Vacuum Erection Devices: An Introduction
The ED treatment described below utilizes mechanical suction, not medication, for the penis. A vacuum erection device is a mechanical, non-drug treatment for erectile dysfunction, or ED. They use a plastic or acrylic cylinder placed around the penis. A hand-operated or battery-powered pump attached to the outside of the cylinder pulls the air out of the cylinder, creating a vacuum.
The suction pulls blood into the penis tissue, creating an erection, which is essentially the mechanics of how the penis achieves one from body to it naturally.
Once an erection is achieved, the cylinder is then pulled off the penis, and from the base, a plastic or acrylic tension ring-also known as a constriction ring-that has been placed on the cylinder is slid onto the penis’s base. Once on the penis, the ring holds in the blood flow, thus ensuring a firm penis for a short period of time, up to 20 min maximum. Since vacuum devices use mechanisms other than hormone balances, nerve functioning, and blood vessel dilatation, like prescription drug treatments, then it is often a great option for men whose condition does not readily respond to oral ED medication, or who are unable to take ED drugs due to another health problem.
So, Are Vacuum Erection Devices Prescription-Only in Australia?
For the most part, no. The majority of the best and TGA-approved vacuums available in Australia come under what are called ‘over-the-counter medical devices’, as opposed to prescribed items.
They are readily available over the counter at most chemists and local pharmacy stores, through specific men’s health shops, and at many online sites.
Not being prescription-only doesn’t mean no medical oversight is required; however, you should always ensure you buy a TGA-registered ‘medical device’. Avoid buying ‘novelty pump’ types that are not registered; the TGA registers medical devices by quality, safety and efficacy. Some rare cases require a prescription.
If your erectile dysfunction is secondary to another condition, e.g. Post-prostatectomy surgery, a urologist/GP might have one prescribed, and there are occasions when a vacuum erection device is covered under your private health cover.
It is still advisable to seek medical advice. Although you don't strictly need a doctor's prescription for a vacuum device, getting your GP's or urologist's opinion in the first instance is often worthwhile to ensure it is the appropriate solution for you and there isn't an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
How Well Do Vacuum Erection Devices Actually Work?
Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) have been around for decades, used for treating ED, and there’s good evidence supporting their use. For a good number of men – especially those with mild or moderate ED, or ED due to vascular (blood flow) problems – they can effectively facilitate an erection good enough for intercourse consistently.
Since VEDs work through purely mechanical means, they have the potential to work irrespective of the cause of ED.
This is part of the reason they are often considered when medication hasn’t worked, or isn’t the right option. Things to consider when using a VED:
- The erection doesn’t arrive instantaneously: Most devices take between 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the equipment in use and one’s state of arousal at the beginning of the process.
- The erection may feel and look a little different: Because the erection isn't a result of natural sexual arousal, but instead is induced by drawing in blood using negative pressure, the erection itself might feel somewhat cold, and in the area where the VED has a constricting band around the base, it may appear slightly discolored. While usually minor, some adjustment period might be required.
Proper technique is crucial:
The size of your ED tension ring and whether or not you’re using adequate amounts of lube are important factors in the success of the VED.
In fact, many men notice a noticeable improvement in the results after trying for a few days. It’s possible to use them with other treatment modalities: Sometimes men will use their VED with an oral ED drug, or during ED rehabilitation following surgery of the penis.
Using a Vacuum Erection Device for Treatment of Post Prostatectomy ED
You may have also heard that one of the most well-understood applications for the VED is penile rehab after a prostatectomy. If your prostate is being surgically removed, whether the nerves can be saved or not, the surgery may be impactful to the vessels and nerves involved in erections, leading to post-op ED. Many doctors will recommend starting the VED some time shortly after the procedure is done–as long as there is adequate healing and your catheter is removed – as part of a penis rehabilitation plan.
The use of a VED draws blood into the penis, which is believed to be helpful in the long-term repair of the tissue while nerves are in the recovery process; you do not necessarily need to be sexually active when using the device.
Discuss the possible use of VED with your surgeon before discharge from the hospital if your prostatectomy will soon or may take place this week.
Vacuum Erection Device Price: How much in Australia?
How much a vacuum erection device costs depends entirely on the brand, the design and quality of construction, and whether it operates with a manual pump or battery. Generally, you can expect to pay anything between $100-450 and above:
- Affordable manual pumps may be as low as $100, but the quality and effectiveness may vary greatly at this low end.
- For TGA-registered, medical-grade systems, you can pay in the vicinity of $300-$450, which will usually be supplied with a set of sized tension rings and water-based lubricant.
- A battery-operated, or electronic, penis pump can range in cost and should cost about $350 or more.
If you have decreased hand strength, a battery-powered device will work for you. Whether you go for the higher-cost option, it is generally suggested to opt for a medical-grade, TGA-registered vacuum erection device over a novelty pump, more from safety aspects than anything else.
What to look for in the best vacuum erection device
Not all VEDs are created equal, and ultimately, the “best” device for you is the one that suits your individual circumstances. You’ll want to compare:
- TGA registration–A sure fire way of verifying it’s a medical device and not just being sold as a novelty item.
- One-piece unit or separate pump and cylinder – One-piece designs tend to have fewer parts, reducing potential air leakages and being easier to operate.
