get pumped up
Using penis pumps as part of ED recovery post-prostate cancer treatment
why use a pump
Penile Rehabilitation refers to optimising and preserving penile tissue integrity. It is most commonly recommended after a medical procedure such as Prostate Surgery, which results in Erectile Dysfunction due to cavernous (‘erection’) nerve trauma.
While these nerves are in a state of trauma, penile rehabilitation intends to prevent penile tissue damage, such as fibrosis, Peyronie’s Disease, venous leakage.
Maintaining regular oxygenated blood flow to the penile tissue during ED after prostate cancer treatment helps prevent these structural changes (including penile shrinkage).
The hope is that once the cavernous nerves heal and are ‘back online', the penile tissue is in good condition to support natural erectile function again.
Using a vacuum erection device (VED) is one non-invasive way of establishing oxygenated blood flow into the penile tissue.
how to pump
Here’s a quick video on how to use Vacurect post-prostate cancer treatment.
Check out our Vacurect: Training Series for live demos + top tips from pump users.
Which pump is right for you
“The Vacurect works extremely well. I’ve found that pumping slowly and allowing time for reaction every couple of strokes works best. In this fashion, I achieve a full erection in about 10 minutes. When shared with my wife, this time of anticipation is a form of foreplay for both of us.”
(Phil, post Prostatectomy)
“My wife and I have been using the Vacurect with great success. It took practice and patience but I feel now like I’ve mastered it to the point where our sex life is better than anything I experienced in the past.”
(S. Prostatectomy)
pumped with questions
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There are no side effects when used safely and as recommended by the manufacturer. The Vacurect comes with written instructions, but you can also read our article about the potential side effects from pumping and how to avoid them:
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Studies show that daily use of a vacuum erection device can help regain size over time, as well as prevent shrinkage post Prostatectomy.
Read article on pump rehab protocol for regaining size here.
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Do not panic - often you simply need to adjust your technique or equipment to get better results.
Read our troubleshooting guide here.
If you think the pump equipment you are using is faulty, please contact the supplier you purchased through.
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You will not keep the erection up after pumping unless you are using a constriction ring/system.
It will take experimentation to find the right sized constriction opening for you. Our recommended vacuum pump for ED, the Vacurect comes with 10 ring sizes.
View our Rings page for more tips on finding the right ring size and recommended rings for non-Vacurect pumps.
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.
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If you experience a ‘bulging’ at the base of your penis when you start using the pump, try this stretching technique pre-pumping.
That method tends to fix erection quality when pumping. There are a few other ways you can improve the consistency and quality of your erections in our troubleshooting guide.
If you are finding the erection post-pumping (with a ring) is not adequate for intercourse, view our guide on intercourse-ready strategies with a pump.
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If you are finding the erection post-pumping (with a ring) is not adequate for intercourse, view our guide on how to avoid penis pump side effects here.
If the pain persists please seek medical attention.
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If you have any bruising/blistering on your penis after pumping this is likely due to pumping too quickly. Don’t worry though, this is likely due to burst blood vessels that will naturally heal over time with a break from using a pump.
To learn more about side effects view our guide on how to avoid pumping side effects here.
Discontinue pumping until the bruising or blistering subsides. If it is not subsiding please seek advice from a medical professional.
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Applying water-based lubricant all over the shaft before inserting into the pump can help prevent this. When the penis gets stuck to the side of the tube, give the tube a small shake.
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Standing is the ideal position for pumping.
Here’s a video all about positions to try when pumping to improve your experience.
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We recommend a thick water-based lubricant when the base of your pump is silicone (like the Vacurect).
The Vacurect comes with an ideal water-based lubricant to start you off with. When you run out, our page on lubricants will help you choose your next lube.
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Please consult your medical professionals before purchasing the Vacurect if you are on blood thinners. These medications can increase the chance of bruising.
You can also view our video on how to stay safe when pumping.
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Yes, vacuum erection devices/pumps are designed for anyone looking to create erections using vacuum technology.
As always, please consult your Urologist or Medical Professionals to ensure a vacuum erection device is a viable option for your situation.
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If by ‘work’ you mean creating an erection when you want one, then yes. A pump simply draws blood into the penis, and a constriction ring system keeps it there, giving you an erection for 30 minutes max.
If you are wondering whether using using a pump long term for penile rehabilitation will bring back spontaneous erections, that is a much more complex question to answer.
Our free rehab program and this interview with Urologist, Professor Declan Murphy, may assist you.
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It is important to understand the underlying causes of your erection changes/challenges in order to help choose the most appropriate treatments and tools for you. We recommend always working with relevant medical professionals to help with this.
In the case of performance anxiety, you can consult with a sexual therapist who is trained in this area. They might recommend a vacuum device as an option for you, if so feel free to share these resources we provide about pumps to discuss if this is an appropriate option.
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Vacuum erection devices can be a useful tool for reducing curvature in the case of Peyronie’s Disease, however, every case of Peyronie’s Disease is different. It depends on where the curvature is, and the degree/angle the penis bends when erect as to what pump model will be most suitable. It is best to first consult with your medical specialist team around the best course of treatment and pump model for you.
This interview with Dr Jo Milios may be a useful resource about treatment options for Peyronie’s Disease.
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Every pump is different, and it’s best to check with the supplier you purchase from.
You can use the Vacurect safely in the shower as it does not have any electronic components.
This can also be a great idea as a way to help incorporate rehabilitation into a daily activity. We also recommend using the Vacurect in the shower if you are experiencing incontinence.
Some pumps such as the Bathmate are designed to be used with water so are ideal in the shower (but do not come with constriction systems, so can only be used for rehab).
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The answer is - potentially! It depends on where you are in the world, what insurance policy you have, and why you are purchasing a pump.
If you can claim a vacuum erection device via your health insurance company, you will likely need a letter from your urologist, so make sure you ask for one in your next appointment.
‘Pump therapy’
Here’s a selection of clinical literature on using a pump for penile rehabilitation post-prostate cancer surgery.
“A pilot study on the early use of the vacuum erection device after radical retropubic prostatectomy” (Kohler and colleagues, 2007)
→ 28 men, daily protocol for 5 months, 10 minutes a day
“Preservation of penile length after radical prostatectomy: early intervention with a vacuum erection device” (Dalkin & Christopher, 2007)
→ 42 men, daily protocol for 90 days, started day after catheter removal“Effect on sexual function of a vacuum erection device post-prostatectomy” (Engel, 2011)
→ 23 men, 5 days a week protocol for 12 months, 10 minutes a day“Vacuum Erection Device for Rehabilitation after Radical Prostatectomy” (Wang, 2016)
→ Overview of VED literature: Most of blood in VED-induced erection is arterial.“The Early Use of Vacuum Therapy for Penile Rehabilitation After Radical Prostatectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” (Qin and colleagues, 2018)
→ Overall analysis of VED studies post Prostatectomy
where to buy vacurect
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Before purchasing The Vacurect OTC10, please ask your urologist or healthcare provider whether a vacuum erection device is right for you. Nothing stated here should be interpreted as medical advice replacing the advice of your healthcare provider.