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What is the newest cure for ED?

Stem cell therapy for ED involves the injection of your stem cells into your penis. Both animal studies and phase I studies in humans have had promising results. Research in humans suggests that it could eventually be a safe, effective treatment for ED.

healthline.com - Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: What's Available in 2022? Healthline

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What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the frequent inability to achieve or keep an erection long enough to have sex. ED is actually a pretty common condition. The chances of developing it tend to increase with age, but younger people can experience it too. ED might be the cause if you have been experiencing any of the following symptoms several times in a week over the course of 4 or more weeks: difficulty achieving a firm erection

unable to maintain an erection for the duration of sexual activity

difficulty ejaculating or reaching orgasm during sexual activity By the year 2025, an estimated 300 million men will experience ED. That’s why it’s important to remember that if you do develop ED, you’re not alone. There are many proven treatments and interventions that can help you. ED can also have an impact on your relationships and overall mental health if left untreated. Researchers have surveyed men of all ages with ED. They shared that ED can affect quality of life and relationships with intimate partners. While achieving and losing an erection before ejaculation can happen from time to time, ED is a consistent pattern of being unable to get an erection or ejaculate. If you find you’re having this difficulty, it might be time to talk with a doctor. What causes erectile dysfunction? ED can be the result of multiple causes or one targeted cause — this is often the case if you have another health condition that’s known to cause ED. Most healthcare professionals will divide ED causes into three main categories: blood flow concerns, disorders affecting nerve sensations, and psychological or emotional health concerns. Let’s take a closer look at these causes. Blood flow concerns To achieve an erection, the body diverts blood to the penis, causing the tissues of the penis to swell and expand. Without enough blood flow to these tissues, you can’t achieve an erection. Conditions that may affect blood flow include: atherosclerosis

overweight or obesity

chronic kidney disease

heart or blood vessel disease

high blood pressure

smoking

certain medications that treat high blood pressure Nerve sensation concerns Conditions that damage the nerves in your pelvis and your penis can affect your ability to achieve and maintain an erection. An example of this condition is diabetes mellitus. Anatomical concerns Changes or damage to your anatomy can also be a cause of ED symptoms. This generally includes conditions or situations that can cause long-term damage or scarring to the penis or pelvic region. Examples of anatomical concerns are: Peyronie’s disease corporal fibrosis from priapism, prior injury, infection, or radiation damage Psychological and emotional health concerns Your mental health and sexual desire can have a strong connection to potential ED symptoms. Examples of conditions that may affect ED include: anxiety

concerns or fears over sexual performance

depression

high stress levels

low self-esteem

taking medications that may lessen sex drive, such as prescription sedatives The presence of so many potential causes just goes to show how many aspects of your health play a role in achieving and maintaining an erection. If any of these health aspects are negatively affected, you could experience ED symptoms. Current ED treatments While research into new ED treatments is ongoing, there are lots of approved treatments that are currently used to effectively treat ED. Lifestyle When ED is caused by a condition such as diabetes, one of the most important things you can do is work with your doctor to manage your overall health. Lifestyle modifications can also make a significant difference. These include: not smoking

limiting alcohol and drug use

managing your weight

creating a healthy sleep routine

managing sleep apnea

exercising regularly

eating a healthy diet Oral medications Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5) are a first-line therapy for ED. These include: sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra)

vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) Newer, second-generation medications currently available include: avanafil (Stendra)

lodenafil (Helleva), not FDA approved

mirodenafil (Mvix), not FDA approved

udenafil (Zydena), not FDA approved In the United Kingdom, you can get sildenafil over the counter following a consultation with a pharmacist. In the United States, ED drugs are available only by prescription. These medications are effective and fairly well tolerated. They don’t automatically cause an erection. You’ll still need some form of sexual stimulation. Side effects can include: backache

flushing

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headache

lightheadedness

nasal congestion

upset stomach

visual changes ED medications may not be a safe choice if you: take nitrates to treat chest pain

have heart disease

have low blood pressure Injections For many men, self-injected drug therapy is as effective as oral medications. It’s a bit more invasive, but it may have fewer side effects. These may include: injection site soreness

prolonged erection

penile pain

possible scarring or infection Injection therapy drugs include: aviptadil, not FDA approved

papaverine, not FDA approved for penile injections

phentolamine, not FDA approved Alprostadil suppositories or cream Alprostadil urethral suppositories are inserted into the urethra with a special applicator. Side effects can include pain and minor bleeding. Alprostadil can also be applied as a topical cream, but it isn’t available everywhere. Testosterone replacement Testosterone replacement therapy can be prescribed if you have low testosterone. It won’t help if your testosterone level is normal, though. Penis pump In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a penis pump, which involves placing a hollow tube over the penis, then using a hand- or battery-operated pump. This creates a vacuum to get the blood flowing to the penis. A tension ring around the base of the penis helps hold the erection after you remove the device. Surgery If other methods aren’t effective or not a good fit, there are a few surgical options: You can have an inflatable implant placed in your penis. The implant can be inflated with a pump, making your penis longer and wider. implant You can have malleable implants inserted. You’ll be able to manually adjust the position of your penis as desired. A surgeon can repair arteries to create better blood flow, but this procedure is uncommon. Psychological counseling ED is sometimes due to psychological issues, such as: anxiety

