The Current Role and Implications of Stem Cell Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction: A Transformation from Caterpillar to Butterfly Is Required

Abstract

Current noninvasive treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) include oral medications, intracavernosal injections, and vacuum-assisted devices. Although these therapies work well for many, some patients experience side effects or are unsatisfied with these therapeutic modalities. Restorative therapies are the newest frontier for ED treatments and are focused on regenerating injured tissue and delivering a possible "cure". Stem cell therapy is a regenerative treatment aimed at restoring normal erectile physiology and curing ED. It is promising in cell-based and animal studies and has now been studied in humans. Although the clinical results are not robust, future research may shed more light on the efficacy of this treatment for ED. PATIENT SUMMARY: Stem cell therapy is a promising regenerative treatment for erectile dysfunction, but the clinical results are not robust. It is currently considered an experimental treatment and should not be used outside a clinical trial setting.