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Vacuum penis pump

User
Posted 31 Jan 2023 at 23:15

Unfortunately I can’t get a vacuum pump on the NHS.
Can anyone recommend a commercially available pump - not too expensive?
Thanks.

 

User
Posted 17 Jun 2023 at 23:21

Jast,

You need to go through a training period for first 2-3 weeks, during which it may be uncomfortable or even a bit painful, while the penis gets use to expanding again. For this, pump it up slowly, allowing plenty of time for blood to flow in to the penis between each hand pump. Then hold for only about 5 seconds, and let down again. Repeat these cycles for 10 mins. If bleeding happens, stop immediately, pinch the area that's bleeding to stop it for 10 mins or so, and let it heal for a couple of weeks before using again. If you're on blood thinners other than just low dose asprin, they wouldn't let you have a prescription due to risk of bleeding.

By the end of the training period, it shouldn't be painful anymore. Then the guidance given to me was to use it for 10 mins per day, or 15 mins every other day, but not to leave it longer than that between use. You probably want to pump it up and let it down a few times, but you will be able to keep it comfortably pumped up for longer than during training.

Edited by member 17 Jun 2023 at 23:24  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 10:04
As above , ideally if you want a pump for rehab AND good penetration you need a pro pump ideally. I have the Soma Erect Response 2. But nearly £200.

But if you want rehab only then any simple pump from Lovehoney will do. Either way you DO need a pump and get on with rehab for the rest of your days !!!

User
Posted 20 Mar 2023 at 18:09
Would recommend anyone who has a pump to get some advice on how to use it correctly. I use the Soma 2 and after getting good advice about shaving and heating the rings, I can now manage a cracking erection. Also use a Bathmate pump most days as excercise as I do not have any natural erections. Really improved my mood.
User
Posted 20 Mar 2023 at 19:21

I remember finding a bit of research somewhere a long time back which found that men who have the pump demoed on them in clinic were twice as likely to use it at home successfully afterwards. (It was trying to say it's only worth giving men pumps where there is the facility to demo it on the patient in clinic.)

User
Posted 28 Mar 2023 at 16:24

How to choose a VED (Vacuum Erection Device)

Since I had Robotic Prostatectomy 12 years ago it has become quite a popular choice among urologists (would be, wouldn't it?) and men with prostate cancer which hasn't spread. Post surgery help and advice is very patchy, particularly for rehabilitation. VEDs are an important tools but men are at a loss when it comes to buying one. I hope the following survey may be useful to men, before and after surgery, who have chosen prostatectomy for treatment.

Over the past 12 years we have used 4 different pumps and the following survey is based on our experience. I suffer from ED (more due to age than surgery) and mild incontinence when sexually or erotically excited.

Survey   

What we are reporting here is our experience of having used 5 different VEDs over 12 years. When looking for a VED you must consider ease of use (including disassembling and reassembling for cleaning), possibility of needing to use 2 rings, no loss of erection-strength when removing the erect penis from the vacuum cylinder and good ergonomic design is a must because you have to operate the device when your hands would have lubricant and/or urine on them. A safety button is necessary to release the vacuum if necessary. We have provided this survey in good faith on the basis of our experience. Every user must make their own judgement and not rely entirely on our recommendations.

SEX SHOP  Rating and value for money: Not rated but good value for money£19 + Available in any online sex shop. Only suitable for rehabilitation purpose or just for fun!

SOMAerect   Rating and value for money: 5 Good value for money£219-£299: NHS may prescribe this, Easy to use, no loss of vacuum when transferring the ring/s from the cylinder to penis, 3 rings (S M L), safety button, three vacuum tubes to accommodate different sizes of penis, handle operated (difficult for arthritic users), suitable for incontinent users, insert penis in cylinder and then inflate so urine leakage is contained in the cylinder, only 3 parts - easy to disassemble and reassemble for cleaning after every use (recommended)

PRIMUS     Rating and Value for money: 5 Very good value for money£183  3 rings, safety button, 1 vacuum cylinder (suitable for average penis size), battery operated (suitable for arthritic users), very easy to use - insert penis in cylinder and then inflate so urine leakage is contained in the cylinder. Only 3 parts - easy to disassemble and reassemble to clean after every use (recommended)

Two More Pumps (Lyn pointed these out recently)

I have also had a look at  Osbon Erecaid Esteem and Farmhurst Elite on their websites. They both claim that they are available on the NHS. Osbore Elite is very expensive £319.98 and Farmhurst Elite (£150) is probably the cheapest on the market. In my opinion they are both excellent. I think Farmhurst Elite is an excellent value for money if you don't need a battery operated device. 

