Just about everyone has heard of Viagra® (sildenafil) and the myriad other oral medications for erectile dysfunction. These drugs have been around for decades and are as effective as they are popular.
They might not be the best treatment for every guy though.
There have been plenty of alternative treatment options for erectile dysfunction over the years – particularly for guys who can't take ED meds due to othr health conditions – but the Giddy device might just be here to stay. Here's the story on Eddie by Giddy.
What Is the Giddy Device?
The Giddy device, sometimes referred to as “Eddie,” is an over the counter medical device, similar to a penis ring, that's used to treat the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
The Food and Drug Administration approved its use as a Class II erectile dysfunction device. This product is a fairly new treatment option and has only been around for a few years. In fact, Giddy is a start-up that used crowdfunding in 2019 to create their product. The idea was so popular that despite only asking for $25,000, over $278,000 was raised.
Although the Giddy device is a new option for treating erectile dysfunction, it seems to generally be well received, with high reviews from satisfied customers. The Giddy device was designed by a team including urologists, erectile dysfunction experts, engineers, and mathematicians. Their idea was to create a device that could supply blood to the penis and help create a more natural-feeling erection without causing the constriction or cut-off circulation associated with traditional cock rings.
The device itself is created from a polycarbonate/ABS alloy that's been coated in a medical grade elastomer, making it durable and easy to clean. The device is available in four sizes (A,B,C, and D) with A being the smallest and D being the largest.
For $298, you can purchase a two-pack of the Giddy device, which comes with 12 tension bands, six comfort and six sport, as well as informational videos about the nature of erectile dysfunction and an instructional video on how to use the device for best results.
The company recommends replacing the device once every six months due to the device being stretched out and losing tension, making the average cost per month around $49 when purchased as a one-time buy for $298. Giddy also offers an "Eddie + Stay-Giddy Plan" for $238 every 4 months, coming out to about $59/month.
For comparison, Rex MD's generic Viagra pills cost around $10 per dose (and sometimes less during promotions), and you can select how many doses you need monthly.
Another benefit of the Giddy device is there are essentially no side effects and no pharmacological interactions in your body. Unlike using medications that come with a long list of possible side effects and other medication interactions, the Giddy device has no such cautions. For many guys with high blood pressure or other conditions that prevent them from using a PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra or Cialis (tadalafil), this may be a compelling facet.
How Does the Giddy Device Work?
In order to achieve an erection, there must be more blood flowing into the penis than there is leaving it. During arousal, chemical messengers are released into the bloodstream that expand and dilate blood vessels, in addition to relaxing smooth muscles. This combination leads to enough blood entering and staying in the penis to form an erection.
The Giddy device is designed to emulate the natural process of an erection and performs this task by applying pressure on the dorsal vein in the penis, but not the primary artery that brings blood into the penis. The device is similar to a traditional cock ring, only with an opening on one side, resembling a horseshoe.
Most cock rings are circular, but the penis is actually more of an oval shape cross-sectionally. As a result, using a cock ring often results in unhealthy levels of pressure being applied to the corpora cavernosa. These are the cylinder tubes that travel alongside the penis and fill with blood in order to create the erection.
Another design flaw with traditional cock rings is the constriction of the urethra, the tube at the middle-bottom of the penis where urine and semen are expelled. Because of this constriction, ejaculation can sometimes feel unnatural or even be painful.
The Giddy device is designed to prevent this issue and keep ejaculation feeling comfortable and pleasurable. In order to use it, you simply place it around the base of your penis and use one of the two tension bands to hook onto the ends to keep it in place.
There are two options for tension bands in order to customize the level of constriction desired. Additionally, the ring has a bumpy design on the outside to increase pleasure for female partners. The bumps are designed to stimulate the clitoris during sex.
Are There Any Downsides to the Giddy Device?
Despite all of the pros to using the Giddy device, there may still be a few issues.
