How do
Vacuum Erection Devices work?
Do Vacuum Erection Devices really work?
What if my vacuum device is not working?
Can I use the VED in combination with other treatment
methods?
What is Penile Vacuum Therapy?
How do I conduct a Penile Vacuum Therapy session?
Will my Insurance pay for the Vacuum Erection Device?
Are there precautions in using the vacuum device?
What
is ACTIS?
How does the ACTIS device work?
Who should not use ACTIS?
How long can ACTIS be worn?
What are the precautions I should be aware of
regarding ACTIS use?
What is the proper technique for using ACTIS?
How often should the ACTIS be replaced?
How can I Purchase Actis?
How
do Vacuum Erection Devices work?
An
erection is caused by an increase in blood flow to the penis
when a man is sexually aroused. Vacuum therapy creates an erection
by placing the penis in a plastic cylinder and applying a gentle
vacuum to draw blood into the penis. This process engorges the
penis that creates the erection. The erection is maintained
by a specially designed tension ring that is transferred by
the patient from the device to the base of the penis. The tension
band will hold the erection for 30 minutes and should not be
worn over 30 minutes.
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Do
Vacuum Erection Devices really work?
The
vacuum device is 90% effective regardless of the cause of impotence.
The VED works even when other medications fail. Most failures
are caused by improper use of the device. See “What if
my vacuum device does not work?” if you are experiencing
problems or e-mail us confidentially at info@reachmedical.com
for answers to user problems.
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What
if my vacuum device is not working?
Most
failures are due to improper use. However, the device will not
work for a small percentage of men who may be sensitive to the
vacuum pressure or who may be anatomically restricted. Common
mistakes include; not using the proper lubricant or amount of
lubricant, allowing enough time for penile engorgement, or using
the wrong tension band. Using the right lubricant is
a critical part of the process. Use a generous amount of water
based lubricant like K-Y Jelly or FemGlide on the pubic hair
and on the penile shaft. The lubricant aids in maintaining the
vacuum seal through hair and skin which is necessary for engorgement
and allows the penis expansion in the cylinder. Do not use a
petroleum-based product for the vacuum process and try to keep
as much lubricant as possible off the testicles.
Maintaining vacuum level is another common mistake. The maximum
vacuum one should use is the amount tolerable without experiencing
pain or discomfort. The erection does not always engorge at
the same time vacuum is increased. The maximum tolerable vacuum
should be maintained until the penis becomes fully engorged.
This process may take a few minutes. Transfer the band to the
base of the penis while the vacuum is still applied. Losing
vacuum before the band is transferred can cause a loss of engorgement.
The tension ring should be tight enough to hold the erection
during intercourse, but should not be worn over 30 minutes.
You may have to experiment with different size bands to find
the proper tension required for your success. Some men experience
excessive venous and require a special high-tension ring. See
parts and accessories for ordering
information. If you are a customer and have questions regarding
the use of your vacuum device, e-mail us at info@reachmedical.com
for professional assistance.
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Can
I use the vacuum device with other therapies?
Vacuum
devices are currently being used in combination with other treatment
therapies such as oral medications, supplements, injections
and others to improve their marginal performance. The pump can
be used to improve partial erections and the tension ring can
help prevent losing erections prematurely during intercourse.
Recent studies have shown using the device as a therapy can
help increase the performance of oral medications. This includes
using the device in therapy sessions to improve blood flow to
the penis.
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What
is Penile Vacuum Therapy?
Penile
Vacuum Therapy is using the device in therapy sessions by intermittently
drawing and releasing vacuum to the penis to increase blood
flow to that area. This is done with out using the tension band.
Performing regular therapy sessions may help open penile arteries
and can possibly restore naturally elasticity. This exercise
therapy has proven to increase men’s response to erectile
medications.
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How
do I conduct a Penile Vacuum Therapy session?
Tension
bands are not used during PVT. Place the vacuum device over
the penis. Be sure to use an adequate amount of water-based
lubricant to maintain an airtight seal. Begin to apply vacuum
to a comfortable maximum level. Hold the vacuum between thirty
seconds and one minute and then release. Wait for at least ten
seconds after the vacuum is released and repeat the process.
Continue the session for no more than ten minutes, three to
five times a week. Perform no more than one session during the
course of a day. Try your erectile medication again after a
month of therapy. It may take several weeks or months to notice
improvement in medications depending on your condition.
