Vacurect Vacuum Erection Device/ Pump: FAQs
GENERAL QUESTIONS/ TROUBLESHOOTING.
The Vacurect is very different to other pumps, it only takes simple, easy steps to create an erection. It was invented by a creative engineer who had erectile dysfunction himself. He designed the Vacurect to circumvent problems he had while using traditional pumps. You can learn all about the pros and cons of different pumps for ED in this video to help you choose the best one for your needs/goals:
How does the Vacurect work?
Watch a short explanation video, and also live demonstration videos here:
How long until I can use the Vacurect for penetrative sex once I get it?
When you first try the Vacurect, we recommend getting used to the technique before graduating down ring sizes. Use the largest ring, or one size down, just to create engorgement in the cylinder first.
Having penetrative sex will be a case of finding the right ring size for you that maintains engorgement after pumping. The Vacurect comes with 10 ring sizes for you to find the right one for you. Everyone takes a different amount of time to find the best technique and ring size for them, take it slowly and expect it to take a few tries.
(We recommend keeping all the ring sizes even once you find the one for you, in case your size changes over time)
Are there side effects from using the Vacurect?
There are no side effects when used safely and as recommended by the manufacturer. The Vacurect comes with written instructions, but you can also read our article about the potential side effects from pumping and how to avoid them:
Will the Vacurect help me regain size lost after Prostatectomy?
Studies show that daily use of a vacuum erection device can help regain size over time, as well as prevent shrinkage post Prostatectomy.
Check out our pump rehabilitation protocol for regaining size here.
My pump isn't working, it keeps losing suction.
Do not panic - often you simply need to adjust your technique or equipment to get better results.
Check out our troubleshooting pumps guide here.
If you think the pump equipment you are using is fault, please contact the supplier you purchased through.
I lose my erection when I remove the pump cylinder.
You will not keep the erection up after pumping unless you are using a constriction ring/system.
It will take experimentation to find the right sized constriction opening for you (that’s why our recommended vacuum pump for ED, the Vacurect, comes with 10 different sizes). Please see the Vacurect Ring questions below for more tips on finding the right ring size.
If you are using a generic sex shop style pump, we recommend this set of four silicone-based constriction rings designed to fit around the base of any pump.
The quality of my erection after pumping is inconsistent/engorgement is not even.
There are a few ways you can improve the consistency and quality of your erections from pumping, see our troubleshooting guide for ideas (applies to any pump). If you are finding the erection post-pumping (with a ring) is not adequate for intercourse, see our guide on intercourse-ready strategies with a pump.
I am experiencing pain after using the Vacurect, what should I do?
Using a vacuum erection device should not result in any pain. Do not continue to ‘push through’ if you feel pain when pumping. Discontinue use, wait a few days, and then try again but go slower (see our guide on how to avoid penis pump side effects here). If the pain persists please seek medical attention.
I have a blister/bruise on my penis after pumping, what should I do?
If you have any bruising/blistering on your penis after pumping this is likely due to pumping too quickly. Don’t worry though, this is likely due to burst blood vessels that will naturally heal over time with a break from using a pump.
Check out our guide on how to avoid pumping side effects to learn more about that. In this situation, discontinue pumping until the bruising or blistering subsides. If it is not subsiding please seek advice from a medical professional.
My penis gets stuck on the side of the pump tube, what should I do?
Applying water-based lubricant all over the shaft before inserting into the pump can help prevent this. When the penis gets stuck to the side of the tube, give the tube a small shake.
Can damage be done if I use a ring size that is too small?
A lot of men worry about whether the ring is too small if it will do damage, but as long as you take it off after 30 minutes, no risk of damage. We have heard of men who if the ring is really tight may experience some bruising, but this can be mitigated by graduating down a ring size at at a time. Check out our video on how to choose the ring ring size.
Where can I see a live demonstration of the Vacurect?
You can view live demonstrations through this webpage (you will need a free Google account to log into Youtube to watch the videos, this is how Youtube ensures viewers are over 18 years old):
What is the best position when using the Vacurect (sitting, standing or lying down) ?
Standing is the ideal position to use the Vacurect. Check out this video for more information.
What lubricant should I use with the Vacurect?
We recommend water-based lubricant, because the Vacurect is a silicone-based product. The Vacurect comes with an ideal water-based lubricant to start you off with. Once you have run out, check out our lubricant guide for more suggestions:
I'm on blood thinners (like Warfarin) can I use the Vacurect?
