Common Problems and Practical Solutions When Using a Penis Pump
Step-by-step guide and common problems
A penis pump (erection pump) is a reliable aid for erectile difficulties, but it may take a little getting used to at first. Below you will find the most common problems and their solutions. Almost all issues can be resolved easily with the correct technique and the right size ring or cylinder.
The image alongside shows the step-by-step guide for correct use of a penis pump. If you follow these steps and still encounter a problem, please read on below.
No erection or only a partial erection
Unable to achieve an erection
It is quite common not to achieve an erection straight away when using a pump. This is because the blood vessels of the penis are not yet accustomed to the process. With a little practice over several sessions, you will find that this improves.
It is also possible that a proper vacuum seal is not being formed. Try applying more lubricant around the opening of the cylinder, and consider shaving the pubic hair around the base of the penis.
Only a partial erection is achieved
The cylinder is most likely too large. Try selecting a smaller size ring - this is the ring that is fitted onto the cylinder. Most penis pumps come supplied with two size rings.
Red spots and loss of erection
Red spots appearing on the penis
Red spots on the penis can sometimes occur. This is usually caused by using too much pressure. Reduce the pressure and the spots should disappear.
The erection fades after 5-10 minutes
Blood is most likely draining away from the penis too quickly. Try using a smaller erection ring (also known as tension rings). Most penis pumps come supplied with 3 erection rings. These are the rings that, once an erection has been achieved, are slid down to the base of the penis to maintain it. Never leave the ring in place for longer than 30 minutes.
Pain and skin irritation
Pain during pumping
Using a pump should not be painful. You have most likely been pumping too quickly. Slow down and take a more gradual pace. With repeated practice, any discomfort should ease.
If pain persists, or if you have any concerns about the severity of your symptoms, stop using the pump and consult your GP.
Redness, irritation or bruising
If bruising appears during pumping, you are most likely pumping too quickly and too intensively. This can damage the small blood vessels in the penis, resulting in bruising on the shaft or glans.
What to do: Pump more slowly and with less intensity. If this continues to occur, stop using the pump and consult your GP.
First use, pain and discolouration
It did not work the first time - is something wrong?
It is quite normal not to achieve an erection straight away when using a pump for the first time. This is because the blood vessels of the penis are not yet accustomed to the process. With a little practice over several sessions, you will find that things improve considerably.
Pain after using a penis pump
The tension ring you are using may be too small. Most pumps come supplied with 3 tension rings/erection rings. Try selecting a ring with a larger diameter.
The penis turns blue after using the pump
After applying the tension ring, the blood vessels of the penis may swell slightly, which can cause the penis to take on a bluish colour. This is not a cause for concern and should resolve quickly once the ring is removed.
Other problems and solutions
Can I use a pump without a ring?
Most men with erectile dysfunction will lose the majority of their erection shortly after withdrawing the penis from the cylinder. This can be resolved by using a correctly fitting erection-maintaining ring. If you find that you retain sufficient firmness for intercourse, the use of a ring is not strictly necessary.
I cannot get my penis out of the cylinder easily
Try using the largest size ring first. If the largest size ring is too narrow and feels constricting, you can use the pump without a size ring.
The erection softens after fitting the tension ring
What to do: After fitting the tension ring, use the vacuum pump once more to achieve a firm erection. To do this, first remove the size rings from the cylinder. Then place the cylinder with the pump over your penis while wearing the tension ring. Because blood can no longer flow away, you will achieve and maintain a firm erection.
My penis fills the entire cylinder
You can first try using the cylinder without a size ring. If that does not help, a standard size cylinder is not the right fit for you and you should look for a pump that comes in a specially larger size.
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Maximaal 30 minuten. Langer gebruik kan leiden tot weefselschade of gevoelsverlies. Verwijder de ring altijd tijdig en wacht minimaal 60 minuten voordat u de pomp opnieuw gebruikt.
Een lichte verkleuring na het aanbrengen van de drukring is normaal en onschadelijk. Dit verdwijnt snel na het verwijderen van de ring. Bij aanhoudende verkleuring of pijn, stop dan met gebruik en raadpleeg uw huisarts.
Begin altijd met de grootste ring en werk naar beneden tot u de maat vindt die de erectie goed vasthoudt zonder te knellen. De ring moet stevig zitten maar niet pijnlijk aanvoelen.
Breng een ruime hoeveelheid glijmiddel op waterbasis aan rondom de opening van de cilinder en op de basis van de penis. Dit verbetert de vacuümverzegeling en het comfort aanzienlijk.
Ja, een penispomp wordt door urologen vaak aanbevolen als onderdeel van peniele revalidatie na prostaatchirurgie. Overleg altijd met uw uroloog over het juiste moment om te beginnen.
U kunt de pomp dagelijks gebruiken voor training van het erectieweefsel. Houd tussen de sessies minimaal 60 minuten pauze en gebruik de drukring nooit langer dan 30 minuten per keer.
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