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Erectile Dysfunction
Vacuum Constriction Devices
A vacuum
constriction device (VCD) is an external pump with a band
on it that a man with erectile dysfunction can use to get
and maintain an erection.
The VCD
consists of an acrylic cylinder with a pump that may be attached
directly to the end of the penis. A constriction ring or band
is placed on the cylinder at the other end, which is applied
to the body. The cylinder and pump are used to create a vacuum
to help the penis become erect; the band or constriction ring
is used to help maintain the erection.
The pump
helps the penis become erect while the band maintains the
erection.
How
Does It Work?
To use
the device:
Place
the pump, which can be pumped by hand or run on batteries,
over the penis.
Pump the air out of the cylinder so that a vacuum is created.
The vacuum draws blood into the shaft of the penis and causes
it to swell and become erect.
Once the penis is erect, with the help of lubricant, slide
the retaining band down onto the lower end of the penis.
Remove the pump.
Intercourse can be attempted with the constriction band in
place to help maintain the erection. The band can be left
on safely for up to 30 minutes to allow for successful intercourse.
How
Well Do Vacuum Constriction Devices Work?
Studies
suggest that about 50%-80% of men are satisfied with the results
of VCD. As with any other method of treatment for erectile
dysfunction (ED), satisfaction rates may decrease with time.
Who
Should Consider Using a Vacuum Constriction device?
Vacuum
constriction devices are safe and can be used by patients
with ED caused by many conditions, including:
Poor blood
flow to the penis
Diabetes
Surgery for prostate or colon cancer
Psychological issues such as anxiety or depression
Vacuum constriction devices should not be used by men who
may have a significant congenital bleeding disorder or a disorder
that predisposes them to a condition called priapism (a prolonged,
sometime painful erection lasting over several hours). Examples
include sickle cell anemia, some forms of leukemia, and other
blood conditions.
What
Are the Side Effects?
An erection
obtained by the vacuum constriction device is not the same
as an erection achieved naturally. The penis tends to be purplish
in color and can be cold or numb. Other side effects can include:
A black
and blue mark or small area of bleeding on the shaft of the
penis. This is usually painless and generally will resolve
in a few days.
Decrease in the force of the ejaculation. The constriction
band traps the ejaculate or semen at the time of orgasm. This
is not dangerous and usually does not cause pain. The semen
will usually dribble out once the constriction band is removed.
Generally, this does not interfere with the pleasure of a
climax or orgasm.
How Much Does the Device Cost?
Vacuum
constriction devices vary in cost from $300 to $500, depending
on the brand and type. The battery-powered versions tend to
be more expensive, but also tend to work a little more quickly.
Battery-powered devices are especially helpful for men who
do not have good hand strength and coordination.
There
are several devices currently on the market that work effectively.
Some of these devices can be obtained without a prescription.
Does
Insurance Cover the Devices?
Most insurance
policies, including Medicare, cover at least part of the costs
of a vacuum constriction device, especially if a medical cause
for ED has been documented. Medicaid, however, does not cover
the device.
Reviewed
by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The
Cleveland Clinic.
Edited
by Charlotte Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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