Vacurect  Rating and value for money: 1 and Poor value for money

£202-£298  9 rings (too many unnecessary choices making it difficult for inexperienced users), no safety button, 8 parts (?) , very difficult to disassemble and reassemble for cleaning (recommends cleaning every couple of months - we think it is unhygienic, particularly if you leak urine which many men do after treatment). Over designed and poor ergonomically because of the bulbus-shape which you have to hold when pumping, particularly if there is lubricant and urine present. If you have urine leakage, when you present penis to the hole in the ring, the urine mixes with the lubricant making everything smelly and unpleasant. Many men, including me, report loss of erection when removing the penis from the vacuum cylinder, since there is no 'release' button. In our experience, as others have reported, it is often necessary to put two rings on the penis to maintain a stable erection for half an hour - this is not possible with this pump.

NOTE: Except Osborn Erecaid Esteem and Farmhurst Elite which I also recommend, and apparently available on the NHS, I have personally used all the others over man years. 

Edited by member 29 Mar 2023 at 12:26  | Reason: Addition information

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 10 Apr 2023 at 00:00

I have been using many different rings over the past 12 year and I strongly recommend SOMAerect rings. They are relatively easy to put on the pump and take off the penis. They come in three sizes, S, M and L. Medium is ideal and I find that if my erection fades, which does with the Medium ring, I use two rings; Medium at the base of the penis and the Large one on top of that. That maintains a strong erection for the full half hour. Try it.

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 10 Apr 2023 at 22:43

They are clear soft ones. Suppliers: iMEDIicare  for SIOMAerect pumps.

Edited by member 10 Apr 2023 at 22:59  | Reason: More details

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 07:41

https://vaxaid.co.uk/products/vaxaid-deluxe

£189. You can claim the VAT back since it's for medical use.

User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 08:06

I bought this for £29.99 from lovehoney to use from rehab and it works well for me(note the for me!)

https://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex-toys/male-sex-toys/penis-pumps/p/tracey-cox-edge-ultimate-performance-stamina-penis-pump-8-inch/a28656g46571.html

If you want to maintain the erection after removal you will probably also need to buy these for £9.99

https://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex-toys/cock-rings/cock-ring-sets/p/lovehoney-get-hard-extra-thick-silicone-cock-ring-set-3-pack/a32874g58319.html

it’s obviously not nearly as good as the NHS one as you need to fit the ring after removing the pump but it does the job for me😊

User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 10:04
As above , ideally if you want a pump for rehab AND good penetration you need a pro pump ideally. I have the Soma Erect Response 2. But nearly £200.

But if you want rehab only then any simple pump from Lovehoney will do. Either way you DO need a pump and get on with rehab for the rest of your days !!!

User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 13:53

I have been very satisfied with my Vacurect. It isn't cheap but I considered my penis worth the investment. You can buy online in the UK at https://www.treatingimpotence.com/collections/treating-impotence/products/vacurect-otc-custom-model-1002 

User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 17:45
Thanks for the replies.

My key worker said my GP would prescribe one on the NHS. The GP said “we don’t offer this”. Confused!

User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 18:12

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Thanks for the replies.
My key worker said my GP would prescribe one on the NHS. The GP said “we don’t offer this”. Confused!


We had the GP prescribe ours. I really don’t get it, it’s so frustrating….if we can get one why can’t you? I can understand if no one did but the postcode lottery is ridiculous.

Could you maybe speak to or write to your GP to say how much it is needed and how much everything you have gone/going through is affecting you.

I wrote (a fairly long letter 🤦🏻‍♀️) to our GP saying how disappointed I was that we weren’t getting the necessary support after my husbands operation….I have to say things definitely improved and my husband often receives calls directly from GP to see how he is getting on. 

Worth a try maybe as they can be really expensive. Good luck 

User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 20:07

Hi nmac,

I was referred by the Urologist to the Erectile Dysfunction Clinic.  It was the nurse there who made the referral to my G.P.  There was no problem with getting a pump, Alprostadil injections and Cialis.  I don't know what route you took, but if you didn't go via the E.D. Clinic, it might be worth trying again.

