The effectiveness of vacuum-assisted erection devices was evaluated in a prospective trial involving 18 men with erectile dysfunction. The patients were reviewed at 1, 3 and 6 monthly intervals by the same interviewer using a standard questionnaire. Sixteen patients (88.9%) were able to attain satisfactory erections. The overall satisfaction rate was 83.3%. Sixteen patients (88.9%) found the device easy to use. Thirteen patients (72.2%) were able to master using the device in less than one week, and 11 patients (61.1%) were able to get it working at the first attempt.