I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error

Pump and tension rings

Email this conversation Print this conversation
User
Posted 30 Jul 2020 at 17:43

I am 18 month post op, radical prostatectomy, nerve spared, one side. After not much success with tadalafil, sildenafil and now avanafil I have just been prescribed a Somacorrect Xtra pump. I'm still practicing and have to say am pretty impressed with the results so far. The Surefit tension rings (semi-transparent doughnuts) seem to be the most comfortable and effective, although I haven't given them the full test drive yet.

Can anyone share their experiences of using this ring and how many times can they be used and still be effective? Also I'd be grateful for experience/advice on other brands/types of tension rings. 

User
Posted 31 Jul 2020 at 13:44

I can't comment on overdosing. Some thoughts are that it might make your blood pressure dip significantly, and obviously, any of the known side effects might be amplified.

On the constriction rings, it's really important to understand how to remove them before you put them on. You shouldn't be removing it while erect - you might do yourself some injury, or even panic and try ripping it off, doing some serious damage. You remove the surefit rings by pulling the tabs just enough to get fingers inside the ring, then pull it wider with those fingers so blood exits the erection, and then take it off when the erection has gone. One problem with those rings is they don't have finger holes in the tabs, and when they've got lubricant on them, the tabs can be difficult to grip.

Some of the other samples in the kit are single use, in that you tear them along a break line to get them off. Like I said before, these weren't demoed on me, and I haven't got the courage (or need) to try them. Someone in one of the groups (can't recall if it was here) said they needed something tighter than the surefit, and do use one of the others. The Surefit come in 3 sizes, X, Y, and Z. The free sample is a Y (embossed on a tab), and when you order a replacement set of 3, you get one of each by default, but you can get the pharmacy to write "All size X" or similar on their order to the supplier (iMEDicare) and you'll get whatever size you ask for.

User
Posted 30 Jul 2020 at 21:38

As Chris hints, there are several ways to use the pump.

For first couple of weeks, you should only be doing daily practice runs, where you repeatedly inflate and deflate your penis, and you don't use the construction rings.

Then you have two modes of operation, penile rehabilitation, and erections for sex.

For penile rehabilitation, you do similar as for the practice runs. You are looking for at least 10 mins erection every day, or 15 mins every other day. Try not to leave it longer than 2 days between runs. Several shorter erections adding up to the 10 or 15 mins is probably more beneficial than one long one.

For sex, you need to maintain the erection after removing the pump, and for that you need the constriction rings. The surefit rings are the ones they demo on you if you get a demo (which is strongly recommended - it doubles the chance of using the pump successfully when you get home). They are the only ones I've used - some of the other samples that come with the pump look quite scary. I haven't broken a surefit ring yet, but I don't use the pump much as I can get erections without it. Note that you are not supposed to use the loading cone for the surefit rings - my guess is they could get scratched which would make them liable to snap.

You can use the pump with PDE5 inhibitors too. You could try using the pump to kick start an erection and see if it can hold its own afterwards. If you can maintain an erection without keeping the pump or a constriction ring on, this is better for penile rehabilitation because the whole penis will be erect rather than just the exposed half of it.

iMEDicare did a new video at the start of COVID which you might find useful:
https://youtu.be/HJWCzzII1oI

Also, they are doing pump clinic demos over a video call if you didn't get a proper one when you were prescribed the pump.
https://www.mypelvichealth.co.uk/en/info/covid-19-update/operational-update-for-customers/

(I'm not connected with iMEDicare, although I've probably generated lots of pump sales for them.)

Edited by moderator 13 Jul 2023 at 18:09  | Reason: Not specified

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 30 Jul 2020 at 20:40
So the basic problem is that you have just been prescribed this pump. This should have been your first port of call at say 3 months post op. Possibly irreparable atrophy to you penis by now. Used alongside Daily Tadalafil 5mg seems to be the gold standard for recovery at the moment. I’m now 5 yrs post op but still use my pump 3 times per week. I can get reliable errctions on demand with daily Cialis and wake up hard every day just like the old days. Best not use the rings unless you want penetration. Just keep him in the tube hard for at least 10 minutes as much as possible. Yes those rings are the best and very very reusable. Just don’t give up. I was only back to normal at 2 1/2 yrs. I still use a cheap slacker cock-ring which makes a 90% into a 100% erection. Good luck
User
Posted 30 Jul 2020 at 21:38

As Chris hints, there are several ways to use the pump.

