Enhanced prophylactics for vacuum therapy

A method for treating sexual dysfunction, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an enhanced prophylactic device, the enhanced prophylactic device comprising:
• a sheath comprising an elastic tubular membrane having a closed distal end, an open proximal end, and an external side, the elastic tubular membrane having an air permeable region;
• a barrier positioned over an area of the external side of the elastic tubular membrane encompassing at least the air permeable region, the barrier and the area of the external side of the elastic tubular membrane over which the barrier is positioned defining a lumen region therebetween;
• a conduit defining an airflow pathway in fluid communication with the lumen region;
• a sealing element proximate to the open proximal end, the sealing element adapted to at least partially restrict the intrusion of ambient air into the open proximal end when the sheath is worn over a penis of a wearer;
• and
• a vacuum source comprising a suction pump, the suction pump being contained within a pump housing element;
• positioning the sheath over the penis of the wearer;
• placing the airflow pathway of the conduit in fluid communication with the vacuum source so as to reduce air pressure within the sheath to below ambient;
• and
• annularly engaging the pump housing element around a portion of the penis of the wearer.

An enhanced prophylactic device, the enhanced prophylactic device comprising:

• a sheath comprising an elastic tubular membrane having a closed distal end, an open proximal end, and an external side, the elastic tubular membrane having an air permeable region;
• a barrier positioned over an area of the external side of the elastic tubular membrane encompassing at least the air permeable region, the barrier and the area of the external side of the elastic tubular membrane over which the barrier is positioned defining a lumen region therebetween;
• a conduit defining an airflow pathway in fluid communication with the lumen region;
• a sealing element proximate to the open proximal end, the sealing element adapted to at least partially restrict the intrusion of ambient air into the open proximal end when the sheath is worn over a penis of a wearer;
• and
• a vacuum source comprising a suction pump, the suction pump being contained within a pump housing element, the pump housing element being integral with the sealing element;
• wherein when the sheath is worn over the penis of the wearer and the airflow pathway of the conduit is placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source, the enhanced prophylactic device is operative to reduce air pressure within the sheath to below ambient.