As others have said, a cheap one (£30-ish) from Love Honey (other sellers are available) will do a basic job, and you will need a cock ring as well.  But it probably will only be good for rehab., not penetration.  That said, I have the NHS- prescribed one and my erection is still not good enough for penetration anyway, so they're not all they're cracked up to be.  But definitely worth it for rehab.

Good luck.

 

User
Posted 01 Feb 2023 at 22:00

Being referred to the sexual health clinic is also a lottery. I will have waited 6 months post op by the time I am referred. At which point I may have been able to get a pump on the NHS. In my area it's defo self help. Obviously I discussed starting using a pump with the uro-oncology nurses and surgeon first.

User
Posted 10 Feb 2023 at 21:39

When i very first received my diagnosis regards prostate cancer, i was then refered immediately to a Macmillan nurse who sat and talked to myself and my wife about all eventualities. She gave me a completed referal/order form for a Soma erect response 2 kit to hand in to my local gp who signed and ordered one for me. 

It may be worth you speaking with Macmillan for advise on this matter.

Worth asking and hope you get sorted

 

User
Posted 10 Feb 2023 at 21:44

I noted your comment and was encouraged that some trusts are taking the 'issue' more serious. But it's a postcode lottery. I can't get Cialis or Tadalafil prescribed, 'we don't do that now', where as some trust still do....

User
Posted 10 Feb 2023 at 22:30
Which trust are you under Jim?
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 24 Feb 2023 at 10:38

Subbuteo27: Thanks for your message and kind offer - which I’d like to accept. I’ve been trying to reply but Im getting this: “To protect our members from spam, newly registered members aren't allowed to send private messages. Private messaging will become available after you've participated more in public conversations.”
Could you send me another private message with an alternative way to contact you? Thanks again.

User
Posted 25 Feb 2023 at 09:20

I got my pump through the nhs hospital my consultant requested it as part of re hab. I attended a 15min appointment at hospital where i was showed how to use it. Then I was issued a prescription that I handed in at the chemist and it arrived a few days later. 

User
Posted 20 Mar 2023 at 00:57

Gentlemen, I need some advice. I am 10 months post prostatectomy. I started pump rehab in month 2. How often do you pump? How much is TOO MUCH and how much is NOT ENOUGH??

User
Posted 20 Mar 2023 at 08:31

Use the pump everyday. 

How much do I pump. I tend to know I've gone OTT when it starts to feel a little uncomfortable so let some air out.

The pump is one part of rehabilitation, touching and stimulation I find just as useful. I have seen small improvements since September 2022 so for me it's marathon not a race.

User
Posted 20 Mar 2023 at 08:37

I got my pump a few years ago. I'm pretty sure I was told "once a week" for rehab and after that as often as you like within reason 

User
Posted 20 Mar 2023 at 10:18

As Jim said, I find feel and touch just as good as the pump. In fact I even reached a big ‘O’ last week and it came(sorry🤣🤣🤣) as quite a shock. If your partner knows where your sensitive ‘bits’ are, I think it can give you immense pleasure.

I am one of the ‘second class’ citizens from the NHS point of view who seem to think that an NHS pump is not appropriate for those on HT? Why? Because we have no Libido? We can be up to 3 years(or longer) on this ghastly stuff so why shouldn’t we have rehab so that when we emerge out the other side we have a ‘working Willy’?

Rant over…I feel better now😊

User
Posted 20 Mar 2023 at 18:09
Would recommend anyone who has a pump to get some advice on how to use it correctly. I use the Soma 2 and after getting good advice about shaving and heating the rings, I can now manage a cracking erection. Also use a Bathmate pump most days as excercise as I do not have any natural erections. Really improved my mood.
User
Posted 20 Mar 2023 at 19:21

I remember finding a bit of research somewhere a long time back which found that men who have the pump demoed on them in clinic were twice as likely to use it at home successfully afterwards. (It was trying to say it's only worth giving men pumps where there is the facility to demo it on the patient in clinic.)

User
Posted 22 Mar 2023 at 08:54

Hi, What do you mean by "Heating the rings".

