A penis pump is one of a few treatment options for the inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient for sex (erectile dysfunction). A penis pump consists of a plastic tube that fits over the penis, a hand or battery-powered pump attached to the tube, and a band that fits around the base of the penis once it is erect (constriction ring).
A penis pump is sometimes called a vacuum pump or a vacuum erection device.
Why it’s done
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem, especially following prostate surgery and in older men. Oral medications prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction include sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca) and avanafil (Stendra).
Other erectile dysfunction treatments include medications inserted through the tip of your penis into the tube inside that carries urine and semen (urethra), shots you inject into your penis (penile injections), and surgically placed penile implants.
A penis pump might be a good choice if these treatments cause side effects, don’t work or aren’t safe for you.
Penis pumps can be a good erectile dysfunction treatment for several reasons:
- Penis pumps are effective. With practice and correct use, the majority of men can get an erection sufficient for sex.
- Penis pumps pose less of a risk than do other treatments. The risk of side effects or complications is lower than it is with any other erectile dysfunction treatment.
- The overall cost is lower. After the initial purchase, using a penis pump costs less than any other erectile dysfunction treatment.
- Penis pumps are noninvasive. They don’t require surgery, inserting medication into the tip of your penis or penile injections.
- Penis pumps can be used with other treatments. A penis pump can be used along with medications or a penile implant. For some men, a combination of erectile dysfunction treatments works best.
- Using a penis pump might help you regain erectile function after certain procedures. For example, using a penis pump might help restore your ability to get a natural erection after prostate surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
Risks
Although penis pumps are safe for most men, there are some potential risks. For example:
- You’re at an increased risk of bleeding if you take blood-thinning medications. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and clopidogrel (Plavix).
- A penis pump might not be safe if you have sickle cell anemia or another blood disorder. These conditions can make you susceptible to blood clots or bleeding.
Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions and any medications you take, including herbal supplements. This will help prevent potential problems.
Side effects
Side effects of using a penis pump can include:
- Pinpoint-sized red dots (petechiae). This is caused by bleeding under the surface of the skin of the penis.
- Numbness, coldness or bluish-colored skin. This can occur when the constriction band is in place.
- Pain or bruising. Knowing how to use the penis pump correctly can help you avoid injury to your penis.
- Feeling of trapped semen. You might feel like your semen is trapped when you ejaculate, or ejaculation might be painful. Some manufacturers make constriction rings with a small cutout that might help with this.
Penis pumps have some other possible drawbacks:
- Unnatural-feeling erections. Penis pumps can cause an erection that doesn’t feel natural or spontaneous. You might have a lack of firmness at the base of the penis, which can allow the penis to rotate or pivot more than it would with a natural erection.
- Awkwardness. Use of a penis pump requires patience and understanding from both you and your partner. It might take some time to become comfortable with the device.
- Manual coordination is required. Penis pumps require use of the hands and fingers to operate, which can be a problem for some men or their partners.
How you prepare
When you see your doctor about erectile dysfunction, be prepared to answer a number of questions about your health and your symptoms. In some cases, erectile dysfunction has an underlying cause that can be treated.
Depending on your condition, you might need to see a doctor who specializes in treating urinary and reproductive disorders (urologist).
To determine whether a penis pump is a good treatment option for you, your doctor might ask about:
- Any illnesses you have now or have had in the past
- Any injuries or surgeries you’ve had, especially those involving your penis, testicles or prostate
- What medications you take, including herbal supplements
- What erectile dysfunction treatments you’ve tried and how well they worked
Your doctor will likely do a physical exam, which typically includes checking your genitals and feeling your pulse in arteries in different parts of your body (peripheral arteries).
Your doctor might perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) to check your prostate gland. During a DRE, your doctor will gently insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel the surface of the prostate.
If the cause of your erectile dysfunction is already known when you see your doctor, your appointment might be less involved.
Choosing a penis pump
Some penis pumps are available without a prescription, but talk to your doctor before purchasing one. Your doctor might recommend or prescribe a specific model. That way you can be sure it suits your needs and that it’s made by a reputable manufacturer.
Penis pumps available online, in magazines and sex ads might not be safe or effective. Make sure the penis pump you use has a vacuum limiter, which keeps pressure from getting too high and injuring your penis.
Before using a penis pump for the first time, you might want to trim or shave any pubic hair near the base of your penis so that it doesn’t get caught in the ring.
Penis pumps for penis enlargement
Many advertisements in magazines and on the internet market penis pumps with the claim that they can be used to increase penis size, but there’s no evidence that they work for this purpose. Attempting to use a penis pump specifically to enlarge your penis could cause injury.
What you can expect
Using a penis pump requires a few simple steps:
- Place the plastic tube over your penis.
- Use a hand pump or electric pump attached to the tube to create a vacuum inside the tube and pull blood into the penis.
- Once you have an erection, slip a rubber constriction ring around the base of your penis. This helps you maintain the erection by keeping blood inside the penis.
- Remove the vacuum device. The erection typically lasts long enough to have sex.
Don’t leave the tension ring in place for more than 30 minutes — cutting off blood flow for too long might injure your penis.
How to get a penis pump
If you’re interested in purchasing a penis pump, talk with your doctor. A prescription will ensure that you obtain a penis pump that’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Not all pharmacies carry these devices, however, so you may want to call around to find a store that sells them. Your urologist’s office may know of pharmacies in your area where FDA-approved penis pumps are available.
Can I purchase a penis pump without a prescription?
There are many types of these devices on the market, many of which are not approved by the FDA or by any health agency. These over-the-counter penis pumps can be purchased at drug stores, novelty sex shops, and online.
However, because they are not FDA-approved, they may not be safe or effective. The pressure inside some OTC devices may not be safe.
What to look for when choosing a pump
When choosing a penis pump, be sure it has a vacuum limiter. This feature makes sure the air pressure inside the tube doesn’t get too strong, which could potentially injure your penis.
The size of the ring that fits around the base of your penis is also important. It needs to be tight enough to work, but not too tight that it’s uncomfortable. You may need to try different sizes to find the right one.
Also, be careful about making sure the penis pump you buy is specifically for ED. It should be designed to create a temporary erection and not to enlarge your penis.
You may see ads in magazines and online or see vacuum devices in stores that promise to enlarge your penis. There is no evidence that such devices are effective. You may risk injuring your penis using one.
How much does a penis pump cost?
Because a penis pump is a recognized treatment for ED, many insurance companies will cover at least part of the expense. Typically, coverage is around 80 percent. So, for a $500 pump, you would need to pay about $100. If you’re unsure about coverage, contact your insurance provider directly.
Results
Using a penis pump won’t cure erectile dysfunction, but it might create an erection firm enough for you to have sexual intercourse. You might need to combine use of a penis pump with other treatments, such as taking erectile dysfunction medications.
