VED® System

The Vacuum Erection Device (VED®) is a medical device which uses a vacuum created within a cylinder to stretch and open the blood vessels and tissues of the penis to allow for more blood flow to enter, creating an erection. The VED® is the only natural, drug free treatment for erectile dysfunction proven over 90% effective.  In addition, the VED® is not associated with the side effects common to oral medications.  Studies have shown that both patients and their partners report a high level of satisfaction with the VED® therapy.

About half of men with erectile dysfunction choose VED® therapy. Many choose to VED® therapy because they take blood pressure medications or nitrates, which can be contraindicated with the leading PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, etc.). Others chose VED® therapy because oral medications are ineffective after prostate surgery, because the nerves ending to the prostate are in a state of shock or injury. Some people use vacuum erection devices in conjunction with oral medications (Viagra, Cialis, etc.) to help enhance the effectiveness of such medications.

Many men choose vacuum erection devices because of its high success rate. Oral medication is effective 60-70% of the time when there is no nerve damage present. Pellet suppositories (MUSE®) are successful about 50% of the time. Penis injections are successful around 75% of the time, but they can be painful and it’s difficult to determine dosage levels. VED® therapy on the other hand, has a success rate of over 90%.

Vacuum therapy also has the benefit of being a non-invasive solution. Injections can cause fibrosis, or scar tissue build up which can cause curvature or bending of the penis. Penile implants permanently remove a man’s ability to have a natural erection and is typically reserved for severe cases of ED or those with ED who are unresponsive to other treatment modalities. Vacuum therapy, however, circumvents all of these problems.

Vacuum therapy can be used as an exercise to prevent atrophy (muscle shrinkage) in the penis. Men typically have 3-5 nocturnal (night-time) erections during sleep. If a person has ED, these natural erections do not occur. This can result in the penis shrinking in both length and circumference. Vacuum therapy allows for men to stretch the penis providing arterial blood flow to the penis to help maintain length and size.

There are some risks to vacuum therapy. Some of these risks include: potential pain, bruising, numbness, or a cold sensation in the penis. Some men find the tension band irritating and may prevent ejaculation. See “Side Effects” for more information.

 ● No surgery

      ● Drug–free

      ● No serious side effects

      ● Easy to learn and easy to use

      ● Long term satisfaction

      ● Preserves all other ED treatment options

      ● Works well as a stand–alone treatment or in combination with other therapies. 

For men who have had prostate cancer surgery, clinical studies performed by leading Urologists have suggested the use of the VED® to improve penile health and restore adequate blood flow to the penis.

Certain medical procedures—like radical prostatectomies—can cause temporary impotence as a result of nerve damage. About 40-85% of patients reported ED for up to 18 months after surgery.  To help manage ED following prostate surgery the 2007 Annual American Urological Association Conference published their recommendations for use of vacuum therapy devices to be highly successful in post-operative rehabilitation for gentlemen who have undergone prostate surgery. The use of vacuum therapy systems to obtain erections several times a day and several times per week (please consult your physician for details on recommended therapy) simulates the previously occurring spontaneous nocturnal (night-time) erections that are no longer occurring due to trauma to the nerves and the prostate region. Spontaneous nocturnal erections are nature's way of maintaining oxygenated blood flow to the penis, therefore maintaining overall health of the penis. The studies show decreased atrophy (muscle shrinkage) of the penis, decreased recovery times and increased successful erections with the use of vacuum erection devices. Note some physicians will prescribe a combination of both oral medication and VED® therapy following prostate surgery.

The VED® has four parts: a plastic cylinder in which the penis is placed; a pump, which draws air out of the cylinder, a Comfort Seal™ which helps a comfortable air tight seal, and an elastic band (constriction ring), which is put around the base of the penis to maintain the erection by keeping the blood from flowing out of the penis. The four steps below summarize how to use the VED®

• Place the VED® pump and cylinder, over the penis

• Pump the air out of the cylinder slowly so that a vacuum is created. The vacuum draws blood into the shaft of the penis and causes it to swell and become erect

• Once the penis is erect slide the retaining band down onto the lower end of the penis

• Remove the pump after releasing the vacuum

Intercourse can be attempted with the constriction band in place to help maintain the erection. The band can be left on safely for up to 30 minutes to allow for successful intercourse. See the Unysen User Manual for complete VED® instructions.

An erection obtained by the vacuum constriction device is not the same as an erection achieved naturally. The penis tends to be purplish in color and can be cold or numb. Other side effects can include:

• A black and blue mark or small area of bruising on the shaft of the penis. This is usually painless and generally will resolve in a few days.

• Decrease in the force of the ejaculation. The constriction band traps the ejaculate or semen at the time of orgasm. This is not dangerous and usually does not cause pain. The semen will usually dribble out once the constriction band is removed. Generally, this does not interfere with the pleasure of a climax or orgasm.

Note that because the prostate is removed during prostate surgery it is impossible to ejaculate after a prostatectomy, but the ability to experience an orgasm is intact.