Erectile Dysfunction After Vacuum Pump Use: A Guide

Difficulty maintaining an erection after being subjected to external traction?

The issue began when I wanted to enhance my penis size, so I used a vacuum erection device (penile vacuum pump).
Before using it, my penis functioned normally, with 100% erectile ability and was straight without curvature.
I could maintain an erection for over 40 minutes while watching adult films, and if it exceeded that time, I would manually relieve myself.
I had the idea to train for 10 minutes every other day.
After the first use, I could still achieve a normal erection, so I thought nothing of it, but I decided to take a break for a day (even though I knew it was stretching, I felt scared seeing my penis being pulled long during the process).

On the third day, before the second use, I watched adult films for arousal.
Although I achieved 100% hardness, I felt scared due to my previous experience, so as soon as I inserted it, it became soft.
Thus, I ended up training in a semi-erect state (50%-70% hardness).
After training, I couldn't resist and ended up having an ejaculation while watching the film.
At this point, I felt real pain in the left base of my penis.
On the fifth day, I watched adult films for arousal before using it again.
I could still achieve 100% hardness, but within a minute, it would continuously decrease in size like a deflating balloon, eventually becoming flaccid (I thought it might be tired, so I didn’t use it that day and didn’t masturbate since it had gone soft).

On the sixth day, the previous day's situation lingered in my mind, so I wanted to test my erection.
I watched adult films and estimated I reached about 90% hardness, but it would still decrease in size quickly, becoming flaccid again.
Not believing this, I sped up the video and turned up the volume (to enhance visual and auditory sexual stimulation).
I did get an erection again, but it quickly deflated, and I realized that to achieve another erection, I needed to see active penetration scenes (it would still soften quickly).
I noticed that during foreplay scenes, I felt no arousal at all (I could say I maintained 0% arousal).
From my first experience watching adult films until now, I would always get an erection, and it would remain hard unless I intentionally wanted it to soften.
On the seventh day, I observed my morning erection, which was only about 70%-80% hardness, and as soon as I got up, it felt like it was deflating again.
So, I spent the day searching for related information and found details about potential ruptures of the tunica albuginea.
I began to check my symptoms: first, urination was not difficult, and the urine color was normal.
However, there was a small red area under the skin, and I experienced slight pain at the left base of my penis (at the 7 o'clock position) when semi-erect.
I read that minor ruptures can heal, so now, aside from natural erections, I avoid intentionally trying to get an erection to prevent further injury during the healing process.
However, I still experience unintentional erections.
Since there is only a clinic nearby and no hospital (and I read that surgery is the solution), I would need to travel to get checked, which is inconvenient.
I kindly ask for advice on whether I should go to a hospital for a check-up.
I suspect that the tunica albuginea may have indeed ruptured (as maintaining an erection has become difficult, and it keeps softening automatically).

In summary, I have gone from normal erections → difficulty maintaining erections → fear of getting an erection (worried about further injury).
I have no sexual experience, and today marks the end of the seventh day.
I have noted that my morning erections do not feel as hard as before, and there is still pain at the 7 o'clock position.
After writing all this, I realize that I need to make a decisive choice about going to the hospital.
I already have a feeling that this check-up is necessary, but I would appreciate professional advice on how to face the current situation (such as what preparations to make before going to the hospital).
[Normal erection → Poor erection → Fear of getting an erection] I can still get an erection, but the hardness is not optimal, and it keeps softening automatically.

You Ren Fan Nao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/11

Dr. Du Mingyi reply Urology

After some time, try again to see if normal erection can be achieved.
If it is normal, then there is no problem.
Erectile function is not that easily compromised, but avoid experimenting with strange remedies.

Reply Date: 2019/04/11

More Info

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a distressing experience, especially when it follows the use of devices like vacuum pumps. Based on your detailed account, it seems you are experiencing a range of symptoms that could be attributed to both the physical effects of the vacuum pump and psychological factors stemming from your experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding your situation and what steps you might consider taking.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Initial Normal Functioning: You mentioned that prior to using the vacuum pump, you had no issues with erectile function. This is crucial because it indicates that your erectile tissues were healthy and responsive.

