Most are invasive and yield less than stellar results. Vacuum devices can temporarily increase the size of the penis by increasing the amount of blood in the corpora cavernosa and surrounding tissue. However, their ability to increase penile size is not established.

In a recent study by M. K. Aghamir and colleagues from Tehran, Iran, the role of the vacuum erectile device (VED) as a non-invasive treatment for penile elongation is examined. The review is published in the April 2006 issue of BJU International.

The study group was comprised of 37 sexually active men with concerns about a small penis. Men with a stretched penis length of < 10 cm were enrolled in the study. Six of these men were excluded form the study according to these criteria. The men were instructed on the use of the vacuum erectile device during their first therapeutic session in the physician’s office. Negative pressure was applied slowly and gradually and for 20 minutes after an erection was achieved. A constrictor band was not used. The patients were then asked to repeat the therapeutic session three times a week for 6 months at home. The men were followed-up to assess changes in penile length, satisfaction rate and possible complications.

Of the 31 men, 27 returned for follow-up at a mean of 8 months. The mean age of the patients was 24 years; the median stretched penis length was 7.6 cm before treatment and 7.9 cm after 6 months of vacuum therapy. There was no significant difference between length before and after therapy (P = 0.2). The efficacy of the treatment, defined as an increase of 1 cm or greater, was 11.1%. The patient satisfaction with the treatment was 30%. Complications were minor; there was one case of hematoma and one case of transient glans numbness.

The authors suggest that vacuum treatment of the penis is not an effective method for penile elongation, but provides psychological satisfaction for some men.

BJU Int. 2006 April; 97(4):777-8

Written by Michael J. Metro, MD, a Contributing Editor with UroToday.

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