 

User
Posted 28 Mar 2023 at 15:32

I suggest one of the following pumps: SOMAerect, Encore or PRIMUS. I have used all 3 over man years. I prefer PRIMUS because it is battery operated and with practise you can achieve a strong erection within 3/4 minutes.   I have also tried to use Vacurect which is heavily advertised but I think it is very awkward to use, difficult to choose a ring out of 9, if you leak urine it is a really smelly and a mess. Some times you need to put on 2 rings which you can't with it. I would not advise anyone to purchase it. Also pumps from sex shops are good to play around with but not for serious ED.

Edited by member 05 May 2023 at 15:54  | Reason: Not specified

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 28 Mar 2023 at 15:33

Vaxaid is not suitable if you need ring/s on your penis to maintain a strong erection for up to 30 minutes.

 

Edited by member 28 Mar 2023 at 18:03  | Reason: Not specified

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 28 Mar 2023 at 16:24

How to choose a VED (Vacuum Erection Device)

Since I had Robotic Prostatectomy 12 years ago it has become quite a popular choice among urologists (would be, wouldn't it?) and men with prostate cancer which hasn't spread. Post surgery help and advice is very patchy, particularly for rehabilitation. VEDs are an important tools but men are at a loss when it comes to buying one. I hope the following survey may be useful to men, before and after surgery, who have chosen prostatectomy for treatment.

Over the past 12 years we have used 4 different pumps and the following survey is based on our experience. I suffer from ED (more due to age than surgery) and mild incontinence when sexually or erotically excited.

Survey   

What we are reporting here is our experience of having used 5 different VEDs over 12 years. When looking for a VED you must consider ease of use (including disassembling and reassembling for cleaning), possibility of needing to use 2 rings, no loss of erection-strength when removing the erect penis from the vacuum cylinder and good ergonomic design is a must because you have to operate the device when your hands would have lubricant and/or urine on them. A safety button is necessary to release the vacuum if necessary. We have provided this survey in good faith on the basis of our experience. Every user must make their own judgement and not rely entirely on our recommendations.

SEX SHOP  Rating and value for money: Not rated but good value for money£19 + Available in any online sex shop. Only suitable for rehabilitation purpose or just for fun!

SOMAerect   Rating and value for money: 5 Good value for money£219-£299: NHS may prescribe this, Easy to use, no loss of vacuum when transferring the ring/s from the cylinder to penis, 3 rings (S M L), safety button, three vacuum tubes to accommodate different sizes of penis, handle operated (difficult for arthritic users), suitable for incontinent users, insert penis in cylinder and then inflate so urine leakage is contained in the cylinder, only 3 parts - easy to disassemble and reassemble for cleaning after every use (recommended)

PRIMUS     Rating and Value for money: 5 Very good value for money£183  3 rings, safety button, 1 vacuum cylinder (suitable for average penis size), battery operated (suitable for arthritic users), very easy to use - insert penis in cylinder and then inflate so urine leakage is contained in the cylinder. Only 3 parts - easy to disassemble and reassemble to clean after every use (recommended)

Two More Pumps (Lyn pointed these out recently)

I have also had a look at  Osbon Erecaid Esteem and Farmhurst Elite on their websites. They both claim that they are available on the NHS. Osbore Elite is very expensive £319.98 and Farmhurst Elite (£150) is probably the cheapest on the market. In my opinion they are both excellent. I think Farmhurst Elite is an excellent value for money if you don't need a battery operated device. 

Vacurect  Rating and value for money: 1 and Poor value for money

£202-£298  9 rings (too many unnecessary choices making it difficult for inexperienced users), no safety button, 8 parts (?) , very difficult to disassemble and reassemble for cleaning (recommends cleaning every couple of months - we think it is unhygienic, particularly if you leak urine which many men do after treatment). Over designed and poor ergonomically because of the bulbus-shape which you have to hold when pumping, particularly if there is lubricant and urine present. If you have urine leakage, when you present penis to the hole in the ring, the urine mixes with the lubricant making everything smelly and unpleasant. Many men, including me, report loss of erection when removing the penis from the vacuum cylinder, since there is no 'release' button. In our experience, as others have reported, it is often necessary to put two rings on the penis to maintain a stable erection for half an hour - this is not possible with this pump.

