External Penile Support Devices
Recently,
a new mechanical device called 'Erektor' was introduced. The device is applied
externally and no surgical intervention is required. It is marketed to provide
length and rigidity to the penile shaft and is worn during sexual intercourse.
The device is manufactured and developed by Global Life Technologies and has
received press in Urology Times Magazine (http://business.highbeam.com/137412/article-1G1-200116245/external-support-device-alternative-ed-medications).
Figure 1 displays the Erektor apparatus.
It is composed of two rings attached to an interspaced rigid
rod. The penile shaft is placed within the confines of the rings and the rigid
rods lie along the ventral aspect of the penis. The penile shaft is stretched
when the device is worn and intercourse may then ensue. Each device is
individually customized to the patient's phallic length. However, there has
been no documented research or trials to provide the efficacy of the device.
Nevertheless, its unique and technologically innovative design deserves mention
as an option for patients seeking nonpharmaceutical/noninvasive treatment.
Another penile
support device consists of a penile cast that is worn externally during
intercourse. It is composed of a body and attachments. Three sizes are
available: medium, large and extra-large (T. Iwai, personal communication). Two
corona glans openings provide sensation during intercourse (Figure 2).
Figure 2: The penile cast worn during intercourse
provides rigidity to the penile shaft and sensation is gained through the
coronal glans window. Source: Courtesy of Takehisa Iwai, MD, PhD.
There have been
no published trials to establish the efficacy of the device at this time.
However, it may serve as an option for patients with end-organ failure who may
not be candidates for, or unable to afford, penile implants.
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