Vacurect Reviews (Vacuum Erection Device)
We’ve been recommending the Vacurect pump to our clients for years – and for good reason, too.
This Vacurect is a medical-grade vacuum erection device (also less-formally known as a ‘penis pump’), designed for men with erectile dysfunction to quickly and easily create erections for sex and daily penile rehabilitation.
You can buy either the Vacurect OTC10 (this comes with 10 different sized erection rings) or the Vacurect OTC5 (this comes with 5 different sized erection rings).
The Vacurect OTC10 is a medical-grade vacuum erection device (‘penis pump’). It is designed for men with erectile dysfunction and includes ten constriction ring sizes. It can be used to maintain an erection for intercourse, as well as daily penile rehabilitation.
John’s Sex Life Improved, Thanks to the Vacurect. Read why…
This review was kindly donated by the author of our post-Prostatectomy dating article. He is speaking from first experience on what it was like using a sex shop purchased penis pump, then using the Vacurect.
‘After my Prostatectomy Surgery, I was advised to get a penis pump by my urologist, my physiotherapist and my prostate cancer nurse. The cancer support group websites reiterated the same message that for a healthy recovery, a pump is needed.
Post operation, I was shocked to see the stumpy appendage downstairs and I was determined to recover the lost length. That’s where the penis pump is necessary, to stretch and draw blood into your flaccid member.
But, none of these specialists could advise me on what type of pump to buy!
I went off on my own discovery journey and stumbled upon a sex shop, where I started to learn about pumps, lubes, rings, toys.
The first pump I purchased was a sex shop style penis pump (see pic below). I used it regularly over 10 months while travelling.
This is a classic sex-shop style penis pump design.
Yes, I feared an “Austin Powers” moment while going through airport security, which luckily never happened.
This pump improved my length and girth, and I pumped most days following this penile rehab protocol.
Upon my return to Australia, I discovered A Touchy Subject and acquired a Vacurect medical-grade vacuum erection device (VED).
The difference between the two devices was astounding, so I retired my first pump and upgraded to the Vacurect!
Sex Shop Penis Pump vs. Vacurect Medical-Grade Device:
Ease of Use: 1 vs. 2 hands.
The Vacurect is much easier to use, only requiring one hand, and enabling better rehabilitation results.
The sex shop pump requires two hands. One to initiate and maintain the vacuum seal, and the other to press the suction bulb.
I found the sex shop pump was only effective when used lying down. (In the standing position, the weight of the device exceeds the device’s suction capacity, preventing the rubber pressure from holding the vacuum.)
The Vacurect, however, is light weight and the suction seal is more than adequate to hold the unit into position.
You can use The Vacurect lying down, standing up, or in a shower.
2. Intercourse: better for everyone.
When I used the sex shop pump for the first 10 months of rehab, I could maintain an adequate erection when used it in conjunction with Viagra, as well as an additional cock ring to keep the blood constricted.
With the Vacurect, I achieved much greater engorgement. Pumped penis length was about the same, but the Vacurect produced an amazing increase in penile girth.
A big benefit of using the Vacurect during sex is the ease in re-applying the vacuum tube to the ring. Rigidity returns without having to start the entire process again.
My sexual partners prefer the Vacurect, too. They’ve said it is less ‘industrial’ in its pumping action and appearance.
3. Safety: no more sucked-up-testicle fear.
When using the Mojo, I occasionally experienced my testes being sucked through the ring into the vacuum tube. OUCH! The Vacurect design circumvents this problem entirely.
Another safety feature is The Vacurect allows for easy application of condoms.
A difficulty faced by men with erectile dysfunction is the fitting and wearing of a condom. A half-erect penis is not receptive to applying a condom, let alone having it stay in place during sex. Similarly, if I apply the condom after pumping, it does not want to stay in tact.
The Vacurect makes all of those issues disappear, and it is simple.
Before you place your penis into the Vacurect pressure ring, unroll the condom to its full length and slide it over your flaccid penis. Apply the pressure ring as you normally do, ensuring that the unfilled condom length is also pulled through the ring. Check that the base of the condom is sandwiched between the pressure ring and your pelvis, and insert the vacuum tube over your penis and condom. Pump away as you always do, and watch your erection expand within the condom. When you have achieved your desired length and girth, simply remove the tube and “voila,” you are ready for safe sex.
An added benefit when using condoms with the Vacurect? The VED also captures any urination during sex, which is common post-Prostatectomy. (Click to learn more about ‘climacturia.’)
4. Easier to clean & Discreet
The Vacurect is easy to clean, just use warm water with soap and leave on the bathroom sink to air-dry.
The sex shop pump allows water and other liquids to get caught in the bulb of the pump, making it very tricky to clean properly. (Important to note if you experience Climacturia.)
