Erectile dysfunction pumps also known as vacuum constriction devices are used by men with erectile dysfunction to get an erection. It consists of a pump used externally that has a band on it. Erectile dysfunction pumps are made up of an acrylic cylinder with a pump attached which is then directly attached to the penis. The band is put around the penis and the two, pump and band, are then used to make a vacuum that makes the penis erect. The band is used to keep the erection after the pump has made it erect. In order to work, erectile dysfunction pumps are placed over the penis. The pump can be worked manually or using batteries. The air in the cylinder is pumped out which creates the vacuum, which in turn causes blood to run into the shaft making it swell up into a functional erection allowing for sexual activity.

Once it is erected, one should use lubricant to slide the band down to the lower part of the penis and remove the erectile dysfunction pumps. This then releases the vacuum. With the band in place, one should go ahead and have intercourse. This band is what maintains the erection and removal of it can be disappointing for both partners. Additionally, it can be left intact for a maximum of 30 minutes, thus allowing for successful intercourse. Studies done on erectile dysfunction pumps showed that 50 to 80 percent of men who used them had satisfying results. One of the advantages of erectile dysfunction pumps is that they are safe and can therefore be used by men suffering various conditions such as poor penis blood flow, anxiety, diabetes, depression as well as those who have had colon cancer or prostate surgery which are major causes of erectile dysfunction. Seeing that it is not a drug there are no interactions to worry about.

Erectile dysfunction pumps should be avoided by those who have a congenital bleeding disorder, or conditions that make them likely to suffer priapism such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia and blood conditions of other kinds. Priapism is a condition that causes one to have an erection for a long time, even several hours, that may be painful.

Side effects of using erectile dysfunction pumps include the fact that the erection gained is not the same as a natural one. The penis can be discolored; turning purplish and can feel numb and cold. The penis can incur bruising on the shaft, and the ejaculation may have decreased force due to the constriction band at the penis base.

The devices range from 300 to 500 dollars, depending on which type and brand they are. Those that are powered using batteries are more expensive than the manual ones. Medicare covers the costs partially but Medicaid does not. Men that have poor coordination and strength as well as those with arthritis tend to prefer the battery powered erectile dysfunction pumps.