Are There Devices That Can Help Impotency?

The Challenge

Some men with physical impotence withdraw into themselves. They refuse to acknowledge what is happening and become iso­lated with their grief. The damage to their psychosocial well-being can be profound. In effect, they “turn their face to the wall.” This seems so sad, especially as the problem can usually be resolved.

Psychogenic (stress) impotence often follows physical impotence.

It is natural to feel anxious, angry or depressed. Accept these painful emotions, rather than denying them. Denial directs valu­able energy away from erection goals, and increases stress. Stress damages the cardiovascular system, which makes erection prob­lems worse.

It may be necessary to try different therapies before satisfactory erections occur. From long experience, the urologist may short-list the options, suggesting only one type. A man with potency loss can feel he has lost control in other areas of life. He may go along with this advice, which could be the opposite of how he would normally act. Try to avoid loss of choice. As far as possible, be your own physician.

Regard an erection problem as a gauntlet thrown down. There are only two choices: pick it up, or leave it alone. Why not pick up the gauntlet? What is there to lose? An erection problem may be the greatest challenge a man can face and overcome.

Erection Devices

There are a variety of external management devices for mild to moderate impotence. They used to be sold in pornography shops and so gained a dubious reputation. However, they have been restyled and raised above the level of quackery. They are now considered legitimate erection aids.

The main type is a cylinder pulled over the relaxed penis. It creates a controlled vacuum worked by a hand pump. Blood is drawn into the penis, which engorges and erects. The cylinder is removed and an entrapment ring put at the base of the shaft. The ring maintains the erection by stopping blood outflow leakage. Trapped penile blood is dangerous and causes priapism. Avoid leaving the entrapment ring on for longer than directed, usually 30 min­utes. Follow all directions to the letter.

Each device involves some paraphernalia, and none of it is cheap. Some men complain their erection is less rigid than they wish. Others rejoice in the pump because full penetration is re­gained. The devices are non-invasive, and their use can be discon­tinued when the man wishes. Perhaps their greatest appeal is that the man always stays in control.

The U.S vacuum pump was designed by an autoparts salesman, or so the story goes. In 1974, at age 72, he had been told by his physician that he must put up with his impotence. The autoparts salesman set about manufacturing the pump, then marketing it himself. He did this by showing a grainy old film loop on which he could be seen pumping up the device, waiting a few minutes, then showing a full erection. Not a pretty sight perhaps, but one of benefit to older men. Who says American initiative is dead?

Tags: devices, erection, impotency