depression

relationship difficulties

stress On the other hand, ED itself can lead to or exacerbate these problems. Therapy and medication may sometimes be necessary. External penile prosthesis Some men with ED can benefit from over-the-counter sex aids, such as: penile sleeves

extenders

support devices

external prosthetic phallus The devices are: more affordable than other methods

noninvasive

easy to get without a prescription However, they may not be helpful in all cases. Research on the use of external penile prostheses is lacking. Satisfaction depends a lot on personal and partner preferences. Future of ED treatments Currently available treatments are effective for many, but they don’t work for everyone. Side effects and underlying conditions keep some people from using them. That’s why researchers are exploring new avenues of treatment for ED. Let’s take a look at the latest ED treatments and some innovative therapies that may be available in the coming years. Researchers are studying several new types of treatment for ED, including: Stem cell therapy Stem cell therapy for ED involves the injection of your stem cells into your penis. Both animal studies and phase I studies in humans have had promising results. Research in humans suggests that it could eventually be a safe, effective treatment for ED. However, many questions about long-term effectiveness and safety remain. Much more research needs to take place before it can be called anything more than an investigational therapy. Promising as stem cell therapy may be, it isn’t approved for the treatment of ED. Be aware that claims to the contrary might be scams. Platelet-rich plasma Platelets are cell fragments in your blood that can help heal wounds and grow new blood vessels. There have been several preclinical and clinical trials of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for ED, with few adverse reactions. In a 2020 review, researchers wrote that PRP therapy has the potential for treating male sexual dysfunction. They warn, however, that studies have been limited by size, short follow-up periods, and lack of control groups. Although this treatment is currently available, it’s considered experimental and should be approached with caution. Vascular stent Just as coronary stents can help treat heart disease, there’s some reason to hope that vascular stents might be able to help treat ED. A few small trials have had good results, but larger trials are needed to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of stents for ED. Penile transplant Though there have been a few successful penis transplants, the first total penis and scrotum transplant was performed at Johns Hopkins in 2018. The patient, a severely injured soldier, was expected to regain near-normal urinary and sexual functions. With each transplant, doctors are learning more about long-term safety and efficacy. Shockwave therapy In recent years, penile shockwave therapy, or low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, has garnered much attention. Researchers have been looking at it as a possible treatment for ED caused by vascular disease. Shockwave therapy involves passing low-intensity sound waves through erectile tissue. The goal is to improve blood function and encourage new blood vessels to grow. While research has been called encouraging, shockwave therapy isn’t an approved therapy for ED. More clinical trials and longer follow-ups are needed to assess safety and effectiveness. When to see a doctor ED can be caused by underlying conditions that should be diagnosed and treated. You can start with your primary care doctor, but keep in mind that they may refer you to a urologist. These specialists are trained to treat the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. It’s important to communicate openly. Tell your doctor if you have other health issues or take medications. Explain how long you’ve had symptoms of ED and how it’s affecting your quality of life. There’s a lot of information about ED online and no shortage of claims for quick fixes. Talk with your doctor before trying anything on your own. Those claims might be scams that won’t help your ED and may have the potential to harm your health. Still, feel free to discuss any treatment options you’re curious about with your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s safe and effective, and what’s not.

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Frequently asked questions about the latest treatments for ED What is the latest treatment for erectile dysfunction in 2022? Many ED treatments have become available in the past few years. Most involve addressing different aspects of ED treatments beyond restoring blood flow. Examples include the following: Melanocortin receptor agonists may help cases of ED that don’t respond to phosphodiesterase inhibitors. may help cases of ED that don’t respond to phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Stem cell therapy can help regenerate damaged tissue in people with a history of prostate cancer surgery or diabetes. This treatment is still in clinical trials. can help regenerate damaged tissue in people with a history of prostate cancer surgery or diabetes. This treatment is still in clinical trials. Low intensity shockwave therapy may be another method that improves blood flow. This treatment is also still in clinical trials. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved multiple medications to treat ED, including: avanafil (Stendra)

sildenafil (Viagra)

tadalafil (Cialis)

vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) How can I restore my erectile function? Restoring your erectile function depends on treating the underlying cause or causes of your ED. A good first step is to talk with a doctor about the symptoms you’re experiencing. They will likely want to look for potential underlying causes, like diabetes and heart disease. When those conditions are properly treated, the symptoms of ED may improve over time. If the cause of your ED seems to be tied to a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, working with a therapist could help restore erectile function as your therapy and mental health progress. How can I tell whether my erectile dysfunction is increasing? Having ED doesn’t always mean you can never achieve an erection; you may find you only have intermittent concerns with ED. However, if you find that getting or sustaining an erection is starting to become more infrequent, talk with your doctor. Consider checking in with your partner to see whether they have noticed a change with your erection or stiffness recently. Ask them to share any instances when you were unable to have an erection or lost it prematurely. If these situations are becoming more frequent, schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss your concerns.

healthline.com - Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: What's Available in 2022? Healthline