Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (impotence): symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment in the best clinics

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disorder that affects men of all ages. According to statistics, up to 50% of men aged 40 to 70 experience problems achieving or maintaining an erection.

Despite the active development of medicine, the forecasts of health experts are disappointing. They estimate that by 2025, approximately 322 million men worldwide will be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. This figure is more than double the prevalence of pathology in 1995. That is why today there is an active search for new, effective and safe methods of treating impotence, and cell therapy is one of the most promising areas in this area.

Erectile dysfunction in men

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient to satisfy sexual desire. The disorder ranges in severity from mild to severe, in which a man is unable to have a sexual life. The development of impotence can be due to many factors, including physical and psychological.

Only 10 percent of men with erectile dysfunction seek medical help. More than half of them stop treatment, considering it ineffective. New approaches, such as regenerative medicine, can dramatically change the current situation.

Causes of weak erection, what reduces potency in men?

The causes of erectile dysfunction largely depend on age. In young people, the main role is played by the psychological factor. They often worry about their sexual experience, may worry about an unplanned pregnancy, feel embarrassed with a new partner.

In middle-aged men, common causes of erection problems are: stress, fatigue, trouble at work, strained family relationships. Diabetes can also be a physical reason for a decrease in potency during this period of life.

Although erectile dysfunction affects men of all ages, the likelihood of developing it increases after the age of 50-60. This is due to the deterioration of the blood vessels supplying blood to the penis, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases.

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

• taking certain medicines;
• Parkinson’s disease;
• diabetes;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• high blood pressure;
• smoking and alcohol abuse;
• lack of physical activity, obesity;
• endocrine disorders;
• urinary tract infection;
• benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

• depression;
• stress and anxiety;
• fear of failure in sex;
• low self-esteem;
• psychological trauma associated with negative past experience in the sexual sphere;
• relationship problems with a partner
• sexual complexes and phobias.

Determining the factors that led to a decrease in potency plays an important role in choosing the right treatment tactics.

Why is erectile dysfunction dangerous?

Erectile dysfunction has a negative impact on a man’s quality of life. It often causes depression, anxiety, disruption of relationships in a couple and social isolation. Difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection lead to decreased satisfaction with sex life, loss of self-confidence and increased stress levels.

In addition, a decrease in potency may indicate a pathology of the cardiovascular system and be a sign of other serious diseases, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Therefore, the problem cannot be ignored. Call or fill out the feedback form to get a free consultation from a MedTour coordinating doctor.

Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

Many men are dissatisfied with their potency, but do not dare to seek professional help, not wanting to discuss their sex life with a doctor. Meanwhile, modern diagnostic methods help to determine the exact cause of the problem and choose an effective treatment regimen.

Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction usually begins with the collection of the patient’s medical history. The doctor will ask a series of questions to determine if there are any risk factors that may contribute to the development of impotence. These will be questions about the patient’s satisfaction with sexual life, the presence of chronic diseases, medications taken, and general health. If necessary, laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out:

• a blood test to determine the level of testosterone;
• a blood test for sugar, cholesterol and other indicators that may be associated with erectile dysfunction;
• ultrasound examination of the penis to assess blood flow and vascular conditions;
• monitoring of nocturnal spontaneous erections;
• vasoactive test (checking the quality of erection).

Also, the doctor may recommend a consultation with a psychologist or psychotherapist to determine the possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.

Impotence treatment

First of all, the doctor will recommend a lifestyle correction. He will select a balanced diet, draw up a schedule of physical activity, and help get rid of bad habits. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are the first-line drug therapy. These drugs usually cause an erection by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis.

In the case of mild to moderate impotence, pharmacological therapy is quite effective. But it can be associated with side effects such as dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, visual impairment, etc.

In severe erectile dysfunction due to old age, diabetes, or after removal of the prostate, impotence drugs may not bring the desired result. More invasive treatments, such as penile injections or prosthetics, are highly effective. However, many patients avoid it due to inconvenience, high cost, and potential complications.

Современные методы лечения эректильной дисфункции имеют свои недостатки. Ни один из них не воздействует на первопричину заболевания. Это вспомогательная терапия, которой часто оказывается недостаточно, чтобы вести полноценную сексуальную жизнь.

Modern methods of treating erectile dysfunction have their drawbacks. None of them affect the root cause of the disease. It is an adjuvant therapy that is often not enough to lead a fulfilling sex life.