2. Use of the Vacuum Pump: Vacuum pumps work by creating a vacuum around the penis, which draws blood into the erectile tissues. While they can be effective for some men, improper use or overuse can lead to trauma or injury to the penile tissues, including the tunica albuginea (the fibrous envelope of the erectile bodies). This could explain the pain you felt and the subsequent difficulties in maintaining an erection.

3. Pain and Changes in Erection Quality: The pain you describe, particularly on the left side of the penis, could indicate a minor injury or strain. The sensation of "leaking" or losing erection quickly may also suggest that the erectile tissues are not functioning optimally, possibly due to swelling, bruising, or even micro-tears in the tissue.

4. Psychological Factors: Anxiety about performance can significantly impact erectile function. Your fear of causing further injury may lead to a cycle of anxiety that exacerbates the problem, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

Recommendations for Management
1. Seek Medical Evaluation: Given the duration and nature of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist. They can perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies to assess any potential injuries to the penile tissues.
2. Avoid Further Use of the Vacuum Pump: Until you have been evaluated by a doctor, it would be prudent to refrain from using the vacuum pump or engaging in any activities that might exacerbate your symptoms.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including any pain, changes in erection quality, and any other relevant factors. This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

4. Consider Psychological Support: If anxiety is a significant factor, consider speaking with a mental health professional who specializes in sexual health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in addressing performance anxiety.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Engage in healthy lifestyle practices, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. These can improve overall vascular health and potentially enhance erectile function.

6. Medications: Depending on the evaluation, your doctor may discuss options such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis) to help with erectile function. However, this should only be considered after a thorough assessment.

Preparing for Your Doctor's Visit
When you visit the doctor, consider the following:
- Bring a List of Symptoms: Document your experiences, including when symptoms began, their severity, and any patterns you’ve noticed.

- Discuss Your History: Be open about your use of the vacuum pump and any other sexual health concerns.

- Ask Questions: Prepare questions about your symptoms, potential treatments, and what to expect during recovery.

Conclusion
Your situation is complex, involving both physical and psychological components. Seeking professional medical advice is the best course of action to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember, erectile dysfunction is a common issue, and many men experience it at some point in their lives. With the right support and treatment, you can work towards regaining your confidence and sexual health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction After Vacuum Pump Use: Causes and Solutions

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: You may want to check the specialties of urologists at different hospitals, as not every physician may be equipped to perform surgery, which could be a factor if surgery is needed. Please refrain from using it again. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Vacuum Devices for Erectile Dysfunction: Risks and Benefits

Dr. Hsu: Hello, thank you for your response. May I ask if using a "vacuum erection device" or "ring" has any side effects or adverse consequences? My concern is that I experience erections during the night that disrupt my sleep, but when it comes time to perfo...

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology
Hello: In response to your question, a "vacuum erection device with a constriction ring" is used to create an erection by applying vacuum suction to the penis, followed by placing a constriction ring at the base to prevent blood from flowing back. It is recommended that...

Understanding Penile Injuries from Vacuum Devices: Causes and Effects

What injuries can occur after the penis is subjected to tensile stretching? I have used a vacuum erection device for training, and now my condition is that the penis loses its ability to maintain an erection after becoming engorged, quickly reverting to a smaller size.

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
Please seek medical examination and do not use unverified suction devices from unauthorized sources.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Recovery Strategies

1. During masturbation, when you hold your breath and exert pressure in your abdomen while approaching climax, it may lead to temporary changes in blood flow or nerve function in the penis, which could cause it to become flaccid after a few repetitions. This could be due to exces...

Dr. Liu Mingyue reply Urology
Hello: Please consult the urology department at the hospital. Wishing you good health.