Vacuum tumescence: an option for spinal cord injured males with erectile dysfunction

Vacuum tumescence with constriction/retention bands is an option for management of male erectile dysfunction. The appropriateness of this system for individuals with spinal cord injury was evaluated at the Palo Alto, California, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Spinal Cord Injury Center. Following a structured educational program and use of the system for at least 2 months, 13 male subjects and 9 female partners responded to a questionnaire evaluating their satisfaction and the safety of the device. Findings indicate an increase in frequency of intercourse and increased sexual satisfaction with use of the device without occurrence of significant physical problems for the subjects or their partners.