What if there were a drug-free—incision-free!—way to obtain and maintain erections? There is.

It’s amazing how many people think it’s totally normal and acceptable to use condoms and other artificial measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but at the same time think it’s totally abnormal and unacceptable to suffer from erectile dysfunction and impotence, though those are natural, common occurrences. It’s an issue of control: We want to have babies when we want to have them, and we want to have erections when we need them—or think we need them.

How many commercials for ED will you encounter during a typical football broadcast? If you don’t suffer from the condition now, you’re nevertheless made to wonder when you will. If that time comes, medications such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra will almost certainly help. Studies have shown that over 75 percent of men taking these medications are able to restore erections. However, for the remaining 25 percent of men, medical treatments are largely ineffective. What options do you have then? Surgery, for one. But what man is anxious to have an operation on his penis? What if there were a drug-free—incision-free!—way to obtain and maintain erections? There is, and it’s called the Pos-T-Vac Therapy System, a painless, easy-to-use erectile dysfunction pump.

Are you intimidated by the idea of using a pump? More intimidated than the thought of going under the knife? Or of never being able to obtain an erection again? Unlikely. What’s more, the system is simple and unobtrusive, perfect for you and your loved one. Here’s how vacuum therapy works.

After placing your penis in the cylinder, a vacuum is created. A pump then generates blood flow into the penis, which causes engorgement and rigidity. This natural erection is held by a tension ring at the base of the penis, which restricts the flow of blood back out. Using this system, an erection can be safely maintained for up to 30 minutes.

You don’t need a doctor’s visit or a prescription. Moreover, the device is FDA-approved, and most insurance companies (including Medicare) cover the cost of the system.

ED is often strongly linked to performance anxiety, a widespread psychological phenomenon that affects many aspects of life, not just sex. It occurs when men become fearful of failure. When it comes to sex, common thoughts include, “Do I have an erection yet?” or “Am I going to have an orgasm this time?” A vicious circle of anxiety can develop where the anticipated fear of not having an erection results in recurring difficulties of actually having one. With the erectile dysfunction pump, anxiety gives way to the laws of physics. You will get and maintain an erection, regardless of negative thoughts or embarrassment. You’re in control, even if myriad impulses are trying to rob of that control.

Are you among the 25 percent of men who don’t respond to ED pills? Then maybe you should be among the men who fight back against ED by giving the the Pos-T-Vac Therapy System a try.

—Photo Jo Jakeman/Flickr