A vacuum device is a tube made of plastic that fits around the penis to help a man achieve an erection. The man coats the base of his penis with lubricant and inserts it into the tube. The air is pumped out of the tube, which creates a vacuum. A tight band is placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection. Then the tube is removed.

The vacuum helps blood flow into the penis, making the penis firm in about 5 minutes. The band should be removed after 30 minutes to prevent injury.