Scientists are always looking to develop and test new treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). They typically base the newest treatments on existing ones, which currently include oral medications, injections, and devices.
Scientists often develop new treatments and therapies by applying new methods and technologies to existing treatments. However, they are also developing different treatment options for ED, such as stem cell therapy.
This article discusses the current, emerging, and future treatments for ED.
There are currently five oral medications that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved for the treatment of ED.
Doctors in the United States typically prescribe these as first-line treatments.
They include:
These drugs are PDE5 inhibitors, which help relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the penis.
In the early 2000s, doctors in Europe prescribed Uprima (apomorphine) for a while, but the manufacturer did not renew its marketing authorization and withdrew the drug in 2006.
According to one
However, ongoing research is looking at using this medication in combination with standard PDE5 inhibitors.
For the foreseeable future, doctors will likely continue to prescribe PDE5 inhibitors as first-line therapy.
Learn more about drugs for treating ED here.
In some countries, doctors may prescribe creams for treating ED as a secondary treatment option.
The formulas use alprostadil, a medication
However, scientists need to do more research to understand the effects of this cream on the body.
Learn more about creams for ED here.
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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the body to help repair tissue and grow additional blood vessels.
Although the FDA have not yet approved PRP therapy, a
A 2020 review observed that some small studies found that PRP therapy could be a promising treatment for ED and that people tolerate it well.
However, researchers note that additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to support these findings.
Also, scientists need to standardize what constitutes platelet-rich plasma, as it appears that some researchers develop and use a unique agent.
A 2021 review notes that there have only been two clinical trials on the effect of PRP therapy alongside PDE5 inhibitors on ED, both of which had small sample sizes. While the trials suggest that PRP therapy may be beneficial for ED, the researchers did not include important information such as:
- a control or placebo group
- dosage, type, and duration of PDE5 inhibitors
- mechanisms of action of PRP therapy
The authors of this review conclude that double-blind randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary.
Vacuum erectile devices (penis pumps) and penis implants are good options for people who cannot take medication or want a non-invasive option.
Although these devices are not new, researchers have
A few potential options include:
- Malleable penile implants: A doctor will surgically implant small sections of hard rods into the penis. These rods will remain hard.
- Inflatable implants: A doctor will surgically place these implants in the penis. A person can inflate the implant for sexual activity and then deflate it afterward.
Scientists are currently assessing the use of stem cell therapy as a treatment for ED. According to a
In some cases, ED is due to damaged endothelial cells that line the blood vessel walls. This typically means that a person cannot achieve or sustain an erection.
Stem cell therapy involves introducing stem cells into the body that can proliferate into healthy endothelial cells and help reverse ED.
Researchers still need to conduct additional studies to understand the effectiveness and safety of this therapy.
A newer
Another 2021 review notes that, to date, studies into stem cell therapy use a small sample size. Additionally, more research is necessary to determine effective stem cell sources, quantity, and treatment regimens.
Some people also have concerns about the acquisition of stem cells, their preparation, and their delivery. Until scientists can answer these questions, it is unlikely that stem cell therapy will become a widely accepted treatment method for ED.
If a person cannot take oral medication for ED, there are other treatments available.
These include:
- sex therapy
- injections
- penile implants
- intraurethral suppositories
- vacuum devices
If another condition or medication is causing ED, treating the underlying condition or stopping a medication might restore typical functioning.
Certain lifestyle changes might also benefit ED.
Some tips from Harvard Health Publishing to help alleviate or prevent ED include:
- staying physically active
- maintaining a healthful weight
- keeping blood pressure and blood sugar levels within a normal range
- eating a diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
- performing kegel exercises and other pelvic-focused exercises
The previously mentioned stem cell therapy is still undergoing research and trials. In time, this may become a more common ED treatment.
There are several other therapies that may become more common for ED treatment:
Shockwave therapy
This therapy does not yet have FDA approval for ED treatment.
The authors of a 2018 study suggest low intensity shockwave therapy has benefits for some people with ED. This therapy may be beneficial for those with mild ED, or those with moderate-to-severe ED who also take PDE5 inhibitors.
However, the authors also state that more high quality research is necessary.
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Melanocortin activators
These are drugs that act through the central nervous system to stimulate an erection.
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One form of melanocortin activator, bremelanotide, is available under the brand name Vyleesi for some premenopausal females with low sex drives. The authors of the review suggest that bremelanotide is also effective for people with ED who do not see results with sildenafil citrate (Viagra).
A person should talk with their doctor if they are having trouble getting or maintaining an erection. A doctor can review a person’s medical history and recommend treatment options that may work for them.
If someone still has difficulty maintaining an erection while taking medication for ED, they should talk to their doctor about their concerns. They may need a dose adjustment or another therapy option that could be more suitable.
If a person takes ED medication and has an erection lasting for 4 hours, they should seek emergency medical treatment.
Below, we answer some common questions about new therapies for ED.
What is new for male ED treatments?
Experts are always researching new treatments.
Therapies such as melanocortin activators, stem cell therapy, and shockwave therapy, have promising initial results.
What ED treatment is the best?
Healthcare professionals will help people decide which ED treatment is best for each person’s circumstances.
Doctors may start by prescribing medication such as Viagra and Cialis. There are other therapies such as penis pumps, creams, and injections, that may work well for some people.
How do ED treatments work?
ED treatments work by stimulating blood flow to the penis area, which leads to an erection.
However, different treatments have different mechanisms of action. Healthcare professionals can explain exactly how treatment works during appointments.
New ED therapies are being developed and assessed for their effectiveness and safety. A person should talk to their doctor about the best medications or therapies that could help them have and maintain an erection.