What is a Penis Pump?

A penis pump is one of the methods of treating erectile dysfunction (ED) without using drugs. It is relatively easy to operate the device, but one must be cautious because they may encounter side effects if one fails to use it properly. Sometimes people call it a penis enlarger or a vacuum pump. Penis Pump is generally divided into manual penis pump and electric penis pump.

Components of a Penis Pump

A penis pump comprises of:

• A plastic tube to fit over the penis

After inserting the penis into the tube, air is pumped out of the tube, creating a vacuum. With the vacuum, the blood flow into the penis shaft increases, causing the penis to erect.

• A pump that is attached to the tube

Works in conjunction with the tube. It is responsible for pumping air out of the cylinder to create a vacuum, resulting in an erection. It can either be motorized or manual and gets attached directly to the tip of the penis.

• A tension band, also known as a constriction ring

The bring fits around the base of the penis after it erects, preventing the exit of blood from the penis.  As long as the ring stays in place, the penis remains erect. However, experts advise that you should not stay with it for more than thirty minutes as it could result in injuries.

Information on some internet articles indicates that a penis pump will enlarge your penis. Some retailers may promise you the same, but that is false. A penis pump cannot make your penis large permanently. It only increases blood flow into the penis shaft, helping you get and maintain an erection and have penetrative sex.

How to Use a Penis Pump?

• The first step is to place the tube over your penis. You may need to use a lubricant to minimize or avoid lubrication from the tube.
• For an electric penis pump, turn it on. If it is a manual one, you will use your hand to pump so that air can move out of the tube. As air leaves, the pressure inside the tube changes, allowing blood to flow into your penis shaft. It takes only a few minutes before you achieve a full erection.
• Place the right at the base of the penis
• Remove the tube and enjoy sex.

The function of the ring is to maintain the erection by restricting blood flow from the penis. The maximum time recommended by sexual health experts is 30 minutes. Do not let it stay for more than 30 minutes because it can affect blood flow and eventually harm the penis.

People Who Can Use a Penis Pump

Ideally, a doctor would prescribe a penis pump to treat erectile dysfunction during its initial stages since it is both not invasive and affordable. A penis pump is the best option for men who have erectile dysfunction due to physical factors like health problems. Someone with diabetes, nerve damage resulting from prostate cancer treatment, or an injury on the spinal cord can use a penis pump.

Also, someone experiencing erectile dysfunction resulting from psychological factors like performance anxiety and nervousness can use a penis pump. Sexual health experts also prescribe a penis pump to men who are ruled out from using erectile dysfunction drugs. The reason may be that they have a history of taking nitrate drugs or alpha-blockers. A penis pump will give them the desired erection.  

People Who Cannot Use a Penis Pump

Sexual health doctors advise some people not to use a penis pump because it would cause more harm to their penis than it would help. For instance, it is advisable for people with a significant penile curvature to avoid using a penis pump. The tube may make the penis strain too much, causing harm.

Other people advised not to use a penis pump because it may be ineffective or cause harm include:

• People with priapism. They usually have a prolonged erection, which at most times is painful.
• People using blood-thinning medication
• People who have blood disorders. For instance, someone with sickle cell anemia.
• People with numbed penile sensation resulting from damaged nerves.

For someone seeking to treat erectile dysfunction, the best thing is to consult with a urologist. The urologist should have experience treating erectile dysfunction. Although there are several treatment options available for erectile dysfunction, one should first get the guidance and opinion of an expert in male reproductive health.

Why Do People Like Using Penis Pumps?

A penis pump gives a lot of benefits, which attract people to using it.

For someone with erectile dysfunction, sustaining an erection long enough to have sex is a difficult task. In some cases, they may not manage to have an erection at all. A penis pump comes in handy as it helps someone with erectile dysfunction sustain an erection long enough to have penetrative sex. Whether you are using an electric penis pump or a manual penis pump, it can help curb the effects of erectile dysfunction since:

• It delivers the intended function if correctly used.
• Penis pumps are non-invasive and can be used in place of medication.
• They can help someone regain sexual functionality after undergoing certain medical procedures.
• Penis pumps are relatively cheaper compared to other treatments for erectile dysfunction.