Please consult your medical professionals before purchasing the Vacurect if you are on blood thinners. These medications can increase the chance of bruising. See our video on how to stay safe when pumping for more information.
I have Diabetes/Spinal Cord Injury/Erectile Dysfunction from another cause, can I use the Vacurect?
Yes, the Vacurect is for anyone looking to create erections using vacuum technology. As always, please consult your Urologist or Medical Professionals to ensure a vacuum erection device is a viable option for your situation.
I had non-nerve sparing prostate surgery, will the Vacurect work for me?
If by ‘work’ you mean creating an erection when you want one, then yes. The Vacurect simply draws blood into the penis, and the ring system keeps it there, giving you an erection for 30 minutes max.
If you are wondering whether using the Vacurect long term for penile rehabilitation will bring back spontaneous erections, that is a much more complex question to answer. This depends on a lot of factors, we have a free online course guiding you through these factors, and you may also benefit from listening to this interview with urologist, Professor Declan Murphy.
I have erection challenges from performance anxiety, will the Vacurect help?
It is important to understand the underlying causes of your erection changes/challenges in order to help choose the most appropriate treatments and tools for you. We recommend always working with relevant medical professionals to help with this. In the case of performance anxiety, you can consult with a sexual therapist who is trained in this area. They might recommend a vacuum device as an option for you, if so feel free to share the resources we provide about the Vacurect to discuss if this is an appropriate option.
I have Peyronie's Disease, can I use the Vacurect for rehabilitation?
Vacuum erection devices can be a useful tool for reducing curvature in the case of Peyronie’s Disease, however, every case of Peyronie’s Disease is different. It depends on where the curvature is, and the degree/angle the penis bends when erect as to what pump model will be most suitable. It is best to first consult with your medical specialist team around the best course of treatment and pump model for you.
What's the difference between OTC5 and OTC10?
The OTC5 comes with 5 ring sizes, and the OTC10 comes with 10 ring sizes. If you want to use the Vacurect just for rehabilitation (you are not concerned with maintaining the erection after pumping), then the OTC5 should fit your needs. If you are wanting to use the Vacurect for rehabilitation and also for intercourse/maintaining an erection then we recommend the OTC10 so that you can find the exact right ring size for you.
What rings are included in the OTC5 tension ring set?
The 1:(28mm), 2:(26mm), 3:(24mm), 4:(22mm) and 5:(20mm). Each ring is clearly marked for identification (by number). The mm refers to the inside diameter of each ring and is not shown on the rings.
Is the rehabilitation ring included in the OTC10-ring set?
In Australia: The Rehab rings are included in the OTC 10 Model. There are ten tension rings in total. The two largest ones in the set of ten are commonly used for rehabilitation after prostate surgery (options of two different sizes).
The tension rings sizes/numbers included in the OTC model is as follows: XL-Rehab(32mm), L-Rehab(30mm), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The number 8 is the smallest ring in the set of ten supplied/manufactured. Inside diameter of 6 (19mm), 7(18mm) and 8(17mm).
In the United States: The Deluxe package now comes with sizes XL, L, and 1 through 8. The XL has replaced the "rehabilitation" ring.
How do you clean the Vacurect?
Easily! The Vacurect only needs a gentle clean with soap and warm water after each use. You then leave it out in the air to dry, or, you could put a cloth or some paper towel around the end of a brush to wipe excess moisture off the inside cylinder. Here is a demonstration video.
Should I take the Vacurect apart to clean it?
No, we do not recommend taking the Vacurect apart for general cleaning.
The Vacurect only needs to be taken apart of you feel the up-down motion of the cylinders are sticking. In this case you would use the silicone oil provided in the Vacurect kit. If you lose the silicone oil, just use a silicone-based lubricant.
Does the Vacurect have a safety release valve?
The Vacurect doesn't have a traditional safety valve like you see on other pumps, however, it does have an easy air release method. This is due to the difference in design. With the Vacurect, you just lift the cylinder off the ring to release air, wait for the air to leave so vacuum pressure to diminish and erection to subside, then place the cylinder back on the ring.
I think I am too large for the cylinder, what should I do?
You could try applying a silicone-based lubricant all over the shaft, saving the water-based lubricant for only the ring. The silicone lubricant should make the penis more oily and slippery and will hopefully help the cylinder ease off.
Another technique you could try is removing the cylinder from the ring, by hooking a finger under and trying to remove it until the air gets released. If the penis is still getting stuck to the side of the tube, give the tube a small shake to help release it.
If the Vacurect pump is still feeling too small, you could use it just for intercourse, and for rehabilitation, you could consider a cheaper sex toy pump, such as this one.