One of the most common complaints relates to the size, as people claim that it doesn’t work. In most cases, the issue is probably that they're simply using a device that's either too big or too small. It can be challenging for men to find the correct size, and it may require some trial and error. While this part is a little bit of a headache, Giddy offers “size insurance” in order to help you find the exact size that you need.
Another complaint is from larger men who struggle to fit into the largest Giddy size.
The final issue is that the device can stretch out and become less effective over time. Giddy recommends using a new device every six months to prevent issues with effectiveness.
What Are Some Alternative Treatments?
Giddy appears to be a quality option that might be considered by anyone trying to treat erectile dysfunction; however, it might not be the best option for everyone. Getting blood into the penis in the first place can be an issue in many cases of erectile dysfunction. For these men, the Giddy device might not be as effective as these other options.
Oral Medications
Oral medications have been the most popular method for treating erectile dysfunction since their approval in the United States in the late 90s. Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) are all PDE5 inhibitors that treat erectile dysfunction by dilating blood vessels in the penis and constricting veins, somewhat similarly to the Giddy device.
While these medications do come with more possible side effects than something like the GIddy device, they are minimal and safe for most men. These medications have a long history of being effective and are easy to use. Simply swallow the pill about 30 minutes before sex – in the case of Viagra – and the effects typically can last for about four hours or so.
With Cialis (tadalafil), this medication's effects can last for as long as 36 hours.
These medications are also now quite cheap as they've been available from generic drugmakers for a few years.
Vacuum Pumps
Using a vacuum pump in combination with the Giddy device could bring out the best of both devices. A vacuum pump is a long cylinder with a hand powered or battery powered vacuum device attached to it. First, you slide the device over your penis and create a seal against the base of the penis. The pump then creates a vacuum around the penis and pulls blood into the penis. After a few minutes, an erection should form. Normally, you then slip on a cock ring to keep blood trapped in the penis, but using the Giddy device instead could lead to quality results as well.
If you're having issues with arousal or getting blood into your penis, a vacuum pump may be necessary to get blood into the penis in the first place, before the Giddy device can help keep it there.
Lifestyle Changes
There are a few things that you can do in your daily life to make a big difference when it comes to your erections. Making these lifestyle changes could lead to a reduction in both the frequency and severity of erectile dysfunction.
- Get more exercise. Anything that's good for your blood flow will be good for your erections. Getting exercise and strengthening your heart and cardiovascular system will help improve blood flow and reduce strain on your heart. You should try to get around 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise a week (i.e, shoot for about a half hour per day if you can).
- Eat healthier. Eating too much salty, fatty, sugary, and processed foods can lead to several health issues, particularly those affecting your blood flow. High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and heart conditions are all major risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Replacing these unhealthy foods with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish can help lower your odds of developing an issue, as well as reducing your risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction.
- Reduce stress. When you're stressed, your body releases several hormones that can contribute to ED. These chemical compounds can lead to blood vessels being constricted, heart rate being elevated, and testosterone production being lowered. All of these events can lead to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
The Takeaway: The Giddy device is a new product designed to treat erectile dysfunction by promoting blood flow into the penis and preventing blood from exiting it. It may be a good option for men who cannot use medications like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis), which are both known for their effectiveness and safety in most guys.
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, it’s hard to beat the tried-and-true results of prescription medications. Millions of people around the world can attest to their effectiveness. Still, the Giddy device may be worth a try for some men, particularly those who cannot tolerate or use prescription medications.
These days, it's easier than ever to get prescription ED meds from home too. Rex MD helps guys access popular generic medications with the help of a doctor, and they're delivered with 2-day free shipping, if approved. Click here to get started with your own order today.
SOURCES
Vacuum device placed around the penis to treat erectile dysfunction
Physiology, Erection - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Conjoint corpora cavernosa and its role in erection
New advances in erectile technology
Giddy: FDA Class II Medical Device for ED
Association of Diet With Erectile Dysfunction Among Men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study
Stress management and erectile dysfunction: a pilot comparative study.
An Overview of Current Physical Activity Recommendations in Primary Care
