Treatment of Impotence

A vacuum pump is a mechanical tube that is used to pull blood into the penis. As the penis fills with blood, it becomes firm (this is what happens during a normal erection). Often pumps are used in conjunction with tight rubber bands that are placed around the base of the penis, and which prevent blood from escaping.

Would you be willing to try a vacuum pump? Yes, I am willing to try a vacuum pump. No, I am not interested in trying a vacuum pump.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Faculty of Harvard Medical School Date Last Reviewed: 6/15/2006 Date Last Modified: 6/8/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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