Do vibrators help restore erectile function after Prostatectomy?
This is a rather ‘stimulating’ theory posed by Danish researcher, Dr. Mikkel Fode.
Would using a vibrating device as part of Penile Rehabilitation assist with spontaneous erection recovery post Prostatectomy?
In 2014, Dr. Fode conducted a pilot study to explore this idea.
This article summarises his research methods and findings. I include my personal thoughts based on anecdotal evidence from Touchy Subject Members who have tried out the study protocol.
You can read the full study here (PDF).
Research Summary
Dr. Fode’s research is based on a non-invasive technique called ‘Penile Transcutaneous Mechanical Nerve Stimulation’ (TMNS).
TMNS is roughly translated from Science to English as:
“placing a vibrator on the penis”
The device they used was called ‘The Ferticare”. The exact model used in 2014 for the study is now discontinued. However, a more powerful version has taken it’s place (see details at the end of the article).
Using a vibrating device like The Ferticare is known to be an effective means for men with spinal cord injury to stimulate ejaculation (in 90% of cases). The vibration excites a nerve pathway directly from nerve endings in the penis to the ejaculatory nerve bundles at the base of the spine.
Of course, after prostate removal ejaculation is not possible. However, the ejaculatory nerves are neighbours to the erection nerves (the nerves in a state of trauma post Prostate Surgery).
Therefore, possibly the same nerve pathways may stimulate these neighbouring erection nerves, spurring them into action.
Dr Fode’s study investigated if this would happen to a group of men after Prostatectomy.
The results…
Fode and colleagues recruited 30 men post Prostatectomy to apply TMNS (vibration) using The Ferticare every day for 1 week before surgery, then 6 weeks following catheter removal.
They were instructed to apply vibration to the Frenulum for 10 seconds, then pause for 10 seconds. Then to repeat this 10 times.
Note: The Frenulum is most commonly known by men as ‘the bit that feels really good’ on the underside of the penis glans/head.
They also recruited 38 men going through the same surgery to receive ‘usual care’ regarding Penile Rehabilitation, which in this study was a recommendation for taking PDE5s (Viagra/Cialis).
This was to act as a comparison group.
At 3 months post-surgery all men in both groups had a score of ‘5’ from on the IIEF survey (international index of erectile function).
This result reflects no spontaneous erectile function.
At 12 months post surgery, the men receiving daily vibration for the initial 16 weeks post surgery, had an average score of ‘18’ on the IIEF survey.
This result suggests that the majority of men using a vibrator every day for 16 weeks post surgery, at 12 months had some spontaneous erectile response.
In contrast, at 12 months post surgery, men who had only been told to try Viagra had a score of ‘7.5’ on the IIEF survey.
This indicates that very few men receiving ‘usual care’ had regained any erectile function.
This sounds like significant improvement.
So does this mean men should be sitting on the washing machine every day post surgery?
Well, it’s not quite that conclusive or simple…
The difference in results is not what the literature terms 'statistically significant' (i.e. not a large enough difference between outcomes to suggest the variable of ‘vibration’ is responsible for change).
Plus, these sample sizes are small. 30ish men in each group is nowhere near enough to draw conclusions at this stage.
There are also many factors accounting for erectile function outside of vibration that were not measured (such as self-stimulation by other means, the use of vacuum devices or injections, exercise etc.).
So, while this treatment has potential for further exploration, it is currently lacking ‘the hard data’.
Note: in case you hadn’t noticed my over use of the word stimulating, puns are always intended here.
Is it worth trying a vibrator as part of your penile rehabilitation program?
The answer is a mixture of ‘possibly’ and ‘it depends’.
Which frankly, is not that different to all the other options when it comes to your Penile Rehabilitation program.
Everyone is different and what works for one guy, might not work for the next.
Here is why you might benefit from giving it a go:
Enjoying a Vibrator in general can assist with orgasm, enhancing sensation and blood flow. Even if you don’t see a change to erection function, you might enjoy the sensation. Many men experience a loss or dampening of sensation to the genitals following treatment, so a vibrator may help with this.
Your partner may enjoy it too, you can explore the sensations together. Vibrators are genderless. One low-cost vibrator that we recommend to try out this technique with The Manta by Fun Factory. A men’s vibrator for couples. It can be used by both men and women in many ways. Here is a review and video to learn more.
Vibrators are non-invasive and can easily accompany other rehab options. You can use a vibrator before/after both pumping and injecting to see if this method improves erection quality.
‘Touchy Subject Members’ feedback on using a vibrator for penile rehabilitation:
The results are better with a semi-erection. You can use a vibrator flaccid, although it’s easier to place around the glans when engorged. Some men also told me they use a vibrator to give a 50% erection ‘a boost’. Therefore, if you currently get to half-mast when aroused (without or without another erection strategy), you might find success by adding a vibrator.
It takes a few sessions to enjoy the sensation or see any results. I’ve heard from one gentleman (18 months post unilateral-NS surgery) who persevered with a vibrator every day for over two months before he noticed any erection response from using it. I’ve also heard from men who don’t get a sense of ‘arousal’ from the device, but enjoy the feeling of deep vibrations in their pelvic area, and find a physical response occurs regardless of arousal. Once again - everyone is different and this isn’t a ‘silver bullet’ (although that is a pretty decent pun for the vibrator aficionados out there).
What is the best vibrator to use if you want to try this at home?
You need a rechargeable vibrator with a superior motor to deliver the ‘deep’, rumbly vibrations similar to those used in the study. It is also worth finding one with a ‘pulse’ setting to mimic the ‘on-off’ routine from the study.
Manta by Fun Factory: best all-round vibe for men.
German engineering, designed with a team of Urologists. The Manta is made from body-safe, medical-grade silicone with ridges to trap lubricant for a smoother, longer-lasting experience.
Read a user review from a man with ED post-Prostatectomy here.
Pulse Solo by Hot Octopuss: Best when flaccid.
This device is ideal for men early on post-Prostatectomy with no erectile function. Very easy to use flaccid and circumvents any issues with Climacturia (urination upon arousal/orgasm).
Read a user review from a man with ED post-Prostatectomy here.
Ferticare 2.0
This is the most ‘powerful’ vibrator ever made. The Amplitude range is easily adjustable by the dial at the base (0.5-4mm). The Viberect has a maximum amplitude of 2.0mm.
This is the vibrator brand used within the original pilot study described in this article.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Everyone is different. This is one pilot study with small sample sizes and the results are encouraging but not statistically significant. This means no outcome can be guaranteed if you try using a vibrator for erectile function.
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links. These links lead you to products mentioned in the video from suppliers I trust. You are of course not obligated to use these links. If you do purchase products through the links provided - THANK YOU - this provides A Touchy Subject with a small commission, which helps us continue to create free content every week.