Many different treatment options exist for men who experience some form of penile dysfunction. Whether the condition originates from a medical or psychological condition, the appropriate treatment prescribed may depend on several factors. Typically, doctors prescribe treatments based on the man’s personal preferences and condition.

Likewise, there is no single cause for abnormalities that occur with the male sex organ. Some medications have side effects that lead to the problem. For other men, certain lifestyle choices are the culprit. Still, there are men who have a disease or disorder that causes penile dysfunction. Different causes such as the most common erectile dysfunction and other less common such as Peyronie’s disease and micropenis may require different treatment options.

Conditions Pumps Are Used to Treat

There are a number of conditions out there that pumps are prescribed for. Doctors have been prescribing them for decades. I’ll go into detail for the top ones.

Erectile Dysfunction

Commonly referred to as impotence, erectile dysfunction occurs when a man either cannot achieve or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. The cause of ED may vary but is typically the result of:

• Surgery complications
• Medication side effects
• Lifestyle
• Psychological issues
• Other diseases

Treatment for erectile dysfunction can happen at any age and usually depends on the man’s overall health and the original cause of the problem.

Peyronies Disease

Peyronie’s disease is identified as plaque or hard lump that forms on the penis. Plaque develops on a thick membrane that envelopes erectile tissue on either the bottom side or top of the penis. Eventually, the plaque becomes scar tissue and inflamed. As a result, the penis becomes curved and causes painful erections. Peyronie’s disease can develop quickly or over an extended period of time.

Cases range from mild to severe where the most severe cases reduce flexibility because of the hardened plaque. During an erection, the penis bends and becomes extremely painful. Fortunately, the pain may subside over time but men with this disease still have a problem with the penis bending. Sexual intercourse continues to be difficult and may affect a couple’s intimacy, which lowers the man’s self-esteem.

Micropenis

Micropenis occurs when an infant boy is born with a penis that is below the normal size range. Typically, the length of the newborn’s penis is slightly more than one and one half inches long; the circumference is about one half inch. Medical personnel measure the penis from the tip to the base by stretching its length. A penis is considered a micropenis when it measures less than 0.75 inches.

Medically, micropenis is a form of ambiguous genitalia, a birth defect where outer genitals are not recognized as male or female. However, there are cases where a normal scrotum and visible testes are present.

Why Pumps are Often Prescribed for These Conditions

Penis pumps are one form of treatment for ED, Peyronie’s disease or micropenis. Typically, a cylinder with either a manual or motorized pump is placed over the penis to create a suction motion. The purpose is to create a vacuum around the penis to enhance blood flow. When used successfully for the right condition, the result is a larger, engorged penis.

There are many reasons why penis pumps may be prescribed as a treatment for ED, Peyronie’s disease or micropenis. Since entering the market, these pumps have proven effective in correcting the problems associated with these conditions. At a minimum, some men feel relief from the pain or discomfort; at best, most are able to have an erection for sexual intercourse.

Another reason why penis pumps are prescribed is that they are less invasive and the risks are lower than other treatments. Inserting an apparatus into the tip, receiving injections or undergoing surgery are all invasive procedures that may do more harm than good. In addition, the cost is lower and easier to maintain after the initial purchase.

For some men, doctors may recommend using a penis pump with other treatments for penile dysfunction. They are usually safe to use with an implant or medications. A combination of options rather than a single form may work better for some men.

Certain medical procedures may interfere with the ability to have a normal erection. Receiving radiation for prostate cancer could cause erectile dysfunction. A natural erection after undergoing prostate surgery might be a problem without the use of a penis pump.

Some men have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes that causes penile dysfunction. Use of a penis pump may help restore normal sexual function by countering the effects that otherwise may occur.

Overview of Conventional Air Pumps

Conventional air pumps are broadly used for penile dysfunction conditions. Commonly used to treat impotence, these pumps work to help a man achieve and maintain an erection. Made with a circular tube that is placed on the penis, these types of pumps create a vacuum that engorges the penis with blood. The result is an erection from just enough pressure placed onto the penis. Typically tube is removed after intercourse so that the erection can subside.

These pumps work when blood is rushed to the penis just like it occurs in an erection achieved without use of pumps. Generally, the vacuum that creates the conditions for the erection finds the weak spots in the penis that otherwise works against normal function. Continued pumping can help men attain a strong erection that lasts. However, the constant motion required to pump could lead to tissue damage.