You could also reach out to the supplier you purchased the Vacurect from and check with them whether they have any recommendations for men who require a larger pump.
Can you use the Vacurect in the shower?
You can use the Vacurect safely in the shower as it does not have any electronic components. This can also be a great idea as a way to help incorporate rehabilitation into a daily activity. We also recommend using the Vacurect in the shower if you are experiencing incontinence.
Does the Vacurect have a different size cylinder?
The Vacurect only comes in one size so make sure you are aware of the dimensions: the cylinder is 8.75 inches long, 1.75 inches wide which makes the circumference of the opening 5.5 inches.
If you are able to create a full erection before purchasing the erection (you may like to try injection therapy and take your measurements once an erection is created). Check out our guide to injection therapy here.
Research has shown the Vacurect should accommodate for about 95% of the population as the average penis circumference is around 4.75 inches.
Can I get a refund on the Vacurect?
Australia refund policy:
Note that in Australia, due to the nature of the product it is not returnable once opened and used.
Fore more information on the return policy contact the Australian supplier here.
United States refund policy:
Note the 30 day return policy starts the day you receive the package and the refund is 80% of the purchase price or subtotal. You’ll get back 80% of the price after discounts, but before shipping costs are added. They do not offer any refund on shipping costs and don't offer return postage. If you buy the basic package for $209 then the refund is $167.20. If you buy the deluxe package for $289 then the refund is $231.20.
Check out the return policy here (scroll down to end of page for the FAQs).
VACURECT RINGS QUESTIONS
How long can I keep the constriction ring on?
30 MINUTES MAXIMUM. It is very important you remove the ring after 30 minutes to allow oxygenated blood to flow again.
What if the largest ring is too constricting?
If you are completely filling the Vacurect cylinder and find the largest ring acts more as a constriction ring than a comfortable rehabilitation base, you might want to try either not pumping up to full capacity to see if you still achieve desired results but with more comfort. Or, you can try using the Vacurect cylinder without the rings (this won’t be the most comfortable experience but it is possible to create a seal against the groin with just cylinder). You might then find another ring set that goes over the Vacurect pump and is placed onto the shaft base post pumping a way to maintain that erection.
We also recommend contacting the Vacurect supplier you purchased through to see if they have other suggestions or accessories for you to try. Unfortunately, at this time Vacurect only make a one-sized cylinder that fits the majority of men with ED. If you are concerned that you might be too big for the device, we recommend contacting the Vacurect supplier before purchase.
How do you remove the Vacurect ring?
Try these three techniques for easy ring removal:
Squeeze the erection to encourage blood to flow back into the body.
Lift the opening up at one side / pull the opening to the side slightly.
Take a warm shower and remove using soap and water.
Remember to only leave the ring on for 30 minutes. Your body needs to reinstate oxygenated blood flow after this time.
This live demonstration video might help too:
How do you put on the tighter rings?
There are two main ways to apply the tighter rings, either on the base of the penis (using lubricant to move into the ring when flaccid), or you can draw the penis into the ring and cylinder by pumping. We recommend watching this demonstration video to get a sense of each technique:
You may also come up with your own technique that works best for your body. It takes trial and error to find both the ring size and the best method for you.
Can you bring more blood into the erection when it is constricted using the tightest ring?
Yes, you can keep the tension ring on and just reattach the cylinder that is on the base of the penis. The blood will still pull into the penile tissue due to the negative pressure created in the cylinder.
Is ejaculation possible while the restriction ring is on?
If a man is still ejaculating, you might need to remove the ring in order to ejaculate depending on how tight it is.
Where can I buy replacement Vacurect rings? And inner seal 'O' rings?
Most men don't need to replace the rings as they are made from medical grade silicone and are designed to last (note it’s important to use a water based lubricant to protect the quality of the rings).
If required, you can purchase extra Vacurect rings/parts here:
- Australia
- USA/Canada
I have incontinence, will the Vacurect rings stop me leaking?
The tighter Vacurect rings can help reduce some leakage during sexual activity. If you find that you experience leakage when aroused (a common post Prostatectomy side effect called ‘climacturia’) then you can also use a condom easily with the Vacurect. Learn how to put a condom on before pumping in this article (scroll down to point ‘3. Safety’)
I am uncircumcised, how do I use the ring system?
Uncircumcised men can also enjoy using the Vacurect. It is best for each individual to experiment with different technique’s to determine what is the most comfortable. It should not be a painful experience.