The latest treatments for impotence

New strategies for treating erectile dysfunction are centered around regenerative medicine. It is aimed at restoring sexual function by regenerating damaged vessels, nerves and muscles. This innovative approach proposes to treat the cause of erectile dysfunction rather than eliminate its symptoms.

Treatment of impotence with platelet-rich plasma (PRP therapy)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains 4 times more platelets than normal. It also contains a large number of different growth factors:

• vascular endothelial growth factor;
• epidermal growth factor;
• insulin-like growth factor;
• platelet growth factor;
• fibroblast growth factor.

These compounds and other biologically active components of PRP are known to improve erectile function through endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Nitric oxide plays an important role in the mechanism of erection. Importantly, research has also established a link between PRP therapy and nerve regeneration.

The plasma is extracted from the patient’s own blood, after which it is processed in a laboratory and injected into the penis. Phase I clinical trials in humans have shown that intracavernous injections of platelet-rich plasma do not cause any serious complications, with the exception of small bruising at the injection site, which was observed in 40% of patients with erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction treatment with stem cells

Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are actively used to treat a variety of diseases, including potency reduction. Unlike stem cells of embryonic origin, they do not have carcinogenic potential and are not subject to ethical restrictions. MSCs are isolated from the patient’s adipose tissue, bone marrow, or blood. After that, they are propagated in the laboratory and injected into the cavernous bodies of the penis.

Until the last decade, it was believed that MSCs exhibit their regenerative effect mainly by replacing damaged body cells. However, more recent research has shown that stem cells also function as a “local pharmacy”. They release growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines that help repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation.

A study conducted by Danish scientists confirmed that transplantation of stem cells from adipose tissue into the penis improves erectile function. Just one injection of the stromal-vascular fraction allowed men to have a full-fledged sexual life during the year of observation, without resorting to pills or other auxiliary methods.

MedTour company closely follows global trends and innovations in the field of medicine. Cellular technologies are actively developing. There are more and more studies proving the effectiveness and safety of regenerative medicine. If you are interested in a new method of treating erectile dysfunction, our medical coordinators are ready to answer all your questions. We will consult you for free and help you find a suitable clinic, as well as organize all stages of treatment.

Which clinics treat erectile dysfunction?

MedTour company cooperates with the world’s best clinics that treat diseases of the male reproductive system. Currently, we provide a unique opportunity for the treatment of erectile dysfunction using cellular technologies. Contact our medical coordinator by phone or using the feedback form and get a free consultation. We will select a clinic and a specialist that will best suit your personal needs.

Top Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Specialists

Dr. Andriy Kovalchuk is one of the leading experts in the field of regenerative medicine. He was one of the first to start penile injections of stem cells to improve blood circulation in the segmental arteries of the penis and increase potency. In the video you can see how the process of erectile dysfunction treatment with mesenchymal stem cells goes.

Penile injections in the penis. Dr. Kovalchuk treats impotence with stem cells at Coolaser Clinic

Frequently asked Questions

Can erectile dysfunction be completely cured?

Unfortunately, the currently available standard methods of treatment do not fight the cause of the decrease in potency, but only its consequences. Neither medications nor penile prosthetics can completely get rid of the problem. However, there are innovative techniques that give hope. Stem cell therapy allows you to regenerate damaged nerves, muscles and blood vessels of the penis, restoring its physiological function. Contact the medical coordinator of MedTour to learn more about the innovative treatment method.

How to restore erectile function in men?

First of all, you need to make lifestyle changes. Sometimes this is enough to increase potency. Further, the doctor may advise drug therapy, and in especially difficult cases – a penile prosthesis operation. However, few people know that there are alternative methods, such as PRP therapy and stem cell therapy. The goal of regenerative medicine is to address the physical cause of erectile dysfunction, which may be penile vasoconstriction or nerve damage. Contact the medical coordinator of MedTour for more information.

What drugs should a man take to increase potency?

Erectile dysfunction is a complex multifactorial disorder. Therefore, its treatment should be comprehensive. In addition to standard means to increase potency, a man can drink a course of vitamins for general strengthening of the body (vitamins should be prescribed by a doctor). There are also alternative treatments for impotence based on the use of cellular technologies. Recently, they are rapidly gaining popularity, as it is an opportunity to increase potency without the risk of side effects. Learn more about cell therapy for erectile dysfunction on the MedTour website.

Published: 19.04.2023

Updated: 08.06.2024

Medical author, Medical editor:

Olena Kursabaieva

Medical author, Medical editor:

Natalia Segen

Information on this webpage verified by the medical expert

Medical Doctor, oncologist, PHD student

Kateryna Maliarchuk