What is a Vacuum Erection Device?

A vacuum erection device (VED), sometimes called an “ED pump,” is a simple mechanical tool that helps draw blood into the penis. It has three parts:

1. A clear plastic cylinder that fits over your penis.
2. A pump (manual or battery-powered) that removes air from the cylinder.
3. A tension ring that fits around the base of your penis.

By creating a vacuum around your penis, the device pulls blood into the erectile tissue. Once your penis is firm, you put on the tension ring at its base to help you maintain the erection during sexual activity.

Who Might Benefit From a Vacuum Device?

You may find a VED useful for various reasons.

Vacuum erection devices can be a good option for men who:

• Do not respond well to oral medications.
• Cannot safely take ED pills because of heart conditions or because you are taking nitrate medications.
• Prefer to avoid injections or surgery.
• Want a non-drug option that can be used as needed.

VEDs can also be used in rehabilitation programs after certain surgeries, such as prostate surgery, to help maintain penile tissue health and blood flow while you are in recovery.

How to Use a Vacuum Erection Device

The exact steps can vary by product, but they generally include these five steps:

1. Place the cylinder over the penis, with the open end against the body.
2. Use the pump to remove air from the cylinder to create a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis.
3. Once you have an erection, slide or roll the tension ring from the base of the cylinder onto the base of your penis.
4. Carefully remove the cylinder while leaving the ring in place.
5. After sexual activity, remove the tension ring as directed by the product instructions and your clinician.

A clinician or sexual health specialist can demonstrate proper technique and help you with any questions.

Advantages and Limitations

Here is a comparison of the advantages and limitations to help you decide.

Vacuum devices have several advantages:

• You don't rely on medications.
• You can use one, even when you have complex medical conditions.
• You can reuse your device many times.
• In some cases, your use of a VED can be combined with other ED treatments.

However, there are also limitations:

• Some people find them awkward or unromantic.
• The erection may feel less natural, and the penis may seem cooler or slightly discolored.
• Bruising or discomfort can occur, especially if the vacuum is too strong or the ring is too tight.
• Using a VED requires planning, which may interrupt spontaneity.

For some couples, these trade-offs are acceptable; for others, they are a bummer. When dealing with these issues, honest communication with your partner often helps.

Other Non-Pill Options

In addition to vacuum devices, several other non-pill treatments exist, such as:

• Constrictive rings without a pump: Some people use penis rings alone to help maintain an erection. These are often used together with other treatments.
• Other external devices: A variety of external supports and sleeves are available. Quality and effectiveness can vary, and they are not a cure for ED, but they may help some people have satisfying sexual experiences.
• Pelvic floor muscle training: In some cases, strengthening the muscles around the pelvis, often with guidance from a physical therapist, can improve erectile function.

Depending on your circumstances, these approaches may be used alone or in combination with other medical treatments.

Safety Considerations

Before using a vacuum device or any other non-pill ED treatment, it is important to:

• Talk with a clinician familiar with your health history.
• Use a device that is designed for medical use and meets safety standards.
• Follow instructions on how long you can safely keep a tension ring in place, usually no more than about 30 minutes.
• Avoid using a pump that creates excessive suction or is not intended for ED treatment.

If you notice pain, significant bruising, or other concerning symptoms, stop using the device and contact your health care provider.

Discussing Non-Pill Options With Your Clinician

When you talk with your clinician about non-pill ED treatments, you might ask:

• Do you think a vacuum erection device could be a good option for me?
• Can you recommend specific medical-grade products or brands?
• How should I use the device safely, and how long is it safe to keep the ring on?
• Are there other non-pill treatments—such as pelvic floor exercises or external supports—that you recommend?

Vacuum devices and other non-pill treatments are not right for everyone, but they can be valuable tools, especially for people who cannot use medications or prefer a different approach. Understanding how they work and what to expect can help you decide whether to use them.