In general, there are usually three types of men who are interested in using a penis pump – men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction, men who want to use the device to have a bigger penis, and men who require penile rehabilitation. Penis pumps also called negative pressure or vacuum erection devices, are easily available online and through the medical community. There is a plethora of advertisements for these devices making all sorts of claims. Many manufacturers and distributors promise longer, harder erections and exceptionally satisfied sexual partners. What does a penis pump do? Does it increase the size of the penis? And do penis pumps work? Can they fix erection problems? Let’s find out what the scientific evidence shows.
For more information, check out our “Guide to Penis Pumps“.
Do penis pumps really work?
Yes, penis pumps really work, but the success of the device depends on two factors. First, the user’s expectations and goals, and second, whether the user is willing to spend some time learning how to use a penis pump correctly.
To understand this better, first let’s answer the question: What is the purpose of a penis pump? This is a vacuum device that draws blood into the penis and makes it fully erect. Therefore, its purpose is penile rigidity and a firm erection for up to 30 minutes. The process is quite straightforward. The system is applied over the penis, the pumping mechanism is activated, and once an erection is achieved, a tension ring is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. In this way, the penis pump mechanically simulates a natural erection. The entire process takes a mere 2-3 minutes.
Do penis pumps really work? It depends. If the user expects a longer, thicker penis and enhanced sexual relations almost immediately, the device will almost certainly disappoint. On the other hand, if a user wants strong, sustained erections and is willing to practice using the penis pump a few times before sexual intimacy, the results are likely to be excellent. So, how does a penis pump work for penis enlargement, erectile dysfunction, and penile rehabilitation after prostate surgery? Read on to find out more.
Do penis pumps work for penis enlargement?
For many men, penis enlargement is a source of great fascination. On average over 60,000 searches are performed each month on the internet using the term “penis enlargement.” This interest may stem from a belief that penis size is linked to satisfying sex partners. It could be a cultural assumption that manhood and virility can be measured by the size of a man’s penis. Advertisements for pumps that increase or enlarge penis size are everywhere. However, the only proven procedure for increasing penis size is surgical. Even surgeries are questionable.
Do penis pumps work for penis enlargement? The answer is no. This is a myth. There is very little scientific evidence to support claims that anything less than surgery can increase the size of a man’s penis. And cosmetic surgery for penis enlargement is not endorsed by any trustworthy doctor or healthcare organization. Using a penis pump has no real benefit in terms of increasing penis size beyond natural limitations. The only application of increasing penis size using a penis pump with scientific merit is related to maintaining penile length following radical prostatectomy surgery or prostate removal. These findings are investigative and cannot be assumed to be a medical claim.
What does a penis pump do to make some men believe it can make their penis longer? These devices draw blood into the organ, making it temporarily erect and larger in size. If you have not had a full erection or only had partial erections before using a penis pump this may impact your perception. Proper use of a medical grade penis pump usually produces full penile engorgement. Men who use the device often comment that their erections are firmer and larger than before using the device. While it is not uncommon for men to claim they experience erections equivalent to those produced in their 20’s or 30’s no scientific studies support this.
Can penis pumps damage your penis?
Debunking common myths about penis pumps is not difficult. Clinical studies support the use of vacuum therapy for ED as both safe and effective. Medical grade penis pumps are one of the most reliable ED treatments available, so how can penis pumps damage your penis?
Misuse and lack of experience with the device can be associated with mild discomfort and temporary bruising. Because penis pumps are non-invasive, no drugs are ingested, or surgical procedures required so penis pumps are safe. FDA regulations require medical grade penis pumps to pull no more than 17 inches of mercury (a measurement of vacuum) to prevent men from over pumping which is associated with temporary bruising of the penis.
Due to the vast amount of misinformation around the use of these devices for penis pump enlargement and increasing penis size, a manual safety mechanism is important. Medical penis pumps help prevent over pumping and bruising. For this reason and many others, it is important to purchase a medical device.
Do penis pumps work for erectile dysfunction?
A penis pump is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, commonly known as impotence. Men with this condition are consistently unable to achieve an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. How does a penis pump work in this situation? In healthy men, sexual arousal sets off a chain of events that ultimately results in an erection when blood engorges the penis. By drawing blood into the penis with negative pressure, a vacuum erection device replicates a natural erection. This device works well for men who have erection difficulties due to a variety of reasons, including nerve damage, circulatory problems, and psychological issues.
