Vacuum pumps (aka penis pumps) are simple devices that are used, among other things, to help men with erectile dysfunction get and maintain an erection by creating a vacuum around the penis.

The device mainly consists of a hollow cylindrical tube (usually made of plastic), inside of which the user can insert his penis. The device also includes a vacuum pumping device that absorbs the air out of the tube creating vacuum around the penis. This vacuum forces the penis to stretch and more blood flows into the penis causing a full and large erection. The user can then place a special rubber ring at the base of the penis to keep the blood trapped into the penis and maintain the erection for as long as needed and until the ring is removed.

Some men with erectile dysfunction may find this technique helpful and reliable, while others would never even consider it. The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of vacuum pumps.

Advantages of Vacuum Pumps:

1. Provide quick and instant results.
2. Affordable solution (can cost about $50-$200, depending on the features).
3. Do not require a prescription from your doctor.
4. Easy to obtain.

Disadvantages of Vacuum Pumps:

1. Not practical for regular use.
2. Could be embarrassing.
3. Could be uncomfortable.
4. It may deform the penis.
5. It may give you lymph blisters on the glans penis (head of the penis).
6. The rubber ring may cause discomfort or pain, especially during ejaculation.
7. Over-pumping may cause injury or serious damage to the penis, e.g. damage some penile tissues or burst some penile blood vessels.

If you have ED, and you think that vacuum pumps may help you, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using such devices to avoid any unwanted or harmful results, which may cause a bigger and more serious problem than ED itself.

Not a long time ago, huge discussions hit the news about Watermelon’s Viagra-like effect, which is backed by professional researches, studies and clinical tests.

Fruits and vegetables in general are good for sexual health since they are rich in vitamins and other nutrients that help your body stay fresh and healthy, which results in better sexual health and performance. Also red meat, white meat, fish and oysters are rich in nutrients (e.g. zinc and different amino acids) that prevent erectile dysfunction (impotence).

So, a healthy, balanced and properly planned diet can definitely help patients with sexual dysfunction problems, like ED, but is this method better than Viagra?

Each has its advantages and shortcomings as explained below.

Advantages of natural aphrodisiacs:

• Natural aphrodisiac foods and supplements are healthy and safe for everyone.
• They are inexpensive (if compared to the cost of medications) and easy to obtain.
• Have no side effects or dangerous interactions.
• Can help you stay healthy sexually, physically and mentally.

Disadvantages of natural aphrodisiacs:

The only shortcoming of natural aphrodisiacs is that they are not as effective, strong, reliable, and fast acting as prescription medications (e.g. Viagra). So, in a severe sexual dysfunction condition, you might need the strength of prescription drugs to overcome it.

Advantages of Viagra

• Viagra is a proven, dependable, very effective, and quick acting solution to erectile dysfunction.
• Unlike natural remedies, 99% of the time Viagra will give you the energy and hardness you are looking for.
• It treats both mild and severe sexual dysfunction with a great success rate.

Disadvantages of Viagra

• Viagra requires a prescription and physical examination, which some people might find inconvenient or embarrassing.
• This drug may not be safe for everyone, especially those who suffer from certain other conditions or take certain other medications.
• Like all other Rx drugs, Viagra has some unpleasant side effects. The most common side effects are headache, flushing and stuffiness.
• Viagra is not cheap (Costs about $15 per pill in average).