What is a penis pump?
Penis pumps — also known as vacuum erection devices (VEDs) — are a type of vacuum pump used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
At Tower Urology, we provide expert guidance and personalized care for men considering this therapy, helping you think about the right options and achieve the best results for your sexual health.
Why is this procedure performed?
Urologists often recommend penis pumps as a form of erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment. However, they can also benefit patients who are recovering from more invasive genital surgery or as a treatment for other conditions that may hinder their sex life.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the persistent difficulty maintaining an erection suitable for sexual activity. It is a complex condition that affects between 30 and 50 million men in the United States alone. Sometimes, but not always, ED is accompanied by a lack of desire for sex. Still, in either case, it can significantly damage a man’s self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life.
ED can be caused by other health conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Chronic heart conditions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Depression
- Anxiety
As penis pumps can temporarily increase a penis’ size and girth, urologists recommend them for other purposes:
- Patients recovering from prostate cancer or who’ve had radical surgery involving the penis can use a penis pump as vacuum therapy to improve penile health and prevent tissue scarring.
- Patients with Peyronie’s disease (a condition in which scar tissue forms inside the penis, causing it to curve) can use it as part of a therapy plan to improve blood flow and reduce curvature.
How do penis pumps work?
Penis pumps are vacuum constriction devices designed to increase blood flow to the penis temporarily. A tube connected to a pump mechanism is placed over the penis and creates negative pressure. The vacuum draws blood into the penis, causing it to become erect and potentially increasing its girth. However, any increase in penis size is only temporary, so penis pumps are not considered a type of penis enlargement treatment.
There are several varieties of penis pumps available. Most can be categorized as either inflatable or semi-rigid. Both types serve the same function of expanding blood vessels within the penis to promote blood flow, but the mechanics are slightly different:
Inflatable pumps
This type typically consists of at least two separate components: a pump positioned under the scrotum and a separate fluid reservoir that can be inflated or deflated as needed.
Some newer models are battery-powered or may include a release valve, which gives the end of the erection a more natural appearance.
Semi-rigid or non-inflatable pumps
These types are simpler, as they use a constriction ring (also known as a cock ring) at the base of the penis. This helps blood flow accumulate along the shaft, making it appear erect. When using a semi-rigid pump, the penis may always feel more rigid than usual, not just during sexual intercourse.
Who is the ideal candidate for a penis implant?
Penis implants work best among men who:
- Struggle with mild to moderate ED and prefer a non-invasive solution.
- Want to avoid or cannot take ED medication such as Viagra (sildenafil).
- Desire an affordable, low-risk, and effective option for improving erections.
- Develop persistent ED after prostate cancer treatment.
How is a penis pump used?
Once implanted, patients will need to operate their penis pump on their own before sexual intercourse. Fortunately, this process has a reasonably smooth learning curve and becomes remarkably easier with practice.
To trigger an erection with a penis pump:
- Coat the tube with some personal lubricant and then place it over your penis.
- If you have a battery-powered model, turn it on and wait for the chambers to inflate. With a manual model, you may need to use the hand pump a few times to achieve the desired pressure.
- As blood starts engorging the blood vessels in the penis, you will see the erection develop.
- Once you see a full erection, you can place a constriction ring or cock ring along the base of your penis to maintain it.
After sex, you will have to remove the ring to allow the penis to return to its regular size — and if it’s a battery model, turn it off. There is no recovery time required after using a penis pump, and you can resume normal activities immediately.
How effective are penis pumps?
Penis pumps are highly effective, with studies showing satisfaction rates of about 77% for men with ED and their partners. Consistent use can also improve penile health over time, enhancing blood flow and preserving tissue elasticity.
Are there any side effects or drawbacks to using a penis pump?
Occasionally, men using penis pumps may experience some uncomfortable side effects:
- Petechiae or pinpoint-sized red dots caused by bleeding under the surface of the skin.
- Temporary discomfort or bruising.
- Irritation or chafing from the constriction ring.
- Feeling like there is trapped semen after ejaculation.
These side effects are generally rare, especially with newer models. For example, most modern inflatable pumps include a limiter, which prevents blood pressure inside the penis from getting too high. Meanwhile, you can prevent bruising and chafing with some lube.
At Tower Urology, we always ensure all our patients receive enough education and sufficient demonstration on how to use their new penis pumps. A frank, no-holds-barred conversation with a trusted doctor can go a long way in ensuring satisfaction.
Are penis pumps safe?
