Vacuum devices are cylinder-shaped, external pumps put over a soft penis to make it hard. Once the vacuum device is on the penis, air is pumped out of the tube, which helps blood flow to the penis. This can make the penis hard. When the penis is hard, a ring is put around the base to maintain the erection. You can leave the ring in place for up to 30 minutes.
If you want to have an erection for longer than 30 minutes, you need to take the ring off for a few minutes so the blood flows normally. After a few minutes, use the pump again to make the penis hard and put the retaining ring back on for 30 minutes, but no longer.
How the erection looks and feels
When using a vacuum device, the skin of the penis may look darker or blue and might feel cool. The erect penis might move from side to side more than usual. It may hang erect from the body instead of standing up erect. Sometimes this makes the penis slip out during intercourse. You and your partner might need to adjust the way you thrust during sex, or try different positions.
You might get a firmer erection if you use the vacuum device after foreplay that might stimulate a partial erection. Continue with foreplay after you use the device so that sexual excitement stays high. Before intercourse, warm the penis with a warm cloth or hand massage.
A vacuum device doesn’t change how the skin on the penis feels, or the ability to feel an orgasm. The ring can close off the urinary tube, which means that no fluid comes out during an orgasm. If this happens, fluid will likely drip out when you remove the ring after sex.
Buying a vacuum device
It’s a good idea to buy a medical quality device. You can buy them online. Call the
Oncology and Sexuality, Intimacy and Survivorship (OASIS) program to learn more about using vacuum devices or where to buy them.
You can buy many different types of rings. Try different ones to find out what you like, what you’re comfortable with, and what size is right for you.
Using a vacuum device
Practice using the device for a few weeks before you use it for sexual activity. If you have questions, call the manufacturer—there’s usually an advice line.
It’s important to have support from your partner if you choose this option. Talk about and make sure your partner understands that you‘re still attracted to them, even though you need the device to get an erection. Some partners feel comfortable touching themselves while you use the device to stay sexually excited. Or you can think about asking your partner to help you use the device.
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