Editing Evaluation and Management of Erectile Dysfunction (section)

=== Vacuum erection device ===

* Standard vacuum erection device consists of a plastic suction cylinder and vacuum-generating source (manual or battery-operated pump) in one piece. It is placed directly over the flaccid penis and operated, and after the penis is erected an elastic constriction ring or band is positioned at the base of the penis which can be maintained safely for up to 30 minutes; then the vacuum is released and the device is removed.
* '''Principle is to mechanically create negative pressure surrounding the penis to engorge it with blood and then restrain outflow from the organ to maintain the erection-like effect.'''
** Although the treatment does not produce a truly physiologic erection and the engorged blood predominantly consists of venous blood, the effect resembles a normal erection and is sufficient for coitus.
* '''Effective and low-cost treatment option for select men with ED.'''
** '''Associated with high rates of patient and partner satisfaction'''
** Considered a more cumbersome and labour-intensive way to achieve an erection
** '''Effective in the general ED population as well as in men with diabetes, spinal cord injury, post-prostatectomy, and other conditions'''
* '''Useful in patients with glanular insufficiency'''
* May have a role as a “rescue” device in men who are PDE5i non-responders
* No absolute contraindications making it a reasonable option for those who cannot tolerate or have contraindications to other medical or surgical options

* Adverse events: penile numbness, pain, bruising, and painful ejaculation