Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition affecting normal male sexual activity, commonly seen in men over 40, with prevalence increasing with age. Its causes may involve psychological stress, endocrine disorders, vascular sclerosis, and more. Treatment methods include conservative management, pharmacological interventions, interventional therapies, and regenerative medicine. If treatment is delayed, it not only impairs sexual function but may also indicate potential cardiovascular risks, increasing psychological and marital stress.

Emerging Treatment Methods

Stem Cell Therapy

As a cutting-edge medical approach, stem cell therapy offers a new option for treating erectile dysfunction. By activating penile tissue regeneration, repairing blood vessels and nerves, and improving local microcirculation, it gradually restores natural erectile ability.

① Activates endothelial cell regeneration in penile corpora cavernosa, improving blood flow

② Regulates local inflammatory responses and repairs nerve conduction pathways

③ Enhances sensitivity of erectile response, improving sexual quality of life

④ Avoids long-term side effects of medications, more suitable for chronic patients

⑤ Can be combined with other treatment methods to improve overall efficacy

Conventional Treatment Methods

1. Oral Medications

Commonly used drugs such as sildenafil and tadalafil, PDE5 inhibitors, temporarily improve blood flow and erection hardness. They act quickly and are the first-line choice for most patients, but must be taken under medical guidance.

2. Hormone Replacement Therapy

Applicable to middle-aged and elderly men with low testosterone levels. Supplementing with exogenous testosterone can improve libido and erectile response but requires careful prostate risk assessment and regular hormone monitoring.

3. Psychological and Behavioral Therapy

Used for psychogenic ED caused by anxiety, depression, or relationship stress. Professional counseling, sex education, and behavioral interventions help patients regain confidence and improve sexual performance.

4. Intracavernosal Injection

Local injection of vasodilators such as alprostadil directly stimulates erection, suitable for patients unresponsive to oral drugs. However, injections require professional administration and may cause discomfort such as pain or bruising.

5. Vacuum Constriction Device (VCD)

Using a mechanical device to induce penile engorgement and applying a constriction ring to maintain erection. Suitable for patients unresponsive to medication, though erections may lack natural rigidity, making it unacceptable for some men.

6. Penile Prosthesis Implantation

Recommended for patients with long-term drug failure or structural abnormalities. Implanting an adjustable prosthesis restores erectile function and is the ultimate surgical option, though costly and associated with surgical risks.

7. Nutrition and Lifestyle Interventions

Healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake help control blood pressure and blood sugar, improving overall health, particularly for patients with vascular ED or metabolic syndrome.

8. Combination Therapy

Most patients require a comprehensive approach, such as stem cell therapy plus oral drugs, or psychological therapy combined with nutritional improvements. United Life International Medical Center advocates individualized combination therapy to improve recovery efficiency.

Conclusion

Treatment of erectile dysfunction should focus on individual differences, selecting the most suitable plan based on underlying causes. Experts at United Life International Medical Center recommend early medical evaluation, prioritizing stem cell therapy and other innovative technologies, combined with multidimensional treatment, to help restore natural erectile function and regain a confident and healthy life.