Medical studies have found convincing evidence that penis pumps are successful in treating erectile dysfunction. In fact, these devices can work synergistically with medications such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Clinical evidence suggests that external vacuum devices are safe, well tolerated, and effective for erectile dysfunction. There are reports of more than 90 percent satisfaction with penis pumps in terms of both partner satisfaction and quality of erection (length, girth, and hardness). Vacuum constriction devices are the recommended first-line of treatment for men who cannot use or tolerate pharmacotherapy for ED. In fact, penis pumps are preferred over Viagra by a substantial number of men due to adverse side effects from the medication.
Practice and patience are the two things that are critical for the success of penis pumps for erectile dysfunction. Just like riding a bicycle is easy once you’ve learned how using a penis pump is a simple three-step process once you’ve had a little practice. However, if you are impatient and expect immediate results, it might result in dissatisfaction in the bedroom. Studies show that penis pumps really work for impotence. More than 85 percent of men attain full erection during the first training session. Most men need just one week of practice with the device. However, if normal erectile function has been absent for some length of time, it may take time to recondition the penis to handle the blood flow. Using a penis pump once a day for a couple of weeks should do the trick.
Do penis pumps improve penile health and penile rehabilitation?
In men with healthy erectile function, 3-5 nighttime erections occur during REM sleep every day. This nocturnal penile tumescence brings nutrient-rich oxygenated blood to the flaccid (soft) penis and prevents tissue atrophy. Without this naturally occurring blood flow to the penis through regular erections, there is a risk of tissue damage and penile shrinkage. The purpose of a penis pump in penile rehabilitation is to bring blood and oxygen to the penile tissues and stretch and support the blood vessels to keep them healthy.
Several studies have shown that the consistent use of vacuum systems is beneficial for penile rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy. There is a significant reduction in erectile function following this type of surgery. Patients report that the dedicated use of a penile pump is helpful in attaining successful erections. Penile rehabilitation with a penis pump is achieved through the increased inflow of arterial blood and prevention of hypoxia, fibrosis, and cell death.
In addition to postoperative use, research has shown that vacuum erection therapy for a month prior to a procedure can be beneficial. The use of a VED before implantation of penile prosthesis significantly increases the stretched penis length in the flaccid state. The preoperative use of a penis pump is associated with a smoother and easier surgical procedure due to improved tissue health and better dilatation of the corpora cavernosa.
Achieving the best results from penis pumps
When do penis pumps work best? Here are some tips to achieve great results from a vacuum system:
- Trim the pubic hair: A tight seal is necessary for the device to create suction and work properly. A smooth surface provides a better grip. Lubricant helps as well.
- Choose the correct size: An appropriately sized penis pump cylinder ensures a snug fit for better comfort and improved efficacy.
- Practice, practice, practice: A few sessions of learning to use the penis pump help with adeptness and confidence in the bedroom.
- Consistent use: Vacuum erectile devices minimize penile shrinkage and promote recovery of erectile function during rehabilitation. Early and consistent use of the penis pump is critical for successful return to sexual activity during recovery from prostate surgery.
Things to consider when purchasing a penis pump
Now that you know penis pumps really work, here are some quick pointers on choosing the best vacuum erection device:
Are you purchasing the device for the right reasons? Penis pumps are effective for erectile dysfunction and penile rehabilitation, but they do not increase penis size or length.
Do you have realistic expectations from the penis pump? Great results come with practice. Expect to spend some time learning to use the device before using it during sexual intimacy. For penile rehabilitation following surgery, consistent use is the key.
Is the penis pump medical grade? Are all penis pumps safe? Yes, if they’re made by a reputed company. Manufacturers of medical grade penis pumps are required to meet certain design and quality standards and undergo inspections by the FDA. If the manufacturer of the VED is not registered with the FDA, this is a red flag as the device may not meet minimum standards. A non-medical-grade penis pump could end up being a waste of money and may even cause damage.
DEFINITIONS:
- Pharmacotherapy: Treatment with medications.
- REM Sleep: A type of sleep associated with rapid eye movements, dreams, and increased pulse and breathing.
- Tumescence: State of being swollen.
- Atrophy: Wasting or degeneration.
- Radical Prostatectomy: A type of surgery for prostate cancer.
- Hypoxia: Oxygen deprivation.
- Fibrosis: Scarring in response to injury.
- Dilatation: Widening.
- Corpora Cavernosa: A pair of tubes in the penis that fill with blood during erections.