Tension Band Size
It is difficult to determine the exact size and tension you might need to achieve an erection. Though the width of the penis(measured by placing a tape measure around the base of the penis) plays a large part in what size you get, it can also depend on the severity of the erectile dysfunction. Someone with severe erectile dysfunction will need a higher tension band than someone with mild erectile dysfunction.
Another problem with finding the right tension band is the difference in tension band material. A tension band from one manufacturer might be more flexible than tension bands from other manufacturers. That means a “medium” size tension band from Encore may or may be able to accommodate more sizes than a “medium” tension band from Augusta. Additionally, there are no standard sizes between manufacturers, so a “large” tension band from one manufacturer will likely be different than a “large” from another manufacturer. Therefore, it is very difficult to get correct penis tension band without some trial and error.
Vitality Medical contacted by Encore, a leading manufacturer of tension bands, and asked about selecting the right tension band size. It is recommended to purchase a medium-sized tension band, because the medium tension bands will let you know whether you need to choose a larger or smaller size. The following diameters of tension band holes provide a rough guideline:
- Large: Between 3/4 – 7/8 inches (19.05 – 22.23 mm)
- Medium: Between 1/2 – 3/4 inches (12.70 – 19.05 mm)
- Small: Between 3/8 – 1/2 inches (9.525 – 12.70 mm)
Encore sells a tension band kit to include a loading ring and lubricant. This package comes with four different sized penis tension bands to help determine the best fit and costs less than $25. PosTvac provides a similar ring kit costing less than $30.
The Encore representative called choosing the right penis tension band without any experimentation first was “a shot in the dark.” Instead of purchasing individual tension bands by trial and error, the representative recommends purchasing an Encore Impo Aid Ring kit (OTC), which comes with four different sizes to experiment with. The kit costs less than $20 dollars and is a much better value than purchasing individual tension bands for each size.
Vitality Medical carries tension bands from Osbon, Encore, and PostTvac. Although all of the tension bands carried do work, some are reusable and some are single-use. Be sure to check the product description to find out. Pay attention to the design of each of the tension bands. If you have good finger dexterity, then you might want a small tension band. However, if you have difficulty manipulating small objects, then a larger tension band might be appropriate.
Helpful Articles
WebMD – Erectile Dysfunction: Prostate Cancer
eMedicine – Prostate Cancer: Radical Perineal Prostatectomy
Mayoclinic – Erectile Dysfunction overview
UrologyChannel – Another Erectile Dysfunction overview
eMedicineHealth – Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction Introduction
