When people think about erections, they usually think about blood flow or nerve signals. But there is another important factor that often goes unnoticed: oxygen.
Healthy erectile tissue needs a regular supply of oxygen-rich blood. Without it, the tissue can gradually lose elasticity and strength - which may make erections more difficult over time.
This is where Vacuum Erection Therapy (VET) can play a supportive role.
Why Oxygen Matters for Erections
Inside the penis are two sponge-like chambers called the corpora cavernosa. During an erection, these chambers fill with oxygen-rich blood. That oxygen helps:
- maintain healthy smooth muscle
- preserve tissue flexibility
- counteract structural changes associated with low oxygen levels
- support long-term erectile function
Men normally experience several natural erections during sleep. These help "refresh" the tissue with oxygen.
However, after prostate surgery, nerve injury, or in more advanced erectile dysfunction (ED), natural erections may occur less frequently. When this happens, the tissue may receive less oxygen. Over time, reduced oxygen supply can contribute to changes in tissue structure.
Maintaining oxygenation is therefore considered as an important part of supporting erectile tissue health.
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How a Vacuum Erection Device Works
A Vacuum Erection Device (VED) gently creates negative pressure around the penis.
This process:
- draws blood into the erectile tissue
- expands the tissue in a controlled manner
- is designed to support oxygen delivery
Unlike oral medications, this method does not depend on nerve signaling to increase blood flow. For
this reason, it may be helpful for men recovering from prostate surgery or those who do not respond sufficiently to medication. When used regularly for short sessions, Vacuum Erection Therapy can help support circulation within the erectile tissue.
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More Than an Erection Aid
Vacuum devices are often known for enabling erections for sexual activity. However, they may also have a. rehabilitative role.
When used without a constriction ring and for brief daily sessions, the focus is not intercourse, but tissue conditioning and circulation support.
Published clinical and mechanistic research suggests that consistent use may:
- Support cavernosal oxygenation
- Help counteract hypoxia-related tissue changes
- Help support preservation of penile length after prostate surgery
- Contribute to erectile recovery in certain patients
For this reason, some physicians incorporate vacuum therapy into penile rehabilitation strategies.
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A Non-Drug Option for Supporting Recovery
Vacuum Erection Therapy is:
- Non-invasive
- Drug-free
- Compatible with other ED treatments
- Suitable for various underlying causes of erectile dysfunction
For many men, it offers a way to actively support tissue health, particularly during recovery periods when natural erections are reduced.
if you are unsure whether this approach is right for you, speak with your urologist or healthcare provider.
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Conclusion
Erectile health is not only about achieving an erection in the moment - it is also about maintaining healthy tissue over time. Oxygen plays a key role in this process.
By helping draw blood into the penis and supporting oxygen delivery, Vacuum Erection Therapy may contribute to maintaining erectile tissue structure and function. For men recovering from surgery or managing erectile dysfunction, it can form part of a comprehensive treatment approach discussed with their healthcare provider.
Selected Scientific References
- Raina R et al. Long-term effect of vacuum erection device use on penile length after radical prostatectomy. Int J Impot Res. 2006.
- Köhler TS et al. Early use of vacuum erection device after radical prostatectomy. Sex Med. 2007.
- Iacono F et al. Cavernosal hypoxia and fibrosis in erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res. 2005.
- Ferrini MG et al. Vacuum therapy and reduction of corporal fibrosis. J Sex Med. 2010.
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⚠️Disclaimer:
Vacuum erection devices are medical devices. Please consult your physician to determine whether this therapy is appropriate for you and always follow the Instructions for Use carefully. The described effects are based on published clinical and mechanistic research. Individual outcomes may vary.
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