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Advertisement for a penis pump |
The Penis Pump The penis pump is one of the
most ubiquitous devices for treating erectile dysfunction, and dates
back to the early 19th century. Its invention is credited to French
physician Vincent Marie Mondat. |
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Nowadays you can easily get a penis pump on the internet
or at an adult store, but at first, they were sold mainly to doctors,
through medical catalogs.
This entry in an 1857 catalog of surgical supplies lists
the price of a penis pump as $5.00. |
Illustration of 19th century penis pump in use |
"Hercules Congester" circa 1900
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This hand crank operated penis "congester" looks very
similar to contemporary penis pumps, and works the same way. |
| Some more elaborate vacuum pumps were driven by electrical motors and
also incorporated vibrators. |
Motor-driven penis pump
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Splints and Supports
A case of antique penis supporters |
Sheaths such as the ones at left provided external
support for the penis, and probably added some extra sensation for the
man's partner during intercourse. |
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On the other hand, we don't imagine this device was very comfortable,
either for the user or his mate. |
Design for a penis "splint" patented in 1943
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Patent illustration for a constricting strap,
1926 |
Straps, Rings, and Constrictors This device
bolsters the base of the penis while constricting blood flow. |
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The device at right was designed by
urologist James Foley, the inventor of the Foley catheter. It helps
maintain an erection by putting pressure on the dorsal vein,
preventing blood from flowing out of the penis. |
This device inflates to restrict blood flow |
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Patent drawing for a penile prosthesis, 1976 |
Surgical Implants Although some surgical treatments for ED
had been tried previously, it wasn't until the 1960s and '70s that
significant advances were made, in the form of implantable flexible
prostheses. |
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The surgical implant at right consists of a flexible rod that bends
into an erect position for intercourse, and then bends down when not
in use.
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A rod implant, circa 1978
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An inflatable penis implant, 1977 |
In this implant, an air-filled bladder is placed in
the scrotum. When squeezed, the air inflates tubes in the corpus
cavernosum, making the penis erect.
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