Vacuum Pumps for ED: Benefits, Uses and How They Work

If you're searching for how to use vacuum pumps for erectile dysfunction, you're probably facing trouble getting or maintaining an erection. ED affects nearly half of men between the ages of 40 and 70, and its impact goes beyond the bedroom. A vacuum erection device (VED), sometimes called as vacuum constriction devices or penis pumps, is a tool that helps to create a firm erection using. 

But let’s be clear that these devices won’t cure erectile dysfunction or reverse medical causes of ED.  These devices are helpful when pills aren’t effective, safe, or well-tolerated, especially after prostate surgery.  

In this article, we will dive into how vacuum pumps work, how to use vacuum pumps for erectile dysfunction, who they’re best for, safety tips, and their side effects you should know before starting.

How To Use Vacuum Pump For Erectile Dysfunction?

Using a vacuum erection device might take some practice, but it's not difficult. If you’re wondering how to use vacuum erection devices for erectile dysfunction, we must understand what its body consists of. Vacuum pumps have 3 parts [1]:

• A plastic tube called as cylinder, which fits over the penis
• A rubber stretchable band (cock ring), which helps in maintaining the erection
• A pump, either manual or electric, that creates the erection

Let us dive into how to use vacuum pump for erectile dysfunction safely step by step:

Apply a water-based lubricant

The first step involves the application of a water-based lubricant on your penis and the cylinder rim. Try to avoid petroleum-based jellies, such as Vaseline, as they may damage the device [2].

Insert the penis into the cylinder

The next step involves placement of the cylindrical tube over the penis. Avoid placing it on the testicles or scrotal tissue [3].

Holding the cylinder

Try to hold the cylinder firmly against your body at a downward 45° angle [3]

Pump

Use the pump to draw air out of the cylinder, creating a vacuum. This vacuum will fill the penis with blood, causing an erection [4]. Do not apply huge pressure, as it can cause injury to the penis.

Slide the tension ring

Now that the penis is fully erect, slide the stretchable ring onto the base of your penis.

Release the vacuum

Press the release button and release the vacuum; after this, remove the cylinder carefully.

Do not exceed 30 minutes

You should not keep the ring on for more than 30 minutes. Doing it more than this time can cause injury or tissue damage [5] [6]

Removal of the ring

After intercourse or the 30-minute mark, stretch and remove the ring gently to allow blood to drain. 

This is how you can try this at home

You can try using the penis pump at the same time of day when you are relaxed. You can try keeping a track for the first two months where you can keep a check on time taken to achieve erection, your overall  experience and satisfaction. This data helps you get more familiar with the device. 

How Does A Vacuum Pump Help With Erectile Dysfunction?

Every vacuum erection device can be different, but the way they work is similar. They work by creating a negative pressure around the penis. This means that vacuum pumps remove the air from the cylinder, which creates a vacuum effect. This vacuum helps in drawing blood into your penis and causing an erection. The rubber tension ring then gets slipped to the base of the penis to keep the blood in place and keep the erection ongoing [7]. It takes about 2 to 7 minutes to achieve a full erection, depending on the system and how well you know it [6].

Vacuum erection devices work by creating negative pressure that draws blood into the corpora cavernosa (the erectile chambers of the penis)to produce an erection independent of sexual arousal.

Who Benefits From Vacuum Devices For Erectile Dysfunction?

Penis pumps are not a permanent treatment or cure for erectile dysfunction. But they are very helpful for maintaining erections in some cases. Some men can benefit from them, and they are:

Men with Nerve Damage

Men who have neurogenic erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction due to nerve damage), such as after radical prostatectomy or spinal cord injury, can benefit from VEDs [7].

Men with Poor Blood Flow

VEDs can be useful in cases of venous leakage, where blood is not able to flow properly or it leaves the penis too quickly. The vacuum draws in blood, and the constriction ring holds it in place. [4] [5]

Men with ED due to medications

Some medications, like antidepressants or anti-hypertensive medicines, can increase the risk of ED. VEDs can be a helpful option for men whose ED is medication-related [2] [7].

Men with depression

Depression, stress and anxiety can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Penis pumps can help men who suffer from ED due to anxiety, depression, or relationship problems. A vacuum pump can help by producing an erection that is strong enough for sexual activity. This can help in restoring confidence [2] [7].

After Prostate Surgery

VEDs are commonly used as a part of the post-surgical routine. This can help in improving blood flow and helps in preventing penis shrinkage [3]. 

Men with systemic conditions

Men who suffer from conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders that affect blood flow and nerve functioning. Penis pumps help in providing a safe option when pills and medications aren’t suitable [8]. 

At Allo Health, we saw that only 12% of VED users experience side effects significant enough to discontinue use, making it one of the safest ED treatment options in our clinical success rates.  

Potential Risks of Vacuum pumps

Now that we know about the benefits of VEDs, can everyone use them? The answer is no. There are some contraindications and side effects associated with vacuum erection devices which make them unsafe for some people. Common side effects associated with VEDs include:

Bruising

VEDs can cause bluish discoloration or small red spots (petechiae) beneath the skin due to excessive pressure. If this happens, the device should not be used again until the skin has healed [4].

Pain in the penis

Some men report pain or numbness after using a penis pump. To prevent tissue damage, the ring must always be removed within 30 minutes [3].

Blocked or altered ejaculation

Ejaculation may be restricted or altered (such as retrograde ejaculation) if the tension ring compresses the urethra. This does not affect the ability to orgasm, but semen may not be expelled in the usual way [5] [6].

Penile hinging

This can occur if the part of the penis behind the ring remains soft while only the front portion is firm. This may affect stability during intercourse [6] [9]. 

Who Should Not Use VEDs

VEDs may not be safe for:

1. Men with Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature)
2. Men with a history of painful or prolonged erections (priapism)
3. Men with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners
4. Men with reduced sensation at the base of the penis

Most of the penis pumps are designed to limit pressure to safe levels,  some unregulated “penis developer” devices sold online may not be safe. These are not FDA-approved and may generate a high pressure, which can damage penile tissue [9].   

Cost Of Vacuum Pumps in India

In India, the cost of vacuum pumps can vary widely depending on the type of pump, capacity, and intended use. It is important to understand that medical vacuum erection devices (VEDs) used for erectile dysfunction are different from industrial or laboratory vacuum pumps, even though the pricing ranges in the Indian market often overlap online.

As a general reference, vacuum pump prices in India start from the lower thousands and can go up to over ₹1.5 lakh, depending on specifications. Smaller, basic vacuum units are commonly seen in the ₹4,000-₹6,000 range, while mid-range utility or 1 HP vacuum pumps are often listed between ₹7,000 and ₹30,000. More advanced or specialized vacuum systems may cost ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh or more.

Price alone should never guide the choice of a vacuum device for erectile dysfunction. Many pumps sold online in lower or higher price ranges are designed for industrial, laboratory, or mechanical use, not for medical or sexual health purposes. Using non-medical or unregulated devices on the penis can be unsafe and may increase the risk of injury.

Final Words

Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) are not a cure for erectile dysfunction, but they can be an effective way to help you achieve and maintain an erection.  You should always remember that a vacuum device for erectile dysfunction works best when it is used correctly.  When used safely, they can become an important part of your sexual life. Even though these devices offer many benefits, they aren’t for everyone. Always consult a healthcare professional to know if you are a good fit.