Modern treatment approaches for erectile dysfunction – review

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant public health issue that affects both patients’ quality of life and their intimate relationships. While phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) are the standard first-line treatment, a substantial proportion of patients fail to achieve satisfactory re...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kamil Nikel, Michał Stojko, Joanna Smolarczyk, Magdalena Piegza
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach 2025-05-01
Series:Annales Academiae Medicae Silesiensis
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Online Access:https://annales.sum.edu.pl/Modern-treatment-approaches-for-erectile-dysfunction-review,205195,0,2.html
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Summary:Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant public health issue that affects both patients’ quality of life and their intimate relationships. While phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) are the standard first-line treatment, a substantial proportion of patients fail to achieve satisfactory results. Growing interest in alternative treatment approaches has led to the exploration of novel therapies, including botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). BoNT increases penile tissue blood supply by relaxing corpora cavernosa smooth muscle by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine. In this review, BoNT as a new agent in the treatment of ED and comparison with the safety and efficacy of advanced techniques like endovascular therapy, stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and low-intensity shockwave therapy is discussed. The mechanisms of action, clinical trial results, and possible limitations of these approaches are discussed. According to recent research, BoNT is a potential alternative for ED patients who are not responsive to traditional treatments. Additional studies, however, are required to establish optimal dosing regimens and determine the long-term benefits of these new therapeutic approaches.
ISSN:1734-025X