Penis Pump (/Vacurect Device) Not Working?
Penis Pump Disappointment?
THREE THINGS YOU MUST KNOW:
1. It can take at least 4-8 separate attempts to get the hang of pumping.
You’ve got to nail the technique. It’s like learning to use a new piece of gym equipment. Remember though, once you’ve mastered the technique, it’s yours for life. It is worth persevering.
If you’ve purchased the Vacurect pump and you’re not sure if you’re using it correctly, check out our Training Series (includes live demo videos + how to bring the pump into sex)
2. At first, do not expect a 10/10 erection.
The erection in the cylinder may only get to a ‘half-mast’. Or it may feel uncomfortable and strange. This is very normal.
Again, this is a new piece of equipment your body is getting used to. It will change over time with practice. Tweak your technique (use the ideas below) and most importantly - take your time.
3. You will not keep the erection after pumping UNLESS you are using a constriction ring/system.
This is really important to understand when you are using a pump with erectile dysfunction:
When you take the cylinder off the pump opening, you will not keep the erection UNLESS you are using a constriction ring/system tight enough to keep the blood in the shaft from flowing back into your body.
It will take experimentation to find the right sized constriction opening for you (that’s why our recommended vacuum pump for ED, the Vacurect, comes with 10 different sizes).
If you are using a generic sex shop style pump, we recommend this set of four silicone-based constriction rings designed to fit around the base of any pump.
4. If you’re pumping for Penile Rehabilitation and you’re not noticing any change to spontaneous erections or size
There are several reasons why you may not notice changes to spontaneous erections or size, so please read our guides on VED therapy for penile rehab, and also how long erectile dysfunction lasts post-prostatectomy. (there are many variables involved in erectile function recovery, using a pump to maintain tissue health is just one of them).
Sign up for our free post-prostate cancer rehab program delivered daily directly to your inbox.
How to improve Penis Pump experience/results:
● Use a lot of thick water-based lubricant on the opening of the vacuum device. This stops air escaping, which improves the erection quality in the pump.
● Go slower. Take a couple of deep breaths between each ‘pump’. This helps avoid bruising, pain or discomfort. It takes time for the blood to enter the shaft.
Note: 5 Side Effects of Pumping and How to Avoid them.
● Trim or shave your pubic hair (yes, really!). This helps create a better seal between the device and the body.
● Slowly rotate the pump clockwise/anti-clock to increase the seal. This is especially helpful if there’s any fat/loose skin to form a tighter seal.
● Look sideways in a mirror as you pump. You’ll see progress better this way rather than looking down.
● If the cylinder fogs up, shake the cylinder (make sure there is water-based lubricant on the penis so it does not stick to the side).
● Experiment with standing vs reclining when pumping. One position may be more effective than the other for you.
● Try self-stimulating/masturbating/gentle stretching first, and then pumping. Most men report that feeling aroused beforehand leads to better physical pumping results. (note: you do not need to be aroused to use a pump effectively).
THIS VIDEO: demonstrates the best stretching exercise to improve pumping results.
● Try using your pump during (if waterproof) or after a shower. Vasodilation from warm water can help facilitate blood flow.
● If the base of your penis ‘bulges’ out after pumping, you might be using a pump cylinder that is too wide (many commercial ‘sex shop’ pumps have this problem, as they are not designed for regular exercise from flaccid). You could try using a smaller ring opening if you’re using the Vacurect cylinder (the rings are designed with a flat base to help circumvent this issue). Or you could invest in a soft tapered silicone opening like this universal pump sleeve.
● Add another erection creation method to the mix. If your doctor recommends you do so, using a PDE5 inhibitor pre-pumping (Viagra or Cialis) might improve pumping outcomes for some men. Sign up for our free erection rehab program for more ideas on how to boost/create erections with ED.