Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cell Therapy

Sexual health is often a less discussed topic owing to societal and cultural norms. One of the sexual health problems prevalent in men is – erectile dysfunction. It is defined by the lack of obtaining or maintaining an erection or a firm penis during sexual activity. Cultural norms restrain individuals from discussing issues and seeking therapy. The condition remains untreated, and a lack of awareness turns into a silent battle. The effect of ED on relationships raises psychological problems like depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and stress.

Multiple risk factors associated with the disorder make Erectile Dysfunction Treatment challenging. A proper consultation has a far-reaching impact, helping in a million ways. However, the treatments available have their own limitations. It has spurred research on alternative therapies that can overcome these drawbacks and offer a more favorable outcome. While surgical options are available, the search has led to the non-surgical erectile dysfunction treatment by stem cells.

Erectile Dysfunction Test

An andrologist or urologist diagnoses and treats ED. The following tests are suggested for a conclusive diagnosis.

• Physical Examination: It involves examination of the penis and testicles for physical abnormalities and evaluation of nerve function.  
• Blood Tests: These include routine lab workup (CBC, LFT, KFT, Lipid profile) to assess the underlying health issues causing ED. Additional tests measuring hormone levels (TSH, testosterone, LH) are recommended only in cases of hypogonadism.
• Mental Health Assessments: ED can occur due to psychological factors. An evaluation of mental well-being can establish the presence of either physical or psychological causes.
• Penile Biothesiometry: It analyzes the nerve function in the penis by gauging the vibrational sensitivity.
• Nocturnal Tumescence Testing (NPT): It measures nocturnal erections in terms of frequency, rigidity, circumference changes (tumescence), and duration. It also distinguishes between psychological and physical causes of ED. 
• Penile Duplex Doppler Ultrasound: This test determines the obstruction in vascular flow, particularly in patients who fail to respond to oral medications.
• Cavernosography: This test is suggested for patients who are unable to achieve an erection or have pelvic trauma preceding the vascular surgery. It finds any obstruction to blood flow in the penis.
• Pudendal Artery Angiography: This test is performed on young patients who are going to have revascularization surgery to visualize arterial blockage.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

The treatment modalities for ED depend on the root cause. Medications and surgery address the physical (or organic) causes, while counselling is beneficial for psychological (psychogenic) causes.

• Medications: The first line of treatment is phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors such as sildenafil, avanafil, tadalafil, etc. They increase the penis’s blood flow by dilating the local blood vessels, resulting in an erection. Moreover, PGE1 is also employed, although occasionally due to its high cost. They also have similar effects as PDE-5 inhibitors. 
• Hormonal Therapy: It is suitable for cases of low testosterone to restore sexual function.  
• Vacuum Erection Devices: These are mechanical pumps that draw blood into the penis and keep it firm.
• Surgery: For severe, treatment-resistant ED, penile implants (inflatable or semi-rigid rods inserted surgically), angioplasty, revascularization, and venous ligation are a few options.  

A comprehensive plan integrates the following for a holistic effect.

• Lifestyle Modifications: ED can be rooted in various disorders. Therefore, a lifestyle change can improve other health issues and their effect on ED. These include regular exercise, healthy diet, weight management, avoiding alcohol, smoking cessation, etc.
• Psychological Counselling: In case of psychological causes of ED, therapy to resolve mental health issues is essential. It also helps men with physical or organic causes to deal with relationship issues or associated depression.

Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Cured?

A common question that bugs ED patients is – Can it be cured? The answer depends on the root cause. In many cases, ED is curable, but the approach varies. For example, addressing psychogenic factors, discontinuing drugs that cause ED, or having surgery to clear blood flow restriction. However, in cases of vascular or neurological dysfunction, the treatment aims to manage rather than cure, such as drugs that dilate blood arteries can increase blood flow. They require constant use, though, and this can be extremely harmful to other tissues.  Additionally, many patients respond poorly to these medications, requiring an alternative. So far, stem cell therapy is the closest scientists have been to a cure for ED.

Stem Cell Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Stem cell treatment has been gaining approval for clinical use for diverse disorders. The rationale is the ability to repair tissue damage with its regenerative potential. It can improve the organ function instead of merely sustaining it. Furthermore, the multifaceted effects of the therapy act on several pathways of disorders at a cellular level. Mesenchymal stem cells are frontrunners of this therapy for ED treatment. Scientific research has delineated the following pathways of MSCs that benefit in ED.

• Stem cells can differentiate into smooth muscle and endothelial cells, among other cell types. These cells enhance tissue function by replenishing cells lost in injury.
• By producing growth factors such as VEGF, angiopoietin 1, IGF-1, bFGF, etc., MSCs promote blood vessel remodelling.
• They increase TSG-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which reduce inflammation.
• MSCs that protect and rebuild nerve cells for functional recovery by secreting NGF, nNOS, FGF, etc.
• MSCs also overexpress PRDX2, reducing oxidative stress and protecting against cellular damage.
• Stem cells increase the survival of vascular cells and reduce hypoxia to restore vascular flow and erectile function.

Best Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction in India

Stem cell therapy has shown noteworthy effectiveness for ED treatment. Most procedures are quick, require only local anaesthesia, and involve little to no downtime. The reported side effects are rare, and no significant long-term complications have been noted.

Numerous international and domestic ED patients have travelled to India for stem cell treatment. They have reported positive outcomes and restored sexual health. The affordability of obtaining stem cell therapy in India is one of its clear benefits. In comparison to Western nations, top centers in major cities provide cutting-edge facilities at a fraction of the cost. 

In Delhi, Advancells have been delivering premium-quality stem cells to facilitate the Best Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction in India. Its GMP-compliant manufacturing protocols and state-of-the-art testing of cells at multiple stages ensure high quality and potency of stem cells, enhancing the reliability of its products.

Conclusion

ED is more common than most men realize, but people often hesitate to report it or seek treatment. It is possible to cure the condition in several cases, while in other cases, patients can manage it. With the scientific advancements, more treatments for ED have been emerging. Stem cell therapy is one of them. It acts on nervous and vascular dysfunction, resulting in enhanced blood flow to the penis and proper erection. The treatment also mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress that exacerbate ED. Instead of multiple medications, stem cells address the disorder in a single therapy in a non-surgical and minimally invasive manner. Advancells have been redefining this therapy with its high-quality stem cells. Reclaim your confidence and your life with the best treatment for erectile dysfunction in India.

FAQ’s

Q- What are the main risk factors for erectile dysfunction?

Several physical and psychological factors, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalances, stress, depression, obesity, and tobacco or alcohol use, can trigger erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Q- What tests help diagnose erectile dysfunction?

Diagnosis of ED requires several assessments, such as physical examination of the penis, blood tests, mental health assessments to rule out psychogenic causes, penile biothesiometry and nocturnal tumescence testing to check nerve dysfunction, penile duplex Doppler ultrasound, and cavernosography for assessing blood flow issues, etc.

Q- Can erectile dysfunction be cured?

The recovery depends on the causes of ED. This condition resulting from psychogenic causes, reversible medical disorders, or drug side effects can frequently be resolved through lifestyle modifications, stopping the offending substance, or resolving psychological difficulties. However, organic causes, like severe nerve or vascular damage, may only be managed with ongoing medications, devices, or, in some cases, surgery. Stem cell therapy has been one of the alternatives that is more effective treatment.

Q- Is erectile dysfunction safe to treat with stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy provides a non-surgical, regenerative method of ED treatment, particularly in patients with poor response to conventional treatments. The side effects are modest and transient that are easily controlled with medication.