![[Is ED not just due to age?] Improvement through stem cell therapy is gaining attention.](https://heleneclinic.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/shutterstock_2485018977-scaled-1-1200x800.jpg)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very sensitive issue that many men experience. Many men may feel insecure about their relationship with their partner, resign themselves to the problem thinking, "I'm getting old...", or keep it to themselves without talking to anyone.
While aging plays a role, erectile dysfunction (ED) is thought to occur because of damage to blood vessels and nerves.
This article explains the causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) and introduces a new treatment option that aims to improve the lost function itself, unlike conventional treatment methods.
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The causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) are "vascular aging" and "tissue damage."
Age itself is not the direct cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is believed that ED occurs with age because it is related to damage to blood vessels and nerves that comes with aging.
The mechanism of erection
An erection begins when the sexual center in the brain becomes excited by thinking about, seeing, or stimulating sexual things. When sexual arousal reaches the penis via nerves, a substance called NO (nitric oxide) is released from nerve endings distributed in the spongy tissue inside the penis (corpus cavernosum).
NO acts as a switch that widens the blood vessels in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. When this switch is activated, the amount of c-GMP, a substance that widens blood vessels, increases, the muscles relax, and blood rushes in. When the sponge-like structure is filled with blood, an erection occurs.
ED medications improve erectile dysfunction because they prevent c-GMP, which widens blood vessels, from being broken down by enzymes, thus supporting blood flow.
Source: Anatomy of the corpus cavernosum of the penis and the mechanism of erection
Main causes of ED
The following are some of the reasons why the erection mechanism may not function smoothly:
- Aging
- Diabetes
- Obesity and lack of exercise
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- smoking
- Testosterone decline
- Chronic kidney disease and lower urinary tract symptoms
- Neurological diseases
- Psychological and mental illness elements
- medication
- sleep apnea syndrome
If the erection mechanism is not completed due to the reasons mentioned above, erectile dysfunction (ED) will occur. As you can see from the causes, it's not simply "due to age," but rather the aging of blood vessels and nerves due to aging, as well as lifestyle-related diseases, are also major causes of ED.
Source: Japanese Society for Sexual Medicine / Japanese Urological Association | ED Treatment Guidelines
Source: Japanese Urological Association | Decreased Erectile Function
Conventional ED treatments and their limitations
Currently, treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) include oral administration of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), use of vacuum erection devices, and intracavernosal injections. While these treatments address the concerns of many men, they also have limitations.
Conventional ED treatment
In conventional ED treatment, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are the first-line treatment option.
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors
Oral medications such as Viagra® and Cialis® are called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and are the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
As explained in the previous section, this treatment prevents the rapid breakdown of c-GMP, a substance that widens blood vessels, making it easier for the blood vessels in the penis to dilate and providing strong support for blood flow. It is an effective treatment that helps achieve an erection in a near-natural way when sexually stimulated.
Negative pressure erection aids and intracavernosal injections
The second option is considered when oral medication cannot be used or when drug therapy is ineffective (approximately 30%).
Treatment options include vacuum erection aids that use a special pump to physically draw blood into the penis and induce an erection, and intracavernosal injections, where the patient directly injects a drug that widens blood vessels into the penis. While both are effective methods, vacuum erection aids are not covered by insurance and must be purchased out-of-pocket, and intracavernosal injections require out-of-pocket medical treatment. Therefore, deciding how to treat these conditions remains a significant clinical challenge.
For people who do not respond to conventional ED treatments and their limitations
While conventional treatments are effective, they share a significant common limitation: they are not curative treatments that address the root cause, but rather symptomatic treatments that provide relief only when needed.
If you stop taking medication or receiving injections, the condition will return to its original state. Moreover, if the underlying damage to blood vessels or nerves is severe, conventional treatments are often insufficient.
Source: Japanese Society for Sexual Medicine / Japanese Urological Association | ED Treatment Guidelines
[Challenges in Regenerative Medicine] Stem cells repair blood vessels and tissues, restoring natural erectile function.
While conventional treatments are symptomatic, regenerative medicine aims for a more fundamental improvement. Regenerative medicine utilizes the power of stem cells that are naturally present in our bodies to restore lost natural erectile function.
Comparison of conventional treatment and stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy is completely different from conventional ED treatments in both purpose and approach. The difference is clear when compared to oral medications.
| Comparison of ED treatments | Stem Cell Therapy | Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors |
|---|---|---|
| Possibility of a complete cure | Yes (aiming for functional recovery) | None (temporary effect) |
| Effect manifestation | Onset occurs several weeks later (individual differences apply). | Fast-acting |
| constraints | There are no major restrictions, but it may not be suitable for high-risk patients. | This medication may not be suitable for everyone (e.g., those with heart conditions). |
| side effects | No serious cases have been identified. | Confirmed symptoms (headache, hot flashes, etc.) |
Treatment effectiveness varies from person to person. The greatest feature of stem cell therapy is that it can be a fundamental treatment that aims to restore the function itself.
Source: J-GLOBAL | Research progress on stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction [JST/Kyoto University Machine Translation]
The effectiveness of stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED)
When stem cells are administered into the body, they release growth factors (cytokines), which repair damaged tissue and form new blood vessels. This improves blood flow to the penis, addressing the root cause of erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Blood flow improvement effect: Promotes the generation of new capillaries and improves blood flow to the penis.
- Tissue repair effect: Repairs damaged corpus cavernosum and vascular tissue.
Stem cell therapy aims to create a state where the body can naturally achieve erections in response to sexual stimulation without relying on medication. In fact, in a study of six patients who still experienced ED despite taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, five of them were able to achieve morning erections within 95 days of receiving stem cell therapy, and this improvement was maintained four months after treatment. Furthermore, all but one patient reported experiencing improvements in the frequency and hardness of erections after stem cell therapy.
Clinical research is progressing worldwide. To receive stem cell therapy...
Stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) is still a relatively new treatment, but many people are paying attention to its potential, and clinical research is progressing. Currently, the approaches are diversifying, including not only the use of stem cells themselves, but also methods of injecting the active ingredients (culture supernatant) obtained when culturing stem cells.
Regenerative medicine treatment begins with a consultation with a specialist. Because these are private concerns, such as whether your symptoms are suitable for treatment, what effects can be expected, and what risks are involved, the first step is to consult with a trustworthy clinic about your anxieties and questions.
Source: Intracavernous administration of adipose stem cells: a new technique of treating erectile dysfunction in diabetic patient, preliminary report of 6 cases
summary
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not something to be dismissed as simply "due to age." Unlike traditional symptomatic treatments, we are now in an era where we can directly address the root cause and aim for fundamental improvement. Regenerative medicine (stem cell therapy), which utilizes the body's inherent power to restore natural function, can be a powerful new option for regaining lost confidence and a fulfilling partnership.
Because these are private concerns, please don't keep them to yourself. Feel free to consult with a clinic that has extensive expertise and experience. Taking that courageous first step could dramatically change your future.
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Supervised by: Dr. