Using Vacuum Erection Therapy

The steps below show how to get and keep an erection with a vacuum erection therapy system.

Gender words are used here to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your doctor as you talk about your care.

The three parts of a vacuum erection device (VED) include:

• A plastic tube (cylinder).

• A hand-operated, battery-operated, or electric pump.

• A rubber tension ring, which fits on one end of the tube.

Getting started

• Place the rubber tension ring on the open end of the cylinder.

• Apply a water-based lubricant to the end of the cylinder. Do NOT use petroleum jelly. It could damage the device.

• Put your penis into the cylinder. Hold the cylinder firmly against your belly (abdomen) to create a seal. Take care not to pinch the scrotum.

Getting an erection

• Squeeze the hand pump or turn on the electric pump to pull the air out of the tube. This will create a vacuum. Blood will be drawn into your penis, and your penis will become erect and firm.

• Use only the amount of vacuum pressure needed for an erection. Too much pressure can cause injury to your penis.

• Follow the instructions you’ve been given for using your particular brand of pump.

• It may take some practice before you get optimum erections.

Using the tension ring

• When your penis is fully erect (often less than 5 minutes), roll the tension ring off the cylinder onto the base of your penis. The tension ring holds blood in your penis, creating an erection. The area behind the ring remains soft and flexible.

• Remove the cylinder from your penis.

• After no longer than 30 minutes, remove the tension ring from your penis. To do this, grasp the tabs on the ring and pull to stretch the ring.

• Keeping the ring on for longer than 30 minutes could seriously bruise or damage the penis.

Precautions

• Talk to your doctor before using a VED. Ask your doctor to prescribe a VED or to recommend a specific model. Be sure to tell your doctor if you:

  • Have a bleeding disorder, such as sickle cell disease.

  • Have any condition that may cause a painful erection that won't go away (priapism).

  • Take blood thinning medicines.

• Choose a VED with a vacuum limiter to prevent the pressure from getting too high and causing injury.

• Follow the instructions for using and cleaning the device.

• The tension ring may block ejaculation during orgasm. This is harmless, but won't prevent pregnancy.

Side effects

• You may notice small red spots below the skin (petechiae) or minor bruising of the penis. It may be because you are using too much pressure, or the tension ring may be too tight. Stop using the device until the spots or bruising go away (5 days or so).

• Once the tension ring is applied, the penis may be slightly blue-purple and cool to the touch. These effects will disappear once the ring is removed.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• A very cold penis during erection (some coolness is normal).

• A black-and-blue or significantly darkened or bruised penis (some discoloration is normal).

• Pain while using the vacuum device or tension ring.

• Decreased sensation in the penis.

• Lack of an erection or loss of an erection before the tension ring is removed.