Vacuum pump
The device is effective for more than 90% of men although it may take up to two weeks for a man to master its use. Once this has been achieved, it usually takes two to three minutes for him to produce a usable erection.

What are Vacuum Constriction Devises?
Vacuum constriction devises consist of a clear plastic cylinder and a pump which may be hand or battery operated. The flaccid penis is placed in the cylinder and an air tight seal is obtained with a lubricating gel. The plastic cylinder is pressed firmly against the body and a partial vacuum created by evacuating the air from within the cylinder. The penis becomes engorged with blood and, when firm enough for intercourse, a plastic or rubber constriction ring is slipped from the end of the cylinder to around the end of the base of the shaft of the penis. This traps blood in the penis and the erection maybe safely maintained for up to 30 minutes. Some people prefer to use two constriction rings to obtain a stronger and maintain a better erection.

What are the advantages?
The advantages of a vacuum constriction device are its relative cheapness - it pays to buy a reliable one - and its freedom from side effects. Some bruising is not uncommon but no serious complications have been reported. Discomfort may be associated with prolong use for more than 30 minutes.

What are the disadvantages?
The disadvantages may be: some men report impaired sensation with ejaculation, some partners report that the penis is too cold, erections may feel uncomfortable and some men may experience a pivoting at the base of the penis. Vacuum devices are particularly useful for those men in a stable relationship who are unable to obtain an erection for physical reasons and for whom the only other alternative would be the implantation of a penile prosthesis. It may be less attractive to single men and those with psychological erectile dysfunction.