What is a penis pump and how do you use one?
MOST men won't be able to get it up from time to time.
But some may have a hard time getting or maintaining an erection more regularly.
When you think of a penis pump, your mind might go straight into sex toy territory.
But these handy devices actually have a medical use and they can help many deal with erectile dysfunction.
What is a penis pump?
A penis pump – or a “vacuum erection device” – is a device used to help a man achieve and maintain an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis.
The tube is placed over the penis and the air is pumped out either by using the hand pump or electric pump attached to the tube.
Read more on men's sexual health
Once the penis is erect, the tube can be removed.
A constriction ring can then be placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
One study showed that men using a penis pump were able to get an erection in up to 90 per cent of cases.
11 key things to know about your penis
Everything you need to know about the health of your penis
How does Viagra work and how long does it last?
Why is the penis mushroom shaped?
When does the penis stop growing?
What is the average penis size in the UK?
Where in the world do men have the biggest penis?
Can cockroaches live in your penis?
What is a circumcised penis?
Can you break a man’s penis during sex?
What is a penis pump and how do you use one?
Does drinking apple juice grow your penis?
What causes itching around the penis?
The pumps are generally seen as being safe to use and could be less expensive and invasive than other options.
Most read in Health
But some people do need to be cautious if they have certain medical conditions.
Using a penis pump could aggravate penile conditions, such as priapism.
Too much air pressure in the cylinder can also cause mild bleeding under the skin’s surface so it is advised not to use one if you:
- have a blood disorder
- have a history of blood clots
- take blood thinners
You should also avoid using a constriction ring that’s too tight or leaving it on too long, as this could cause your penis to become bruised, numb, and cold.
What are the benefits of a penis pump?
Superdrug Ambassador Dr Sara Kayat says that one in five men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), and penis pumps can help in overcoming the problem.
Dr Kayat added that it's important to both seek help and look into the underlying cause of ED.
She said: "Reassuringly, there are many effective treatments for ED, and successful treatment can have a significantly positive effect on the quality of life."
A penis pump can be used on its own or as part of a range of treatments, such as medication like Viagra.
Dr Kayat said: "The penis pump is a device that is used to treat ED. It doesn’t increase your maximum erection size, but it can help alongside or instead of ED medications."
Despite some claims, a penis pump won’t make an erection bigger.
How does a penis pump work?
The pumps work by increasing blood flow to the penis to help achieve or maintain an erection so you can have penetrative sex.
The device uses suction to draw blood into the penis.
The blood fills the blood vessels in the penis, causing them to swell so the penis gets, temporarily, bigger and harder.
A constriction ring, also known as a penis ring, is usually placed around the base of the penis to help keep the blood in the penis and maintain the erection longer.
Do penis pumps work?
Penis pumps can help with achieving harder erections that last longer when combined with a penis ring.
They’re safe if used properly and are supported by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) and the NHS.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Research shows that penis pumps do work.
Penis pumps have also been shown to be effective in preserving erectile function after prostate surgery and radiation therapy for prostate cancer, according to research published by the US National Library of Medicine.