For first couple of weeks, you should only be doing daily practice runs, where you repeatedly inflate and deflate your penis, and you don't use the construction rings.

Then you have two modes of operation, penile rehabilitation, and erections for sex.

For penile rehabilitation, you do similar as for the practice runs. You are looking for at least 10 mins erection every day, or 15 mins every other day. Try not to leave it longer than 2 days between runs. Several shorter erections adding up to the 10 or 15 mins is probably more beneficial than one long one.

For sex, you need to maintain the erection after removing the pump, and for that you need the constriction rings. The surefit rings are the ones they demo on you if you get a demo (which is strongly recommended - it doubles the chance of using the pump successfully when you get home). They are the only ones I've used - some of the other samples that come with the pump look quite scary. I haven't broken a surefit ring yet, but I don't use the pump much as I can get erections without it. Note that you are not supposed to use the loading cone for the surefit rings - my guess is they could get scratched which would make them liable to snap.

You can use the pump with PDE5 inhibitors too. You could try using the pump to kick start an erection and see if it can hold its own afterwards. If you can maintain an erection without keeping the pump or a constriction ring on, this is better for penile rehabilitation because the whole penis will be erect rather than just the exposed half of it.

iMEDicare did a new video at the start of COVID which you might find useful:
https://youtu.be/HJWCzzII1oI

Also, they are doing pump clinic demos over a video call if you didn't get a proper one when you were prescribed the pump.
https://www.mypelvichealth.co.uk/en/info/covid-19-update/operational-update-for-customers/

(I'm not connected with iMEDicare, although I've probably generated lots of pump sales for them.)

Edited by moderator 13 Jul 2023 at 18:09  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 30 Jul 2020 at 22:18

M

The Durex ring CJ suggests is the Durex pleasure ring, it looks like the sure fit but without the wings. My experience, the sure fit are very effective but made my penis cold. The Durex pleasure rings are not as effective but we're more pleasurable. 

Never give up, my use of the pump was restricted due to a stricture but I can still get good results with the pump, I am six years post supposedly non nerve sparing surgery and still get some surprises.

You may be able to get replacement rings on prescription, my rings are still in good condition six years on.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 31 Jul 2020 at 12:23
This is really helpful. Thanks to all for sharing their advice and experience. I am still taking avanafil (Spedra) 200mg, the recommended dose of one tablet is pretty ineffective, but I do get a better result by taking two, however my Urology nurse was not pleased about this and hence I now have the pump. Any views on whether "overdosing" on Spedra is likely to be harmful (I haven't had any adverse reactions)?

As part of my practice I did try one of the Ultra gel rings but had a real struggle to remove it while I was still erect. I think I'll stick to the Surefit rings when the time for action comes along!!

User
Posted 31 Jul 2020 at 13:44

I can't comment on overdosing. Some thoughts are that it might make your blood pressure dip significantly, and obviously, any of the known side effects might be amplified.

On the constriction rings, it's really important to understand how to remove them before you put them on. You shouldn't be removing it while erect - you might do yourself some injury, or even panic and try ripping it off, doing some serious damage. You remove the surefit rings by pulling the tabs just enough to get fingers inside the ring, then pull it wider with those fingers so blood exits the erection, and then take it off when the erection has gone. One problem with those rings is they don't have finger holes in the tabs, and when they've got lubricant on them, the tabs can be difficult to grip.

Some of the other samples in the kit are single use, in that you tear them along a break line to get them off. Like I said before, these weren't demoed on me, and I haven't got the courage (or need) to try them. Someone in one of the groups (can't recall if it was here) said they needed something tighter than the surefit, and do use one of the others. The Surefit come in 3 sizes, X, Y, and Z. The free sample is a Y (embossed on a tab), and when you order a replacement set of 3, you get one of each by default, but you can get the pharmacy to write "All size X" or similar on their order to the supplier (iMEDicare) and you'll get whatever size you ask for.

 
Forum Jump  
Email this conversation Print this conversation

Similar Topics

Advice on pump and tension rings by markac_99
in Sex and relationships

Join the online community now.

Click through to become a member and gain access to support, information and real time replies.




MenuTop ▲
©2024 Prostate Cancer UK