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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough penis pumps are safe for most men, there are some potential risks:
- If you take blood-thinning medications (Coumadin or aspirin for example), you could injure yourself and cause bleeding. Your doctor can give you tips on how to avoid injury.
- A penis pump may not be safe if you have sickle cell anemia or another blood disorder that makes you susceptible to blood clots or bleeding.
Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions and any medications you take. This will help you prevent any problems.
Side effects
Side effects of using a penis pump can include:
- Pinpoint-sized red dots caused by bleeding under the surface of the skin of the penis (petechiae)
- Numbness, coldness or bluish-colored skin when the constriction band is in place
- Lack of firmness at the base of the penis, which can cause pivoting
- Pain or bruising of the penis
- Delayed ejaculation or a sense of trapped semen during ejaculation
References
- Lue TF, et al. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. In: Wein AJ, et al.: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/150118548-5/0/1445/25.html?tocnode=54301368&fromURL=25.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50024-8--cesec102_1931. Accessed July 16, 2009.
- Zippe CD. Vacuum erection devices to treat erectile dysfunction and early penile rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy. Current Urology Reports. 2008;9:506.
- AUA guideline on the management of erectile dysfunction: Diagnosis and treatment recommendation. American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/edmgmt/chapter1.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2009.
- Aghamir MK, et al. A vacuum device for penile elongation: Fact or fiction? BJU International. 2004;97:777.