NOTE: Except Osborn Erecaid Esteem and Farmhurst Elite which I also recommend, and apparently available on the NHS, I have personally used all the others over man years. 

Edited by member 29 Mar 2023 at 12:26  | Reason: Addition information

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 28 Mar 2023 at 23:30

Excellent info.

The SomaErect is available with a battery operated pump for those with too much arthritis or other disability preventing use of the lever pump.

User
Posted 29 Mar 2023 at 00:36
It would be great if other members could provide descriptions of the two other main pumps available on the NHS, the Farnhurst Elite and the Osbon Erecaid Esteem?
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 29 Mar 2023 at 11:10

Lyn

As far as I know there is only one, SOMAerect,  available on the NHS. May be there are other ones available.

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 29 Mar 2023 at 11:53
Farnhurst and Osbon are also approved for NHS prescription - I think it is just that different NHS trusts (or maybe just different ED nurses) have their own preference.

John had the Osbon on prescription but we also managed to get Farnhurst rings because they seemed better fitting

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 29 Mar 2023 at 11:58

Lyn

I have just had a look at  Osbon Erecaid Esteem and Farmhurst Elite on their websites. They both claim that they are available on the NHS. Osbore Elite is very expensive £319.98 and Farmhurst Elite (£150). In my opinion they are both excellent. I think Farmhurst Elite is an excellent value for money if you don't need a battery operated device. Whether people can obtain a prescription seems to depend on the surgeries concerned. I think, because prostatectomy has become very popular in the last few years, it is an open season for the manufacturers to think of the cost and and charge double or more. At present the pump which is at the bottom of my 'best buys', Vacurect, is at the very expensive end of the spectrum. I will edit my post on my survey and include the two you have mentioned.

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 29 Mar 2023 at 14:09

I've also heard one of the Bathmate models is available on the NHS, and although I have come across a few people with them, I never came across anyone who got it on the NHS. These are designed for use in the bath or shower.

SOMAerect apparently accounts for 80% of NHS prescriptions, maybe because they have a large network of reps who run pump clinics for the NHS.

User
Posted 30 Mar 2023 at 12:26

Hi, "How often"?  There's no absolute rule on this - rehab is rehab!  I did every other day - did some exercise, had a shower then went into the spare room for my pump ups.  I pumped up 10x. I used my phone's interval timer - as used by athletes doing repetitions . . .so I set it up to do 10x one minutes with 30 seconds rest.  Pump up and hold for 1 min, deflate . . .repeat. So, what to do in the one minute??🤨 I moisturised after shaving, um, lifted weights . .all a bit tedious but it passed the 10 mins or so.  Don't over pump - if it hurts, deflate a bit.  You're just trying to replicate those nocturnal erections - which is about 5 or 6 times. It won't matter if you miss a day but a routine is helpful.  Happy pumping . . .

Steve

Blog: prostatecancer.vivatek.co.uk

User
Posted 09 Apr 2023 at 22:35

Hi Badger

When I was given the pump it included several different size plastic rings. Some were rubber-like and would stretch easily, others were plastic and stiff and if you tried to stretch them they would often snap. However, if you placed the rings in hot water for say thirty seconds they could be easily stretched and used when cold. I would suggest starting at the largest ring and reducing in diameter until you find a size that works. If one ring doesn't work you may have to apply two rings to get the desired effect.

User
Posted 10 Apr 2023 at 00:00

I have been using many different rings over the past 12 year and I strongly recommend SOMAerect rings. They are relatively easy to put on the pump and take off the penis. They come in three sizes, S, M and L. Medium is ideal and I find that if my erection fades, which does with the Medium ring, I use two rings; Medium at the base of the penis and the Large one on top of that. That maintains a strong erection for the full half hour. Try it.

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 10 Apr 2023 at 13:40

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I have been using many different rings over the past 12 year and I strongly recommend SOMAerect rings. They are relatively easy to put on the pump and take off the penis. 

The ones you recommended, are they the clear soft silicone type ones (similar material to the durex pleasure ring?) or the white much harder/tougher ones ?

User
Posted 10 Apr 2023 at 22:43

They are clear soft ones. Suppliers: iMEDIicare  for SIOMAerect pumps.

Edited by member 10 Apr 2023 at 22:59  | Reason: More details

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 13 Apr 2023 at 12:46

Finished my RT in March 2020.

Asked for a referral to the ED clinic more or less straight away. Got my appointment 6 weeks ago, not quite 3 years waiting then told I could have been taking Tadenfil (?) from back in 2020. But it's the mental side anyway for me, super low libido & no interest. Hope I get back to where I was or near to,  now my HT has just finished.

User
Posted 17 Jun 2023 at 16:53

Bought one on Ebay for £9 it hasn't got a pressure gauge but looking at Youtube videos it seems to work as well as other more expensive ones. The puzzle is what parameters to use. How often? How long for and what pressure? but I guess you just have to go with what feels sensible and comfortable. I've been on HT a year and a half and 6 months to go. John Thomas is looking fairly miserable and a lot smaller than I remember him, so its encouraging to see him grow a bit in the pump and gives me hope that he might be back in action in a year or so!  

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/383928719758

User
Posted 17 Jun 2023 at 17:09
Funny this topic popped up again as I ordered one from Temu for €4 as it came in small sizes - yes I have lived with this 'problem' for 62 years :)

Anyway, tracking says it will be delivered on Monday - I pray to the almighty that it comes in plain packaging!

I have my post op consult with the surgeon next Friday so will see what she suggests too.

User
Posted 17 Jun 2023 at 22:45

That is a very very cheap pump. It all depends on what do you want to use it for. If it is simply for rehabilitation, just practising erections or for more serious use - penetrative sex because you suffer from ED in which case you need something like SOMAerect (£180-£240) or similar

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 17 Jun 2023 at 23:21

Jast,

You need to go through a training period for first 2-3 weeks, during which it may be uncomfortable or even a bit painful, while the penis gets use to expanding again. For this, pump it up slowly, allowing plenty of time for blood to flow in to the penis between each hand pump. Then hold for only about 5 seconds, and let down again. Repeat these cycles for 10 mins. If bleeding happens, stop immediately, pinch the area that's bleeding to stop it for 10 mins or so, and let it heal for a couple of weeks before using again. If you're on blood thinners other than just low dose asprin, they wouldn't let you have a prescription due to risk of bleeding.

By the end of the training period, it shouldn't be painful anymore. Then the guidance given to me was to use it for 10 mins per day, or 15 mins every other day, but not to leave it longer than that between use. You probably want to pump it up and let it down a few times, but you will be able to keep it comfortably pumped up for longer than during training.

Edited by member 17 Jun 2023 at 23:24  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 29 Dec 2023 at 17:49

Just wanted to say thanks for the detail, real world reviews and recommendations in this thread.  All this is new to me; 8 weeks post RALP and keen to "get back in the saddle" . Whilst urology have placed me on 50mg sildenafil every 3 days, I'm not sure how long it will take to get an andrology appt. and even then whether it will be a case of trying other PDE5s, then injections (not keen), then a pump. So I've invested £150 and ordered a Farnhurst Elite as want to crack on with rehab etc. and get to grips with my new mate "Ed". Was going to go for a Soma but glad I found your post as wasn't aware of Farnhurst pump, plus when doing due diligence, noticed Farnhurst manufacturer is only 20 minutes away from me so am supporting local manufacturing and they have an excellent tutorial video on you tube. Spares also readily available. Upwards and onwards ( I hope).

User
Posted 29 Dec 2023 at 17:59

Good luck with it all! It is a long journey and worth investing your time and emotional as well as physical effort. I am certainly more satisfied with the mechanical rather than chemical remedies - i.e. pump and cock ring both work better for me, with no side effects, as a preference to the PDE5i drugs. And I know each man is different!

User
Posted 29 Dec 2023 at 21:52

Hi GPS

Just to say that you are doing the right thing whether for short or long term ED. In the short term it is good to remind your penis regularly that it has had a very important purpose in your life. Regular use of the pump will not only pump blood into your penis but also exercise  the ligaments, tissue etc which will help the penis to gradually return to its maximum possible size. Once you feel confident try and put a ring (a large size, or what is referred to as a cock ring bought from a sex shop) on  your penis. It will feel uncomfortable but just put up with a little discomfort, you will get used to it. Then masturbate and see how it feels. When you orgasm nothing can get past the ring - this is a great advantage if your wife/partner wishes to indulges you in oral sex. Once you gain more confidence you are ready for penetrative sex (a little care is needed because of the hinge effect, take it nice and easy). With practice you and your wife/partner will forget that you suffer from ED. If you keep doing this you will have a better chance of regaining your erectile function sooner. It is a win win. If you want further hints on how to use the pump you can private message me. Have fun!

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 30 Dec 2023 at 13:46

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
and even then whether it will be a case of trying other PDE5s, then injections (not keen), then a pump.

Some ICBs have banned the prescribing of vacuum pumps and others have banned the prescribing of Cialis daily but, in an area where the health commissioners care about men with prostate cancer, the ideal prescribing regime would be: Cialis daily (immediately post-op), then a vacuum pump (from 6 or 12 weeks post-op), then single (event dose) Cialis or Viagra and then, if that isn't working, injections such as Invicorp / Caverject. 

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 31 Dec 2023 at 01:05

I have learned that the only ICB which bans pumps ICB-wide is BOB (Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire).

There are some other pockets where they're not available such as some PCNs or some specific GPs, but these are not bans by the ICB.

User
Posted 05 Jan 2024 at 17:04

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

How to choose a VED (Vacuum Erection Device)

Since I had Robotic Prostatectomy 12 years ago it has become quite a popular choice among urologists (would be, wouldn't it?) and men with prostate cancer which hasn't spread. Post surgery help and advice is very patchy, particularly for rehabilitation. VEDs are an important tools but men are at a loss when it comes to buying one. I hope the following survey may be useful to men, before and after surgery, who have chosen prostatectomy for treatment.

 

Vacurect  Rating and value for money: 1 and Poor value for money

£202-£298  9 rings (too many unnecessary choices making it difficult for inexperienced users), no safety button, 8 parts (?) , very difficult to disassemble and reassemble for cleaning (recommends cleaning every couple of months - we think it is unhygienic, particularly if you leak urine which many men do after treatment). Over designed and poor ergonomically because of the bulbus-shape which you have to hold when pumping, particularly if there is lubricant and urine present. If you have urine leakage, when you present penis to the hole in the ring, the urine mixes with the lubricant making everything smelly and unpleasant. Many men, including me, report loss of erection when removing the penis from the vacuum cylinder, since there is no 'release' button. In our experience, as others have reported, it is often necessary to put two rings on the penis to maintain a stable erection for half an hour - this is not possible with this pump.

NOTE: Except Osborn Erecaid Esteem and Farmhurst Elite which I also recommend, and apparently available on the NHS, I have personally used all the others over man years. 

I have to disagree with your rating as regards Vacurect. Just for the record, not long after my surgery whilst still trying to get my bearings and navigate my way through post-operation ED. Like many men, after surgery I assumed after prostate surgery I will get an erection just by popping the blue pills! Reality soon hit me! Rather than wait for the NHS, I got advice from this site and purchased a Vacurect VED device. Tried as I could, I lost whatever erection I could muster immediately. So being the impatient type, I discarded the device and left it gathering dust. At the next consultation with the Andrologist, I mentioned by frustration with the device and he referred me to another unit, and I was given a paper work to order another device. This time it was the SomaErect device, which seems to be a NHS standard issue. I was quite excited with this new device and could not wait to "road test" it. This again proved to be damp squib, no usable erections. I tried the injections as well (Caverject and something duo) again that proved a complete failure. 

In the end we resorted to me wearing a strap-on to pleasure my wife. I felt that was the only way forward. Then 15mths after surgery, I messaged you privately and you showed me how to use the SomaErect, that was the ha moment! I tried both devices again with this knowledge and voila I thought the Vacurect is much easier and less faff to use. I can now get an erection within 30secs, without having to pre-load the cock ring on the device. I will give the Vacurect 5/5 and the SomaErect 3/5.

User
Posted 06 Jan 2024 at 11:52

Hi GEE_Baba

30secs has to be a world record! - love to know/see how you do it. My survey is based on my experience and that of a couple of other men I got to know. In view of your experience I will think of reassessing Vacurect if you can either here or privately give us some more details of how you do it. 

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

 

 

User
Posted 06 Jan 2024 at 18:01

This video link below is not far off what I do, apart from the gentleman pausing between pumps.

https://youtu.be/koAnuI7nPCU?si=f4piLiCD6gQk6JsQ

 
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