Purpose
Penile pumps are a temporary solution for men with erectile dysfunction. According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, this device is most suited for men who aren't suited for penile implant surgery, have tried medications that treat ED but have found no success or men who have problems achieving an erection due to prostate surgery. Once you have completed intercourse, your penis returns to its normal size.
Speak to Your Doctor
There are a variety of penis pumps on the market, many of which are available for purchase online or through magazines. However, in many cases these pumps aren't safe or effective. To ensure you purchase the pump to meet your specific needs and it's manufactured by a reputable company, speak to your doctor. In many cases, he can either recommend or give you a prescription for, the right penile pump for you.
Using Your Pump
Using your penis pump is fairly easy once you get used to it and familiarize yourself with its three components: the plastic tube, the constriction bands and the pump.
Begin by placing the plastic tube over the shaft of your penis. You can then begin pumping, which first removes excess air from the plastic tube and allows for the pump to draw blood into your penis, resulting in an erection. Once you're erect, place a constriction band around the base of your penis to hold the blood in your penis. The doctors at Mayo Clinic suggest leaving the constrictor ring on your penis no longer than 30 minutes. Doing so could cut off your circulation, resulting in nerve injury to your penis.
Recognize Side Effects
Penile pumps are generally safe, but they aren't for everyone. If you suffer from blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, you may develop blood clots. Also, if you take blood thinners such as coumadin or aspirin, you could bleed excessively--which could result in injury to your penis.
Side effects that are indications you should discontinue use include numbness or coldness of your penis when you apply the constrictor rings, inability to have or delay in ejaculation and pain or bruising of your penis.
