Exploring Vacuum Erection Device User Feedback: A GPT-4 Thematic Analysis

To explore consumer viewpoints regarding vacuum erection device (VED) use.

We conducted a qualitative analysis of 1500 Amazon.com reviews for 21 of the most popular VED products. Reviews were analyzed using GPT-4, identifying common themes and subthemes. Electric and manual VEDs were compared, and a multivariable ordinal regression was built to identify factors linked to higher product ratings.

The most common themes identified were efficacy (92%) and user experience (78%). Safety and warning mentions appeared in 27% and 6.8% of reviews, respectively. Compared to manual, electric VEDs were more frequently associated with mentions of ease of use (46% vs 34%), design features (17% vs 9.3%), and explicit product warnings (7.7% vs 5.1%). A 5/5 rating was linked to fewer mentions of product deficiency (7.3% vs 86%), malfunction (1.5% vs 45%), product warnings (2.8% vs 24%), and customer service issues (3.9% vs 21%) compared to a 1/5 rating. Among all reviews, 126 (8.4%) reported using the VED for partner intimacy, while 16 (1.1%) noted its use for masturbation. Within this cohort, 65% used devices with included sex toys, and 35% used standard VEDs. Users seeking partner intimacy reported similar effectiveness (93% vs 81%), ease of use (59% vs 54%), satisfaction (91% vs 95%), and likelihood of recommendation (30% vs 29%) between VEDs with and without sex toy features.

Amazon reviews indicate a generally positive sentiment toward VEDs, with few mentions of malfunction or safety warnings. However, proper patient education remains essential to ensure safe use and minimize the risk of injury.