Penis pumps are generally safe when used as directed and properly implanted. The two most common adverse reactions are lasting, painful bruising around the penis and priapism (an erection that doesn’t go down).
These issues are treatable and are mostly linked to clotting disorders or the use of blood-thinning medication. This is why all those pre-op consultations are so important! We generally don’t recommend penis pumps for patients who have sickle cell anemia, a history of blood clots, or who are taking medications like Jantoven (warfarin) and Plavix (clopidogrel).
How much does a penis pump typically cost?
Costs vary depending on the manufacturer and the device’s features. Pumps with more features or accessories are usually more expensive.
On the plus side, since a penis pump is a recognized treatment for ED, many insurance companies will cover at least part of its expense. If you have health insurance and are unsure whether it covers the service, please contact your insurance provider to inquire. If you establish care with Tower Urology and this is a recommended therapy, we will also be able to determine your insurance coverage.
Are there other procedures to consider for penis enhancement?
Yes, depending on the cause and severity of ED, other treatments may include:
- Oral medications: Well-known pills such as Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil) can help make an erection easier.
- Injection therapy: Some medications like papaveril or alprostadil can be directly injected into the penis to stimulate an erection.
- Penile implants: A silicone or tissue graft can be surgically implanted into the penis for a very permanent solution to ED. However, they may result in a seemingly permanent erection.
- Shockwave therapy: A non-invasive option to improve blood flow and restore erectile function.
These treatments all vary in effectiveness. The right choice will depend on each patient, their sexual habits, and their general health conditions. This is why the journey to effectively treating ED always starts with a frank and sensitive discussion with a trusted urologist.
How to get a penis implant?
The procedure to implant a penis pump is generally quick and does not require you to stay in the hospital overnight. However, it is typically performed under regional or general anesthesia, so you will need to prepare in advance for this procedure.
The process will always begin with consulting a urologist, who will help you decide if it’s the proper treatment for you. You may also need to meet with an anesthesiologist.
Generally, we will ask you to stop eating or drinking the night before the procedure. On the morning of the implant, take extra care when washing the area (we may provide special soap), but you won’t need to worry about shaving.
What happens during the implant procedure for a penis pump?
When implanting a penis pump, patients are generally asleep and can’t feel any pain.
First, we will insert a thin plastic tube or catheter into the penis, which will allow urine to flow out of the body. Next, we will make a small incision and insert the implant, reservoir, and release valve where needed. Finally, we will close the incision with dissolvable stitches.
What is recovery like after a penis pump implant?
Most patients go home a few hours after the procedure. You may still feel sore or groggy from the anesthesia, so having someone drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day is important.
Soreness and swelling typically subside within about a week, but you may need to avoid lifting or engaging in strenuous activity for two to four weeks.
We will follow up on your healing a few days after the procedure, then again after a week, and finally, about three to four weeks after the surgery.
After the last checkup, we will give you the all-clear to resume masturbation or intercourse.
How to choose the right urologist for a penis pump?
Penis implants are well-known and well-studied, but the best outcomes require significant expertise.
It’s important to choose an experienced, board-certified urologist with extensive experience in reconstructive urology or penile implants. Additionally, a team of competent nurses and rehabilitation specialists should also support your doctor. For added peace of mind, it is also advisable to work with someone affiliated with a larger facility, such as a top-ranked hospital, which, of course, Tower Urology partners with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
A penis pump is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but when used correctly, it can be an effective tool for many men. For those who may feel self-conscious, remember that seeking treatment is a proactive step toward improving your quality of life. Success with this therapy often comes from consistent use and open communication with your Tower urologist.
Looking for a penis pump near Los Angeles? Patient care is what sets Tower Urology apart
For expert guidance on penis pump therapy and other erectile dysfunction treatments, contact Tower Urology today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll find the best solution to restore your confidence and improve your sexual health.
At Tower Urology, we provide a comprehensive, patient-focused approach. Here is what makes us unique:
- Customized plans: We assess your specific needs and recommend the most effective treatment plan, which may include using a penis pump in combination with other therapies.
- Education and support: We provide sensitive advice and support throughout the process and ensure you are fully trained in the proper use of a penis pump, maximizing safety and effectiveness.
- Advanced therapies: In addition to VEDs, we offer cutting-edge treatments, such as shockwave therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Tower Urology is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Burbank, Glendale, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Sources
The Use of Vacuum Erection Devices in Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3784970
Penile Curvature (Peyronie’s Disease)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/penile-curvature-peyronies-disease
