedra is a prescription-only medication that contains avanafil. This medication helps to relax blood vessels to result in a healthy, natural erection. |
| Vitaros (Alprostadil) | Vitaros is a topical cream that is applied to the penis. It contains alprostadil which works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis. Vitaros is often used as an alternative when other medications (such as sildenafil/tadalafil) have not been effective, or, if you prefer to use a cream to a tablet. |
Sources
Cambridge University Hospitals - Vacuum Erection Assistance Devices FAQs
Cosmopolitan - Everything You Need to Know About Penis Pumps
PubMed - The Use of Vacuum Erection Devices in Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy
ScienceDirect - Vacuum Erection Devices in Erectile Dysfunction
Cambridge University Hospitals - Vacuum Erection Assistance Devices FAQs
PubMed - External Vacuum Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: Use and Results
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