Stem cells for ED offers an advanced treatment option for men suffering from sexual problems.
The incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is rising across the world, possibly due to the unhealthy choices of diet and lifestyle of men. Erectile dysfunction can not just affect the sexual life of men, but also have an adverse impact on their personal relationships and professional aspirations by reducing their self-confidence. Hence, it is important to recognize and treat erectile dysfunction in a timely manner.
This article is aimed at evaluating the benefits of stem cell therapy for ED management. To assist men in making knowledgeable decisions, it also covers stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction cost as well as the therapy’s indications and contraindications.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual problem defined as the inability to maintain or initiate an erection that is satisfactory for sexual intercourse.
ED is one of the most prevalent men’s sexual disorders, with an estimated prevalence of 50% in men between the ages of 40 to 70 years. The inability to maintain or get an erection can lower sexual satisfaction in men as well as in their female partners. This can reduce the patient’s self-confidence and self-esteem and affect their mental health. It may also strain their personal relationships, eventually creating an adverse impact on the quality of their lives.
Erectile dysfunction is often psychosomatic in origin, suggesting it can occur as a result of mental stress, anxiety, or depression. In addition, ED can also occur due to physical damage to endocrine, neurologic, vascular, penile, and other anatomical structures involved in the physiological process associated with getting or maintaining an erection.
In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in the incidence of diseases affecting these anatomical structures, even in younger people. This is making them more vulnerable to developing sexual complications, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low libido.
For example, the increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and prostate cancer is implicated in the alarming rise in the number of young men suffering from ED.
Research studies conducted to assess the effect of stem cell therapy for ED have shown promising results, suggesting that stem cell therapy could be incorporated into the treatment plan of men with ED to help improve or restore their sexual functions.
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Does Stem Cell Therapy Work for Erectile Dysfunction?
Treating erectile dysfunction with stem cells is expected to work effectively in men who have developed ED as a result of impairment of nerve functions, endothelial functions, or hormonal imbalances.
Stem cell treatment for ED have revealed that this therapy might help restore the functions of the endocrine gland, secreting the male sex hormone testosterone, thereby improving sexual functions.
In addition, the regenerative potential of stem cells can support the healing of nerves and blood vessels damaged by conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, neuropathy, and hypertension. The benefits of stem cell therapy for ED would improve the functions of tissues and organs involved in getting or maintaining an erection, thus providing relief from erectile dysfunction.
Some people may think that treatment with stem cells is a cure for erectile dysfunction, but the aim of the therapy is to improve blood flow and repair damaged tissues, potentially enhancing erectile function over time.
Indications and Contraindications for Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Stem cell therapy for ED is indicated in cases of sexual problems due to structural or functional impairment of the tissues of the penis, blood vessels, endocrine glands, and nerves.
Stem cells are partially differentiated or undifferentiated cells characterized by their ability to renew and differentiate to form specialized cell types.
The self-renewal ability of stem cells for ED is supported by the infusion of growth factors and their migration to the site of injury. This helps heal the organs and allows them to function normally, thereby lowering the symptoms of underlying conditions responsible for causing ED.
This suggests that stem cell treatment for erectile dysfunction could be effective for managing sexual problems caused by structural or functional impairment of the nerves, blood vessels, prostate, endocrine glands, and tissues of the penis.
However, stem cell treatment for ED may not be suitable or even be contraindicated when the cause of the sexual difficulty is established as purely psychological in origin.
Advantages of Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
- This treatment is generally safe for men of all ages who have erectile dysfunction.
- The regenerative potential of stem cells for ED can eliminate the factors responsible for ED affecting the nerves, blood vessels, and prostate gland.
- Stem cell therapy for ED can enhance men’s sexual satisfaction and improve their self-confidence.
- Sexual intimacy can reduce strain in the personal relationships of couples.
- The improvement in sexual functions might lower stress and reduce the risk of depression in men.
Safety of Stem Cell Therapy and Possible Side Effects
Stem cell treatment for erectile dysfunction involves retrieving cells from the body of a donor and infusing them into the patient’s body. Usually, this therapy is safe and not known to cause serious side effects:
- Stem cell therapy for ED typically involves minimally invasive procedure of injecting stem cells directly into the penile tissue.
- Reputable clinics offering stem cell therapy follow strict clinical protocols and regulatory guidelines to ensure patient safety.
- Pre-treatment and post-treatment monitoring ensure greater safety of the process.
However, some minor side effects may occur:
- Some patients may experience pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of injection. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
- Although rare, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction to some substances used during the procedure, such as local anesthetics.
What Type of Improvements Can I Expect from Stem Cell Therapy?
Interventional studies have revealed that using stem cell injection for erectile dysfunction in the treatment plans could improve outcomes by promoting healing and regeneration. These improvements can be evaluated based on changes in the hemodynamic parameters, such as the mean arterial flow in the penis, and through a functional questionnaire related to sexual intercourse or satisfaction.
The positive results of this therapy can also be experienced in the form of an improvement in the penile width and length stretch, demonstrating that stem cells can be useful for ED treatment.
Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
The stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction cost depends on the extent of damage to the affected tissues, the severity of symptoms, and the duration of functional impairment.
In general, stem cell treatment for ED cost will vary from €7,000 to €31,000*. Patients can contact stem cell therapy experts at Swiss Medica to learn more about the indications, contraindications, and cost of stem cell therapy for ED.
Since 2011, Swiss Medica has been specializing in regenerative treatments, including stem cell therapy, to address a wide range of health issues. Our hospital in Belgrade, Serbia is equipped with advanced laboratory to ensure the highest quality of cellular products. We have developed 31 types of cell and biomedical and cell products to provide personalized care and enhance patient outcomes.
*The prices mentioned are indicative and subject to change based on individual factors, including the condition’s severity and the number of stem cells needed. Prices are valid as of January 2025.
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Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
List of References
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Junuzović, D., & Mehmedbasić, S. (2004). Erektilna disfunkcija–ucestalost, uzroci i rizikofaktori [Erectile dysfunction–incidence, causes and risk factors]. Medicinski arhiv, 58(1), 35–38.
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Pérez-Aizpurua, X., Garranzo-Ibarrola, M., Simón-Rodríguez, C., García-Cardoso, J. V., Chávez-Roa, C., López-Martín, L., Tufet I Jaumot, J. J., Alonso-Román, J., Maqueda-Arellano, J., Gómez-Jordana, B., Ruiz de Castroviejo-Blanco, J., Osorio-Ospina, F., González-Enguita, C., & García-Arranz, M. (2023). Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: A Step towards a Future Treatment. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 13(2), 502. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020502
Levy, J. A., Marchand, M., Iorio, L., Cassini, W., & Zahalsky, M. P. (2016). Determining the Feasibility of Managing Erectile Dysfunction in Humans With Placental-Derived Stem Cells. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 116(1), e1–e5. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2016.007
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist