Doctor recommends traction, but I have a few questions...

[Diagnosisanddespair]

So, I've been recommended by my GP that I should look into traction. I got my first symptoms about 4 months ago, now pain has gone, but I have a 45 degree upward bend about 2/3rds down my penis (i.e. just below the head). I'm looking into traction devices, and I would like to clarify something about their use. Apologies if this has been discussed before, but I've checked through the forum and couldn't find this exact question. Maybe it's obvious and I would work it out immediately if/when I bought one, but I'd just like to try and clear up this confusion beforehand.

From what I can see, these are basically devices to hold the penis, whilst flaccid, in a particular direction, right? To have it a little bit "stretched" and hold it at a specific angle. I have a 45-degree upward bend when erect, but no curvature when flaccid. So... I'm not actually clear on how I use it. Do I basically set it up so that my penis is bent downwards and being pulled that way via weights? Or is it that I adjust the rods down the side and that does the stretching? And if I understand correctly, you basically affix it below the glans? I work at home with a desk job, so I have to issue with wearing it for decent periods if appropriate. Thanks in advance, guys.

EDIT: also, I've seen a few posts saying non-strap traction devices are better than those with straps, but I'm not clear on the alternatives. Can someone clear this up for me?

[LWillisjr]

Good questions,
The basic approach to traction is simply that..... traction. They work by placing/stretching the scarring on your Tunica. So in other words placing tension and stretching that area where your bend is at. They are made to wear while flaccid. When I put one on I do it as if my penis is sticking straight out horizontal from my body. The weight of the device once I let go (slowly let go) is that it ends up pointing downward. I know this is just opposite of your natural erection, but that really doesn't matter. The whole point is placing a stretch overall. The reason your erection is bending is because that area where the bend is occurring is not stretching due to the scarring. So the idea is to stretch and re-mold this area.

Putting the traction device on can be bit tricky. The first time or two you will wish you had three hands. But after a few times you get pretty good at it. You can place the device on (yes the strap goes just below the glans), and then twist the rods to extend them. I leave my rods extended and then place the device on. I then compress it into my body, put penis in place and add the strap with my other hand. Then slowly start to release the device as the tension transfers to my penis. Mine came with an instructional video but I don't know if they all do. Do not wear the device more than 2 hours at a time without taking it off for a 15-20 minute break to allow blood to flow back into your penis.

I am aware of the non strap type devices but I'm not that familiar with them. I think the attach to the glans with a type of cup (think or an unrolled condom). And then I believe you pull and attack this to your thigh. I can't imagine that this would allow you to put the same amount of tension as a traditional traction device as I think the top would pull off....... (ouch).

[MattFoley]

I use the silicone cup type of traction and it works great for me.

I can remove it in 5 seconds and put it back on in 20 seconds. It fits very nicely under my clothes and no one knows I'm wearing anything.

I use a great deal of tension equal to the traditional traction devices. The silicone cup fits snug and won't let go.

I highly recommend it.

[james1947]

I started using the cup type traction Matt advised. Very easy to use.
After 20 minutes, the glans are competently white, like no blood.
It is normal?

James    

[MattFoley]

James, that's not normal. Either the cup size is too small or you're putting on too much tension to start or something else is going on. After a while my glan will puff up and/or turn more red or purple but not white. If anything, the cup is sucking more blood and fluid into the glan not pushing it out.

[Diagnosisanddespair]

@ Lwillis - thanks for the info. That makes a lot of sense. Also, I appreciate the step-by-step guide; once I have one I'll try putting it on like that, as (mentally, at least) that sounds like a logical process. I'm debating which one to order - "Andropeyronie" seems like one with quite a bit of good talk around it, and specifically "designed" for correcting/adjusting curvature. Is "which traction device should I get?" just one of those questions where everyone has their own answer?

@ Matt - interesting. What's the model?

Also, thanks both for info about white glans etc. I'll take it slowly at first...

[LWillisjr]

The "which traction device is best" has been quite a debate. Most of them work basically the same with spring loaded traction rods which are adjustable. The biggest difference I think is the way that each of them are designed to strap your glans 'head' into the device in order to apply the traction.

[MattFoley]

The standard spring-loaded devices are fine if you're staying home. But if you're out of the house, how do you hide a huge piece of equipment in your pants? The silicone strap device is ideal for anything outside the house and if you like something you can take off fast and put back on fast.  

[Hawk]

Matt,

Do you wear the device with a traditional spring loaded rod type traction device or with an elastic strap?

[MattFoley]

Hawk,

I use the device that has a silicone cup and is attached to a bungee cord that is then attached to a velcro strap that goes around your ankle or around the foot. For me, it works the best since I'm usually out of the house and need something that can be easily hidden. I also like being able to take it off and put it back on in seconds. When I'm at home, I usually take the velcro strap off my ankle and attached it to a chair in front of me while I'm sitting and working at my computer. I can easily change the tension by moving the chair forward or backwards.

[Hawk]

It would be interesting to use a fish scale to document the grams of traction.  It may or may not be all the traction needed but I have to guess that is is significantly below the tension supplied by a rod traction device.  

[MattFoley]

Hawk, trust me, the tension is significant. I can adjust the tension as I wish and I can easily create enough tension to put me in pain.