Post-Prostatectomy Vacuum Therapy

In the months following a prostatectomy many men find that they begin to have issues with erectile dysfunction and penile shrinkage, neither of which are particularly welcome side effects. Penile vacuum training is an excellent way to combat this. Penile vacuum training involves using a penis pump to inflate the penis regularly in order to "train" the penis to remain functional.

Research shows that men who start using a penis pump early after a prostatectomy have better long term outcomes. You should give your body some time to heal however and ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to use a pump.

Kohler, 2007 is a research paper in which men who had undergone radical prostatectomies began using a pump within one month of their surgery. These men were compared with a group that started after six months. 

At 3 months, IIEF (erectile function) scores in the early-start group were more than six-fold higher (11.5 vs 1.8), and by 6 months the early group maintained both superior erectile function (12.4 vs 3.0) and full stretched penile length, whereas the delayed-start group showed measurable shortening.

Medintim pumps are Class II medical devices designed to provide you the highest grade support in your post-prostatectomy recovery.

Pick your pump

Choose the Rehabi if you need basic training with vacuum therapy (manual, no rings).

Choose the Active3 if you would help maintaining your erections during intercourse, or think you may like to in the future (automatic, various ring sizes).

Pump twice daily

Research suggests pumping until erect and keeping the penis erect inside the pump for two five minute periods with a short break in between. Never use painfully or after noticing significant bruising or worsening curvature. Consult a urologist if unsure.

Start early, stay consistent

For best results, begin vacuum therapy early once you’ve healed and your clinician agrees. Start gently and build up gradually. Consistency matters more than intensity.