Pumping, my version.

[bldoink]

I'm not the resident pumping expert. However it seems my experience is a bit different from most so I decided to post this in it's own thread for the few guys that might share my issues.

As noted in my signature I've had a Radical Robotic Prostatectomy with nerve damage leaving my completely unable to naturally achieve much less maintain any erection whatsoever. I can successfully use a VED for therapy and sex, as outlined below. Fortunately I can successfully use injections and that is my preferred method of achieving an erection for sex. The point being is I don't know if my experience is restricted to a few other RP survivors or is shared more generally by other ED sufferers. But here's my experience with pumping:

I enter the VED while totally flaccid. Without pumping I can't get any form of an erection without an injection. I've tried pumping after an injection. If I do I'll get a bruise at the injection site. So it's a No Go for me. So if pumping I have to start when totally flaccid. I thoroughly, as much as possible, lube the inside of the cylinder, where my dick is to start and where I plan for it to be later. I also lube my whole dick, base through glans. (Sometimes I only lube partially to start and and add more lube later.)

I pre lube for 2 reasons. One is to help seal at the base but that's less important if you've done a good close manscaping where appropriate. Plus too much lube at the very base, especially if you get lube on or near your balls, makes it easier to suck a nut into the tube. That's not a good experience. The second and more important reason to pre lube is to keep my skin from sticking to the inside of the VED tube. Without plenty of lube this happens quickly and causes a halt to pumping as it will hurt and eventually tear skin. No amount of shaking the tube or any other maneuver besides sufficient lube will prevent this. I am a bit thick (when erect) so that could be an aggravating factor.

It takes many repeated cycles of suction and release to achieve an erection. I don't try to force the erection by over pumping during any cycle as that will cause petechiae for sure and increase the likelihood of edema.

What does shorten the number of required cycles to to achieve an erection is when the wife assists erotically or I use visual aids. I suppose any erotic mental stimulation will work even if just daydreams. The bottom line here is something in my mind has to send a signal to my dick that it's OK to let blood in even if suction is required. Without that mental trigger I can pump forever with just minimal results. Some brief stroking of the lubed shaft by either the wife or I between cycles can also help.

A Viagra prior to the session can also help although it gives me no natural erection by itself regardless of stimulation. But it can help substantially with pumping. At least for me.

I realize many if not most guys can pump up with a VED much more easily than I can. But for me it requires more time and effort. However, success can be achieved. I post this for the few others that require a bit more effort and determination to achieve success with a VED.

Good luck!

[AnotherOldMan]

I haven't had a Radical Robotic Prostatectomy but it usually takes at least 3 "inflation/deflations" before I add the rings. Each time I pause about 1/2 the way and slowly count to 10 or 20 and then before deflating do the same. It's not an instantaneous reaction. It seems to take some time for the blood to flow into my dick to equalize the pressure. Going slower is just a part of avoiding injury.

A small amount of PDE5 does facilitate the process. I can eventually get to where I want to be without the drugs and have gotten to a point where I don't care for that "yucky" feeling I get with even with small doses. I suppose I could recruit my wife but while I'm pumping she is taking care of her own preparations and I don't want to disturb her without due cause!

[CanGetItUpButNoMore]

I've posted my experience in another thread but I'll also respond here. If I try to pump starting at a flaccid state, then my dick will not extend at all. It just engorges (and the head kind of gets sucked sideways into the cylinder wall, looking at me pathetically). Even if I start semi-erect, it will not lengthen, just engorge, more at the base and less at the head. If I start fully erect, the process is more effective; I'll get ½" more length and the engorgement is more even and "healthy".

The part where the head gets sucked sideways into the cylinder wall is disturbing. Anything less than a full erection has this result. I've tried lubing to see if the vacuum will pull the head up and straight but nothing seems to work.

[AnotherOldMan]

the head kind of gets sucked sideways into the cylinder wall,

Have had that happen usually with my water pump while taking a shower. I learned to soap up real good with warm water before starting and that seems to work for me. Water based lube is not real effective in a water pump.

The rest sounds odd especially considering you can get fully erect before pumping.
What kind/brand of pump are you using?

[CanGetItUpButNoMore]

What kind/brand of pump are you using?

Encore

[AnotherOldMan]

That's the brand I use with success. I did have trouble with the manual pump after dropping it. Could only get a "chubby" at best but switched to the electrical until replacement arrived.
You use the manual or both? Same result?
I would suggest trying a sex shop pump. Just to see if it is the pump. You can get them at a minimal investment on ebay. If you are able to expand and get rigid with a cheap sex toy pump then you have a defective pump.
Here is one I used for a few months until it broke!! https://www.ebay.com/p/21030649518?iid=382225773164
To use I had to trim the pubes and use water-based lube. Worked great for "exercises" until the hand pump broke.