Vacuum
Erection Devices FAQ’s
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?
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.
back
to top
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.
back
to top
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.
back
to top
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.
back
to top
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.
back
to top
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.
back
to top
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 the
vacuum erection device. Click here
for more information if you have Medicare.
back
to top
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.
back
to top
|