- Manual or battery/motorised pump – the manual device provides the user with an easier level of control over pressure building, whereas manual pump requires some hand strength and physical effort. A motorised or electric model is physically less demanding but usually more expensive.
- Variety of cylinder size to select– a broader variety will more adequately assure finding an ideal cylinder size for comfort and effectiveness of the device.
- Range of tension ring sizes – This ensures the best and most secure fit possible.
- Customer Support and Training–The availability of the support and guidance, especially by specialist male health stores and pelvic Health clinics can considerably improve effectiveness within the first few weeks of your treatment.
Side effects of Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs):
If used appropriately, VEDs are considered a safe device; as they’re a medical instrument, they’re not free from side effects. Discoloration occurs from the effects of suction, and it is often evident if you’re just starting to get the usage of the VED and have increased pressure usage.
- Pain and discomfort
The same causes stated as bruising also apply to discolouration, such as if the ring size is not appropriate, overuse (over 30 mins), etc
- Numb or cool Penis:
As discussed above, the ring tension may at times temporarily reduce blood circulation, giving a cool or numbed sensation on the head of the Penis. If the sensation persists, do seek a doctor's advice. Numbing will return to normal within the device usage span itself of not more than 30 mins.
- Bluish discolouration in Penis
This will revert back to normal as soon as the ring is removed and blood circulation becomes normal. The reason for bluishness will occur since all blood circulation is trapped within the Penis tissues when the tension ring is in place.
Some of the above side effects are caused by usage of the technique and can be avoided and minimized when following the manufacturer's instructions. Such as the appropriate ring size, vacuum pressure, and also the time of usage. Don't leave the ring on for longer than around 30 mins.
Those with bleeding disorders or who are on anticoagulants are advised to seek prior advice from a health physician before usage, as are those people who may experience pain, discolouration, or numbness persist more than a couple of mins after device removal.
Is a Vacuum Erection Device Right for You?
Vacuum erection devices tend to be a good fit for men who:
- Want a non-drug, non-invasive option for managing ED
- Can't take oral ED medications due to other health conditions or interactions
- Are recovering from prostate surgery and need a rehabilitation tool
- Haven't had success with oral medication alone
- Prefer a one-time purchase over ongoing medication costs.
They may be less suitable, or need to be used with more caution, for men with certain bleeding disorders, severe Peyronie's disease, or a history of priapism - which is where getting medical advice before buying, even though it's not legally required, is genuinely worthwhile.
Where to Start If You're Considering a Vacuum Erection Device
If a vacuum erection device sounds like it might be the right fit, the best next step usually isn't just buying the first one you find online. A quick conversation with a doctor can confirm whether a VED suits your specific situation, rule out anything that needs separate attention, and point you toward the right type of device - whether that's a standard model or one specifically suited to post-surgical rehabilitation.
Talk to Direct Meds Today
The wait to be able to sit down and discuss ED treatment with someone can be itself another barrier, which Direct Meds will provide an alternative to. By simply filling out our brief questionnaire and chatting through your needs with an AHPRA-registered medical professional, the right type of product- be that a vacuum erection device, medication, or a mixture of both- will be determined.
From there, you'll be provided with an individually tailored strategy. And if you know exactly which product has already helped in the past? You may purchase treatments from the Direct Meds website online, with no need for a face-to-face medical consultation at all.
Frequently Asked Questions for Vacuum Erection Devices:
Can vacuum erection devices cure impotence?
No, but they may do so for a lot of men. Because of the fact they do not use any signals from nerves or stimulate any blood vessels. Rather, they work purely mechanically to create a suitable erection, irrespective of what caused impotence. This is why it's frequently used in combination, when medication is not applicable or fails to act adequately.
Can a prescription for vacuum erection devices be bought within Australia, without it?
The vast majority of ED devices, including most medical-grade units within Australia, are available "off the shelf", so to speak. Therefore, there is really no use for a prescription, although some doctors believe in writing one anyway in the context of DVA, and the possibility of private health care claims.
What is the cost of a vacuum erection device in Australia?
The cost of vacuum erection device varies between $100 and more than $450 for more advanced (motorised or medical grade) to over $300 for higher quality medical-grade pumps that are TGA approved in Australia. These usually include rings to fit to the shaft.
Can a vacuum erection device be used post-prostatectomy?
Yes, they are used for aftercare of radical prostatectomy as a way of rehabilitating the penis after the nerves that help with achieving and maintaining an erection heal. The sooner after surgery they are introduced, the better for optimal penile rehabilitation to occur.
Are there side effects to using a vacuum erection device?
Side effects usually relate to bruising and an increase in cooling in the penis. Other mild side effects can include some temporary numbness as a result of using the tension ring in an incorrect size, or wearing the ring for too long after the act of sexual penetration has been completed.
Is there a brand of vacuum device that is superior to another?
If the vacuum erection device or penile rehabilitation system is TGA-approved and the manufacturer offers a number of tension ring widths for a number of different sizes and types of Penis, this will lead to optimal treatment and help with erectile function after surgery for prostatectomy. One-piece pumps can be much easier to operate than multi-piece versions. They are often preferred if hand strength is poor or for ease of use.
