VED for sex, beginner

[Spontaneous1]

I still have to laugh every time I read "medical-grade VED", what a sales gimmick!

[LGXDownunder]

I still have to laugh every time I read "medical-grade VED", what a sales gimmick!

Probably true, but it helps differentiate between VEDs designed specifically to address ED vs the sex toy equivalent.
The former often has multiple sleeves/constriction rings to help size more accurately and can often produce greater pressure.
I own both types and have used them extensively. They both do essentially the same job but a sex toy is generally one size fits all, although there are some larger sizes available. Pre implant I had good results with the sex toy, but the medical grade device was better if I selected the correct size ring/sleeve and followed the manufacturers instructions. Though neither was a solution for ED in my case. And yes the difference in cost is difficult to justify based on appearance.

[mrksman]

mrksman-These rings came with my pump. 3 sizes, the larger (I am not large) helps but not quite. They are comfortable. I am going to have to try the next smaller of the three.

Al1962 - What I have found is I can go with a bigger ring when I have taken a PDE5i like Levitra beforehand. If not, then sometimes I need a smaller/tighter ring in order to maintain an erection for sex. I pump up much easier with a PDE5i in my system.

[Spontaneous1]

1. A Medical VED is a vacuum erection device that has undergone clinical testing and is FDA-cleared, indicating that it has been shown to be safe and effective for treating erectile dysfunction. These devices are designed to create negative pressure that draws blood into the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity. They are particularly useful for men who cannot take oral medications like Viagra or Cialis or who prefer a drug-free, mechanical solution. Medical VEDs are non-invasive, safe, and can be used daily without systemic side effects. They are recommended by urologists and are an alternative for patients who cannot take oral PDE-5 inhibitors.

2. There are a number of medical equipment companies that have specially-designed devices which are carefully constructed so that a limited amount of pressure is allowed to develop. This is to reduce the likelihood of pressure-induced penile injury. This pressure is approximately 200-250 mmHg.
To convert 200-250 mmHg to Hg, you can use the following conversion:
200 mmHg is approximately 2.00 Hg.
250 mmHg is approximately 2.50 Hg.
Thus, the pressure range of 200-250 mmHg is equivalent to 2.00 to 2.50

3. "Probably true, but it helps differentiate between VEDs designed specifically to address ED vs the sex toy equivalent.
The former often has multiple sleeves/constriction rings to help size more accurately and can often produce greater pressure."

My take:
1. Maybe someone thinks the "clinical testing" and FDA clearance is worth paying $350 more for a "medically approved" tube, I don't. Anyone with ED should be doing some research, not relying on doctors for EVERYTHING, I've found most doctors are still "practicing" medicine! There are a lot of things FDA approved, they get lawsuits everyday over those approved drugs and devices. Do your research people!

2. With limiters set at a pressure of 2-2.5 hg. most people with ED we'll be lucky to get an erection much less use a constriction band to maintain it. If you purchase a good cylinder (LeLuv cylinders, sized to your personal measurements w/a quick-disconnect hose) for $50, another $25 for a pump with a pressure gauge, and a multi sized set of bands for $30, then you have a $105 investment, not a $450 one.

3. I thought greater pressures was what approved cylinders were trying to avoid? Just because it's FDA approved doesn't mean it's totally safe, someone will always figure a way to hurt themselves. I've had ED for a few years now, I lost all spontaneous erections to start, and then all nocturnal erections later on. I have been using a non-medical grade pump for a couple years now, with a pump, and within safe pressure ranges under 5hg., my nighttime/morning erections have returned but I still require a band to have PIV sex. I can't use PDE-5 inhibitors, they started giving me tinnitus. My VED allows me to set up a three day a week routine that maintains my penile health, without losing size, and without needing or wanting an implant. I hear that a medical grade VED may be paid for by Medicare so I understand older men wanting to go that route, I'm just not one of them. I did my research, I developed a plan, and I executed it, all with the best possible outcome for my penis health in mind. Be your own advocate, don't rely on doctors to give you the answers that most don't even have when it comes to this stuff.