There are many different conventional air pump models available for use. Prices of each pump vary based on the brand and features. A basic type is the penis pump that has a simple bulb. Using the hand to squeeze the bulb removes excess air from the pump. As the least expensive model, the average price is around $19.95; the most expensive brands can range between $50 and $200.

An example of a simple penis pump is manufactured by Adam & Eve, which may help men who have erectile dysfunction. This pump costs less than $20 and is for beginners who may need to adjust to using a device to manipulate an organ function. Applying a water-based lubricant onto the seal is recommended for a comfortable fit.

Another conventional air pump is the Digital Power Pump that has a clear vacuum chamber, stretchy sleeve and a pull-pump handle. The price for this type of pump starts at $69.95 and may cost more or less depending on the manufacturer.

One of the more popular conventional air penis pumps is manufactured by Kaplan and comes in a wide range of sizes. Contributing to the Kaplan brand as a preferred pump is the ability to customize the fit according to an individual’s anatomy. This can take away the embarrassment of an uncomfortable situation for most men.

A cornerstone of the Kaplan penis pump system is the hand-held device that costs $99. While light in weight, the pump has a heavy duty pump with a pressure release valve. This makes it easier to add more or less pressure as needed.

The Deluxe SoloPump XL is part of the Best Value System of conventional air pumps. This brand also includes custom fit options with a flared expansion cylinder. For approximately $165, this pump is considered easy-to-use for issues with penile dysfunction.

For $199, the Kaplan MegaVac device has several key features for operation. The MegaVac includes an air pressure gauge, electric vacuum pump, connectors, tubing, and first and second expansion cylinders. Men have the option of using the MegaVac either manually with a hand grip or electrically for a smoother process.

Overview of Hydro Pumps

The hydro pump is beginning to make waves (no pun intended) on the market. Water, rather than air, is used as the primary source to send blood towards the penis for an erection. Hydro pumps typically offer a simpler process for achieving and maintaining an erection than the conventional air pump. Basically, water does not compress the penis the same way that air does. Rather, hydro pumps distribute pressure more evenly.

The way hydro pumps is through the use of warm water, which is known as warmth therapy. Warm water fills the pump before it is placed over the penis. This is usually done while sitting in a warm bath or during a shower. Penile tissue is warmed to help facilitate tissue stretching.

Warm water helps to soothe the penis and enhance muscle growth. The cylinder is pumped to force out all of the water and allow blood to flow into the penis.

There are several benefits to prescribing a hydro pump for conditions associated with penile dysfunction. The even distribution around the entire penis helps to contribute to an erection without creating a vacuum. Additionally, unlike a conventional air pump, use of a hydro pump may not cause tissue damage since constant pumping is not necessary.

Two manufacturers of the hydro penis pump are Bathmate and Penomet. Both brands offer an effective way to overcome penile problems without the downsides associated with conventional pumps.

The Bathmate Hydro Penis Pump – X4Labs Extender is priced at $129.99 and uses water to help men overcome penile dysfunction problems. The size and girth of the penis increases when this pump is used in the shower or bathtub. Use of the Bathmate Hydro Penis Pump may help with issues that affect achieving an erection. The manufacturer description for this pump estimates that the average increase is between one and three inches.

Penomet has a Penis Pump Enlargement System that also uses water pressure to expand penis tissues. This system costs approximately $297 and offers a chance for men suffering from penile dysfunction to overcome the problem in a healthy and more permanent way.

Conclusion

While the air pump might work better for someone with micropenis, a hydro pump might be more helpful for erectile dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease. The custom features of Kaplan air pumps are beneficial for micropenis because the device can be adjusted to the natural length of the penis. Other than the less than average size, there are no medical issues that causes this condition.

Some doctors may recommend hydro pumps for erectile dysfunction since these devices encourage a natural reaction. If a man suffers from ED because of stress, for instance, using a hydro pump may help him relax. Likewise, Peyronie’s disease may respond better to use of a hydro pump, which minimizes pain a man experiences with the disease. Also, this condition is not permanent in every case and use of the pump may help to maintain penis length.

When you compare the conventional air pump alongside the hydro pump, it appears that the hydro pump is the preferred method. However, the final decision depends on the man’s medical condition and reasons for wanting to use a penis pump.