However, many people tend to use penis pumps for non-medical reasons. The idea known to many people about penis pumps is that they make the penis bigger. People, therefore, use them intending to have a bigger penis. You may realize that the penis may grow by an inch or so, both in length and girth, but the fact of the matter is that the growth is temporary.

Whether you decide to use an electric penis pump or a manual one, it will not bring you any side effects that come with erectile dysfunction drugs. The only requirement is for you to use penis pumps correctly. They also are non-invasive, giving them an upper hand to penile organs that require surgery.

Penis pumps will still be useful even after you undergo a procedure. For instance, someone who undergoes prostate surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer may still successfully use a penis pump. In some men, the repeated use of a penis pump may make them start having sustained natural erections.

Generally, the penis pump is much less expensive and safer than the other available options for treating erectile dysfunction. The fact that you can use a penis pump repeatedly make sit cheaper in the long run because drugs require you to incur recurring costs. You can also use them together with other medications for ED, including Viagra.

What are the Side Effects of Using a Penis Pump?

Generally, it is safe to use a penis pump if you use it correctly. If your body is comfortable with using it, you can use it as frequently as it responds. Some people may be comfortable using it several times during the same day, while others will be more comfortable using it less often.

The most important thing is to follow the instructions on the packaging. When wrongly used, it may result in too much air pressure inside the tube and subsequently injure your penis. Chances are that there can be mild bleeding under the skin surface, resulting in small red spots on the penis.

The nature of the penis pump may also deprive a sexual encounter of its spontaneity. It may make some partners, especially first-timers, feel uncomfortable. Some men may also report that the penis does not get as firm towards the base as it is towards the upper side.

For anyone on blood thinning medication, using a penis pump will increase the risk of having internal bleeding. Also, people with sickle cell anemia may be at risk of bleeding or having blood clots if they use a penis pump.

What to Consider When Buying a Penis Pump?

Accessing penis pumps is easy. Electric penis pumps and penis pumps that require manual coordination are available online, over the counter, and in many specialist stores. However, many of the pumps may not meet the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) requirements. As such, they may not have FDA’s approval, meaning that using them puts you at risk of sustaining injuries or finding them ineffective. They may also not have proper instructions on how to use, putting you at risk of using them incorrectly.

First, always check for safety measures. One of the most vital safety measures to look for in any penis pump is the vacuum limiter. It will regulate the vacuum pressure, limiting it appropriately so that it cannot get too much and injure the penis.

Another feature to consider is the constriction ring. A right that gets too tight will become uncomfortable. Similarly, a ring that is too loose will not serve its intended purpose. The most important thing to do is to determine the size that works best for you.

The best way to go is to have it prescribed by a doctor. When a doctor prescribes a penis pump, you are sure that the penis pump you receive is FDA approved. With FDA approval, you have the guarantee that the penis pump you are using will treat erectile dysfunction. You may also have the advantage of your insurance company paying for your prescribed penis pump. Your insurance policy will determine how much you pay toward the penis pump.

Precautions to Take When Using  Penis Ring

• Shaving

Make sure that you shave your pubic hair. When you remove the hair at the base of your penis, the ring will have a better seal on the skin. Shaving also helps prevent hairs from getting trapped in the ring. Trapped hair can cause pain.

• Follow the Directions

Even if you think that you already know the directions for use, it is important to read the instructions and use the penis pump as per the directions. The product is something that aims to treat dysfunction in your reproductive organs; the more reason you need to be careful.

• Apply Lubrication

Having lubrication applied on the shaft, at the base of the penis, and around the tube helps create an airtight seal. The lubrication also makes it easier to slide the ring on and off. Lube can also help in case you will be using hands on your penis before penetrative sex. It makes masturbation easier and pleasurable.

• Do Not Leave the Ring to Stay More than 30 Minutes

The ring cuts blood flow in and out of your penis. Cutting blood supply to your penis for too long may have drastic effects. Always make sure to remove the ring before 30 minutes elapse.

Bottom-line

A penis pump is a safe way to treat erectile dysfunction. Whether you choose to use an electric penis pump or a penis pump that will need manual coordination, it will serve you the intended purpose. Always remember to follow the instructions.