What is the Latest Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction? (2023)
There are several treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) in 2023. Here are some of the treatments found in the search results:
- BlueChew: A telemedicine company that offers chewable medications for ED, including tadalafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil1.
- Hims: A telemedicine company that offers effective ED treatments, including sildenafil (and brand-name Viagra), tadalafil (and brand-name Cialis), and Stendra1.
- Melanocortin activators: These are drugs that have been shown in animal studies to produce an erection. Initial studies in humans suggest that the drug (PT-141) can be effective if given intranasally (through the nose) 2.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP): Although the FDA has not yet approved PRP therapy, some small studies found that PRP therapy could be a promising treatment for ED and that people tolerate it well3.
- Shockwave therapy: This therapy does not yet have FDA approval for ED treatment. The authors of a 2018 study found that shockwave therapy improved ED symptoms in men who did not respond to oral medications3.
- Botox: Injecting Botox into the penis can help with mild to moderate ED. It can be done within half an hour and lasts from six months to a year4.
- Gene therapy: For this cutting-edge treatment, genes are injected into the penis to enhance erectile function4.
- Stem cell therapy: A new procedure that combines injections of stem cells (also called PRP or P shot) with Botox. Stem cells help by regenerating penile tissue, while Botox opens blood vessels of the penis, resulting in better blood flow. Used in synergy, these two treatments can restore a full erection for periods of 3 to 6 months5.
- Acoustic wave therapy: A treatment that delivers pressure waves through the skin into the blood vessels, causing the damaged blood vessels to open up and expand. Treatments take approximately 15 minutes over the course of a few weeks6.
Overview of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual problem that affects many men. Here are some key points about ED found in the search results:
- ED is defined as trouble getting or keeping an erection that’s firm enough for sex1.
- ED is a type of sexual dysfunction defined by difficulties or inability to achieve or maintain erection of the penis2.
- ED is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Estimates suggest that one of every 10 men will suffer from ED at some point during his lifetime3.
- ED can be caused by a number of factors, including vascular disease, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, and certain medications3.
- Treatment options for ED include oral medications, penile injections, vacuum devices, and surgery4.
- Education about sex, sexual behaviors, and sexual responses may help a man overcome his anxieties about sexual dysfunction3.
- Prevention of ED involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying medical conditions, and avoiding the use of tobacco and recreational drugs3.
Common Causes
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical and psychological causes. Here are some common causes of ED found in the search results:Physical Causes:
- Vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) 1
- High blood pressure2
- Diabetes3
- Hormonal imbalances4
- Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis3
- Heavy metal poisoning3
- Side effects of certain medications, such as antidepressants43
Psychological Causes:
- Anxiety over sexual performance4
- Depression2
- Stress2
- Anger2
- Performance anxiety2
- Negative self-image2
Risks and Side Effects of ED Treatment
ED treatments can have risks and side effects that patients should be aware of. Here are some common risks and side effects of ED treatments found in the search results:
- Headache1234
- Flushing14
- Upset stomach134
- Nasal congestion23
- Vision problems15
- Diarrhea13
- Dizziness3
- Rash1
- Priapism (erections that last longer than 4 hours) 2
- Hearing loss5
- Backaches5
- Changes in color vision4
Cost of Treating ED
The cost of treating erectile dysfunction (ED) can vary depending on the type of treatment and where the patient lives. Here are some cost estimates and information found in the search results:
- The average cost of treatments at HealthWave is $25 per week1.
- The price for avanafil can range from $320 to $405 for six 200mg tablets2.
- The average RxSaver price for sildenafil at major retail pharmacies is $46.063.
- The total cost of ED treatment in a hypothetical managed-care model was $3,204,792 for the 3-year period4.
- The cost of penile implant surgery typically runs between $16,000 and $19,000, and includes all associated fees5.
- The prices for popular ED medications are as follows: Viagra (sildenafil) – $10, Cialis (tadalafil) – $14, Staxyn (vardenafil) – $58, Edex – $207, Stendra – prices vary6.
It’s worth noting that some insurance companies may cover the cost of ED treatments, including medications and penile implant surgery. Patients should check with their insurance provider to see what is covered under their plan. Additionally, patients can ask their healthcare provider if there are any patient assistance programs available to help with the cost of ED treatment.
Summary of Different Treatment Options
Here is a summary of different treatment options found in the search results:Traditional Therapies:
- Oral medications such as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil) 1234
- Injections (intracavernosal injection therapy) 2
- Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) 5
- Penile prostheses26
Emerging Treatments:
Non-Pharmacologic Treatment: