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Time to choose a penis pump. Any recommendations?

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Jun 16 7:15am | Replies (61)

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Profile picture for kenlily18 @kenlily18

hi i had my prostate removal 18 months ago i have a problem with ED and it frustrates me . I have tried viagra snd Cialis that don’t work for me . Urologist suggested penis pumps or operation of an insert valve for pumping up the penis . I didn’t want anymore operations , perhaps a pump . Any suggestion the type of penis pump to buy

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Replies to "hi i had my prostate removal 18 months ago i have a problem with ED and..."

I bought an Osbon Erecaid - I think it was recommended in some book or article I read.
https://www.amazon.com/ErecAid-Esteem-Manual-Vacuum-Erection/dp/B001BKDXXY
I used it several times, but that really wasn't "my cup of tea."

This might be a little weird, but if you want to give me a shipping address, I'll send it to you. Drop me an email: ragatz@msu.edu

Penis pumps do not work for intercourse. they are designed to prevent fibrosis. Have you looked into trimix injections?

I had a radical prostatectomy in 2009. (No measurable PSA since then.) One of the results was ED. In 2011 I had a penile prosthetic implanted. It took a little time to get used to it, but it wound up being at least satisfactory, if not a little better than that, both for me and for my wife. The expected life of the implant was 10 years, and mine lasted almost exactly that long. So in 2021 I had the dead soldier removed, and had another virtually identical prosthetic installed. The results were almost identical, except that the new one is somewhat more difficult to deflate. It does reduce spontaneity somewhat (it takes a little more than 5 minutes to inflate), but it performs the way it’s supposed to. I’m 81, so I’m guessing that it’s working better than if I had never had prostate cancer at all. It certainly never says “not today, dear, I have a headache.”

I attended a webinar in September 2023 out of Stanford University titled: “Penile Rehab: Optimizing Recovery of Erectile Function after Prostate Cancer Treatment” —> https://youtu.be/aRp1NXjPGLE

It’s very informative, and hopefully will provide information that you can discuss with your doctors to get beyond your current situation. (They also discuss penis pumps.)

Once a week.

My experience has been that after my prostatectomy, pills worked OK, a penis pump was not very good and Trimix gave me temporary curvature of the penis that didn’t allow penetration and my erection lasted for 3 hours no matter what the dose. Five years later after recurrence of the cancer and subsequent radiation, I was put on Lupron and Abiraterone. The pills then gave me only a partial erection incapable of penetration. The other methods were unsatisfactory. After 3 years of what my wife and I called “lesbian sex”, I got an inflatable penile prosthesis. We are both very satisfied with the results. I am now 10 months off ADT, am slowly getting my testosterone back and still have undetectable PSA. Once my testosterone levels are normal again, I may get the cancer back and have to go on ADT again, so I am happy that my erection abilities have been permanently remedied.

How many times per day and for what duration each time should a guy use a vacuum device for rehabilitation after a nerve sparing RALP?

Engagement rings!

I always strongly encourage my patients to use a vacuum erection device as a means of stretching the penis and improving blood flow in that area. Here is the information I provide my patients regarding a vacuum erection device.

Vacuum erection device:
Regular use of a VED helps maintain penile length, improve blood flow, and prevent scar tissue (fibrosis) after prostate surgery or radiation, or if you've had longstanding erectile dysfunction. Think of it as “physical therapy” for your penis.

You can purchase a medical-grade VED through the Mayo Store at the websites below. The major difference in cost is whether it is electronic (battery operated - more expensive) or manual pump (less expensive). Otherwise they are all equally good and perform the same function. A medical-grade vacuum device is like getting prescription eyeglasses—built for safety, comfort, and effectiveness. Cheaper pumps online are more like toy sunglasses—they may look similar but don’t work as well, may not fit properly, and can even cause harm. For penile rehabilitation after surgery or radiation, I recommend a medical-grade device because it’s safer, lasts longer, and is designed for your health needs.

The Mayo Clinic store has several different types of devices available for purchase.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Get Set Up
o Make sure the device is clean and assembled.
o Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant around the base of the cylinder and on the penis to help create a seal.
2. Position the Device
o Place the cylinder snugly against your body at the base of the penis.
o Make sure there are no gaps so air does not leak out.
3. Create the Vacuum
o Use the hand pump (or battery pump, if included) slowly.
o You will see the penis gradually enlarge and become firm.
o A gentle stretching feeling is normal; stop if you feel pain.
4. Rehabilitation Use (without constriction ring)
o For rehab, do not place the tension ring.
o Pump until the penis is stretched/erect, hold for about 1–2 minutes, then release.
o Repeat this cycle 5–10 times in one session.
o Goal: use the device at least 3–4 times per week (daily if possible).
5. If Using for Intercourse (with constriction ring)
o After pumping, slide the tension ring onto the base of the penis.
o Remove the cylinder; the ring will help maintain erection.
o Do not keep the ring on for longer than 30 minutes.

Tips for Success
• Be patient—results improve with consistent use over weeks to months.
• Some mild bruising or discomfort at first can happen; it usually improves with practice.
• Always use water-based lubricant (not oils or lotions).
• This is not just for sex—using the device regularly helps preserve penile health, even if you are not sexually active.

It has been several months since I saw a brief discussion on guys recommending penis pumps/masturbators. I recall a few men recommended the same battery powered electric pump. I did some research and the "EXCELSIOR SMART AUTOMATIC PENIS PUMP WITH STROKER SLEEVE (9 OR 12 INCH)" seems to sound like the best product out there, but I wonder as to any feedback anyone has on this pump vs others...pros/benefits vs cons/cautions.
My brief background: I am one-year post-op (April 2025) for my radial prostatectomy, and I have not had even a twitch of stimulation or erection, despite my urologist claiming that he preserved both neurovascular bundles, in order to maintain my ability to get an erection. I am noticing that my penis is actually slightly smaller which I attribute to both the surgical necessity of the anastomosis to stretch and reconnect the urethra from below where the prostate had been, back up to the bladder since a ~one-inch portion of the urethra is removed by necessity with the prostate. And of course, lack of use and the 'ole "use it or lose it" rule seems to be applying itself to my situation. Thanks for your replies in advance.