Here are two ways to adapt the technique:
Pull back the foreskin before placing the pump (with tension ring attached) on the tip of the penis and prior to starting the pumping process. Remember, it is important to use lubricant during the process to make it comfortable and easy.
Put the ring on first (without the pump attached), and with a hand towel pull your foreskin out of the ring and position the ring just behind the head of the penis. Then, place the pump onto the ring and slowly start pumping.
There is a set of four silicone rings that can be used with the Vacurect, however, it is a different type of technique required in getting those rings onto the pump, and then onto the base of the penis.
We also recommend purchasing a separate universal pump sleeve to go with those rings. Please see this video to learn how to use the rings and opening with the Vacurect.
PENILE REHAB QUESTIONS
How long/often should I pump for penile rehabilitation? When do I stop using a pump?
We have an extensive article covering these types of rehabilitation protocol based questions here:
What does a daily pump rehabilitation protocol look like?
Watch this video covering the basics of a daily pump rehab protocol here. While there isn't one 'gold standard' protocol at this point, the principle to follow is replacing nocturnal erection activity.
The recommended technique across studies and clinical resources tends to be a 10-minute session done once a day, where you create between 3-5 erections. Maintain each erection in the cylinder for about a minute to allow for maximum blood flow.
Should I use the constriction ring when pumping just for rehab?
Use a ring large enough to create a comfortable seal against your body, so that air does not escape. This is usually size ‘1’ or ‘2’. You do not need to use a tight ring to maintain the erection after pumping when doing so for rehabilitation. Read our guide on using a vacuum device for rehabilitation to learn more about the recommended protocol:
Can I use penile injections such as Trimix/Caverject with the Vacurect?
Yes, you can, and this combination might increase the effectiveness of either method.
Can I use Viagra/Cialis with the Vacurect?
Yes, you can, and this combination might increase the effectiveness of either method.
If I'm using the pump with Cialis, should I enter the pump with an erection?
Yes, you can enter the pump with the erection. If you're using the Vacurect, you would simply use a larger ring-opening, you also won't likely need to pump as much as from flaccid so will hopefully also make the process a lot quicker.
It is safe to either put your whole penis in the pump or just the tip. When you are semi-erect to erect, one of the easiest ways is to use a ring with a comfortable opening - and use the pump like you would a commercial pump.
What does 'progress' look like with a pump?
To see what progress can look like, we recommend checking out the following resources
I am leaking urine when using a pump, what should I do?
Many men post prostate surgery experience incontinence, or arousal incontinence (leaking when experiencing sexual arousal), alongside erectile dysfunction. If you are using the Vacurect pump, it is absolutely fine for this pump to get wet as there are no electrical components and it’s easy to clean out the cylinder afterward. The action of using a pump might draw out a bit of urine while you have incontinence due to the change in pressure.
As your continence improves this should happen less. We recommend consulting with a men’s health physiotherapist to make sure you are exercising the pelvic floor muscles correctly, a great way to do this is with a real-time ultrasound machine. Check out our continence FAQ section for more resources.
HOW TO BUY THE VACURECT
Where can I buy the Vacurect? (Worldwide)
The Vacurect is available to most countries. Here is a list of our recommended suppliers (excellent customer service and full Vacurect kits):
BUY UNITED STATES / CANADA ($275)
BUY AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND ($320 AUS)
BUY ‘REST OF THE WORLD’ (select your country for shipping rates at checkout)
Please note, these are our trusted affiliate partner websites. When you purchase through these links ‘A Touchy Subject’ receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us to continue making free educational content - so thank you!
Where can I buy Vacurect rings?
You can buy replacement or extra Vacurect rings here:
- Australia ($17 + Shipping)
Can I claim the Vacurect on Medicare or Private Health Insurance?
If you are in Australia, this is what we are aware of: you can sometimes claim some of the cost of the Vacurect back if your private health insurance policy covers medical device extras. Every policy and insurance company is different so please check directly with them.
Here is an article to help when making your claim.
If you are in the United States, this is what we are aware of: there are just a handful of private insurance companies that will still cover a VED. You can verify with your insurance company to see if the code L7900 is a covered item with a diagnosis code of N52.9.
I have a question that isn't here...
If you have further questions about the Vacurect, please contact: victoria@atouchysubject.com
If you have purchased the Vacurect through one of our affiliate suppliers and have a question regarding payment/the device, please contact the supplier directly.
These buttons will take you to our trusted affiliate partner websites. By purchasing through these links ‘A Touchy Subject’ receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us to continue making free educational content - so thank you!