TREATING ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION WITH EXTERNAL VACUUM DEVICES - IMPACT UPON SEXUAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MARITAL FUNCTIONING

We evaluated prospectively the medical, sexual and psychosocial outcome of external vacuum devices in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A total of 29 men regularly used such a device for 6 months and reported statistically significant improvements in erectile quality, frequency of intercourse attempts, frequency of orgasm and sexual satisfaction, as well as decreased psychiatric symptomatology, increased self-esteem and a trend toward improved marital satisfaction. Of the partners 18 reported improved sexual functioning, including increased frequency of orgasm, decreased masturbation and greater sexual satisfaction, with no changes in psychosocial parameters. The vacuum device was effective in producing erections in 89% of the men. Dropout, only 19% within 6 months, was primarily due to insufficient or pivoting erections and bruising. The most frequent adverse effects were blocked ejaculation and physical discomfort. Vacuum devices appear to provide a safe, effective, inexpensive, noninvasive treatment for erectile failure that enjoys high patient and partner acceptance.