Vacuum devices are useful for all types of erection problems-physical, psychological, or both. The device has a tube you place around the penis. You pump the device to create a vacuum that leads to an erection. These devices attempt to draw blood into the corpora cavernosa, engorging them with a higher-than-usual amount of blood and causing a larger, harder erection than the patient can achieve under normal circumstances. Then you place a band around the base of the penis to maintain the erection for up to 20 minutes. Studies suggest that about 50%-80% of men are satisfied with the results of VCDs. As with any other method of treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), satisfaction rates may decrease with time. An erection obtained by the vacuum constriction device is not the same as an erection achieved naturally.