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Does Insurance pay for vacuum erection
devices?
Some
insurance companies cover vacuum erection devices under durable
medical equipment. Usually, a letter of medical necessity is
required from your Physician. Reach Medical, Inc. will provide
a written receipt for your order that you may use to apply for
reimbursement from your insurance company. Medicare
Part B patients are covered. HMO Medicare Patients are not covered.
As a courtesy, Reach Medical, Inc. will make arrangements through
an independent Medicare Provider to bill your Medicare for a
vacuum erection device. Click here
for more information if you have Medicare.
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Are
there precautions in using the vacuum device?
Vacuum
erection devices are a very safe method for treating impotence.
The tension band is not to be worn over (30) thirty minutes.
The blood must return to the body after thirty minutes. Patients
with sickle cell anemia or who take MAO inhibitors should consult
with a Physician before use.
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What
is ACTIS?
The ACTIS device is designed to enhance erections by slowing
the flow of blood away from the penis, which aids the normal
erection process. The ACTIS device consists of an adjustable
loop that is placed around the base of the penis. An O ring
and ball-locking unit allows for easy adjustment of tension.
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How does the ACTIS device work?
Blood flows into the penis through arteries deep in the tissues
and flows out through the veins near the surface of the penis.
The ACTIS device works by closing the veins and allowing blood
to remain in the penis, producing an erection.
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Who should not use ACTIS?
Consult your physician if any of the following conditions apply:
You or your partner have a known hypersensitivity to natural
(latex) or synthetic rubber, if you have an abnormally formed
penis, if you or your partner have been advised not to undertake
sexual activity, or if you have a condition that may result
in bleeding or long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia
or trait, leukemia, tumor of the bone marrow (multiple myeloma),
or conditions that either increase or decrease blood clotting.
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How long can ACTIS be worn?
Tension should be maintained for no more than 30 minutes. Do
not fall asleep wearing the ACTIS device. Prolonged tension
may damage the penis.
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What are the precautions I
should be aware of regarding ACTIS use?
Consult your physician if any complications occur. Discontinue
use if such conditions persist.
Do not fall asleep wearing the ACTIS device.
Tension should be maintained for no more than 30 minutes. Prolonged
tension may damage the penis.
Use the least constrictive tension that will maintain an erection.
Excessive tension may lead to discomfort and could damage the
penis.
Frequent use or excessive tension of the ACTIS device may result
in bruising of the skin of the penis.
Allow 60 minutes between uses.
Known hypersensitivity or allergy to natural (latex) or synthetic
rubber by you or your partner.
Do not use while under the influence of alcohol or sedatives.
The ACTIS device is not a contraceptive (birth control method).
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What is the proper technique
for using ACTIS?
To stretch the ACTIS device, grasp the loop of the device with
one hand, holding the end of the tubing with the other hand.
Then place the end of the penis through the stretched loop and
slide the ACTIS device over the shaft of the penis.
The device should be placed so that the loop encircles the base
of the penis. The portion of the tubing with the ball should
be on the top side of the penis.
To administer pressure using the ACTIS device, grasp the finger
grip end of the tubing without the ball (lower end), and pull
horizontally away from the penis until the device is gently
snug around the base of the penis. The tubing with the ball
should still be on top.
To achieve the proper tension grasp the fingertip end of the
tubing without the ball and pull downward.
The tension should be tight enough to keep blood from leaving
the penis, however excessive tension may cause discomfort and
could damage the penis.
If the erection is not rigid enough, you may massage the area
behind the scrotum. This may deliver more blood into the penis.
As the penis becomes erect, the device may be tightened or loosened
to achieve the desired erection while maintaining maximum comfort.
To loosen the device, pull upward on the rubber tubing with
the ball. The device may be removed easily once it is fully
loosened.
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How often should the ACTIS
be replaced?
The device is designed for multiple uses and should be cleaned
after each use with ordinary hand soap and warm water. It is
recommended to replace ACTIS after 6 months of use.
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How can I purchase ACTIS?
ACTIS is an over-the-counter product, which means that is available
without a prescription. The easiest way to purchase ACTIS is
through this web site. A major credit card is required. ACTIS
will be delivered to your home.
ACTIS may also be purchased by telephone, the number is 1-901-861-6068.
Delivery is the same as internet orders.
Remember that you do not need a prescription for ACTIS.
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