Penis Pump

Approved by the FDA in 1982, the vacuum pump, also known as the vacuum constriction device (VCD), has been prescribed to about 100,000 men annually in recent years and is now available to the general public without a doctor's prescription.

How does it work? The VCD consists of a large, hollow cylindrical tube that is attached to a vacuum pump. Preparation includes spreading a water soluble gel on the penis and at its base, where it meets the body. The gel is also put on the base of the cylinder. Then, the man inserts his penis into the tube and presses the end tightly against his body, with the gel creating a tight seal.

At this point, the man uses the pump to remove the air from inside the cylinder, which creates a vacuum. The vacuum inside the tube draws blood into the penis, resulting in an erection.

In order to maintain his erection, constriction rings are placed around the base of the penis before the cylinder is removed. Thew rings hold the blood inside the penis, permitting him to have successful intercourse without losing his erection.

For many men who have used this device, the results are quite satisfactory. But there are some complaints. Some men say that the erection they achieve with the VCD does not look or feel natural. They say the penis is cold and lacking in color, appearing rather gray and lifeless. Some men are unable to ejaculate and others are not able to reach orgasm. Many men note that their erection is unstable because half of the penis is inside their bodies, and of course, still soft.

In addition, not every man can safely use the VCD. Men who have a history of problems with bleeding or who have blood clotting disorders are not good candidates, and neither are men with leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and spinal cord injuries.

VCD users also complain that the use of the device interrupts lovemaking, destroying its spontaneity. They must also remove the constriction rings within thirty minutes to avoid damaging penile tissue. The device is effective in up to 65 percent of the men who try it.

With the availability of Viagra, it is probable that many users of the VCD will prefer to try the pill. However, there may be those who have used the VCD for many years, are satisfied with its performance, and prefer to use a method that is completely external, rather than ingesting a pill. Another significant factor could be the cost. A vacuum pump retails for between $200 and $500, a one time cost for a device that can be used over and over. For the same price, a man can get only twenty to fifty Viagra pills.