The Vacurect is compact and all components can be hidden in the supplied protective blue pouch, whereas the sex shop pump has numerous bulky components and is a bit too awkward-looking to casually leave lying around.
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How Does the Vacurect Work?
Mish shares his experience.
I had a robotic-assisted radical Prostatectomy in February of 2020, resulting in serious erectile dysfunction for roughly six months.
Eight months post-surgery, (at the time of this writing) I was not in the clear 100%, yet there were strong signs of life in my old friend. This is my experience, shared without claiming medical expertise…
Using a Vacurect pump: What Goes Where?
First, get used to the fact that it is going to be slippery and slow progress. Try to find your sense of humour – after all 'real' sex can also get complicated at the best of times.
Step 1: Place the ring over your penis and slide it down to the base (biggest size for rehab, tighter fit for sex – see below).
TIP: When you are flaccid, keep the tip of the penis dry and not covered in lube so you can maintain a grip while pushing the ring down. I recommend putting the lubricant (comes with the Vacurect system) around the base-end half of the penis instead of its tip, or the ring, before you start. Give the old sausage a good tug while pushing the ring in towards the body in order to place it as deeply as possible.
You can always add more lube once the ring is in place. You don’t want air to leak in, and lube around the ring helps with this at the cost of making it all messier. Trimming your pubic hair is recommended. (I never did.)
Step 2: Put the pump in place and push it onto the seat of the ring. You are pushing it into the base of the penis, against the pubic bone. Experiment with the angle until it is evenly in place all the way around.
If your penis bends because it sticks to the inside of the pump, simply give the pump a firm shake from side to side. You can use lube inside the entire pump, though it tends to get messy.
Pump once or twice to see if it is sealed around the base. If not, try lifting the pump a centimetre and running your finger over the seat of the ring to clear unwanted pubic hair. Try again – once in place, you should notice the first signs of swelling after only a couple of pumps.
Rehab: Nonsexual Pumping & Stretching (for your penis)
The point of this is to keep the erectile tissues healthy by regularly filling them with blood. The impact?
1) Minimises loss of penis length & sometimes even increases size
2) Avoids permanent damage to the erectile tissues due to lack of natural erections
3) Similar to training prior to entering a race!
Find a place where you won’t be disturbed for at least 10 minutes. Some do it in the shower, some get their partners involved.
Your goal here is to go slowly enough to let the penis gradually swell into full erectness. Don’t go too fast – give the blood time to flow. Pump and wait a few seconds – look for a bit of growth, pump again and wait, keep repeating. Stop if and when it starts to hurt, or when you recognise your old friend back to full size. Initially, leave the pump in place for a minute to give the blood time to do its work.
Remove the pump (you will hear the sound of air rushing in as you break the seal) and wait until the swelling has subsided, then repeat. Ten times is recommended, though I usually get bored and a bit tender after about three rounds.
It might take days or weeks to build up in size, and rushing can cause pain and damage to the blood vessels. Remember you are in this for the long haul: months of good rehab can open the door to decades of sexual satisfaction after surgery.
Getting Sexy: Communication is Key
This process in private is a lot trickier in sexual situations. Have a conversation with your partner before you try to engage in penetrative sex with the help of the Vacurect. It's all about having the right attitude.
Initially, it was so disheartening that I came close to giving up on sex altogether with my partner. Your erections are not what they used to be, and it is a lot less spontaneous to make love when you have to use a pump to get an erection.
The most important accessories for using a pump to create erections for sexual purposes are talking and a sense of humour. You have to make a plan to weave the pump and the ring into your sex life.
Eventually, you use a tighter ring. The ring has to be tight enough to keep your erection without the vacuum during sex, often found through trial and error. (The Vacurect device comes with 10 rings of various sizes.)
Remember:
Don’t leave the ring on for more than 30 minutes. This is important to allow oxygenated blood to flow into your penile tissue again.
You may have to go one or two sizes tighter in real sexual situations because of the movement involved during lovemaking.
Take it From Me…
1) Find a way to weave the vacuum into your lovemaking with your partner. I do it while we are in bed together and once we are already aroused. Some retreat to a private place to do the pumping, though what matters is talking about it and supporting each other through the initial awkward moments.
2) When you actually try to penetrate your partner, remember: only the external part of your penis is engorged by the pump.
3) The “roots” at the base of the penis can only be strengthened by physiotherapy and by the recovery of your more natural functioning. Translation: You may need to help support your pumped member into position, and be careful how you thrust. Its “foundations” are likely a bit shaky, so extra lube is essential (this is called the ‘Hinge Effect’)
4) Don’t be surprised if your erection fades faster in sex with a partner than when you practice alone. The movements are more complex and there is more going on. Be compassionate and playful. Good things come to those who practice!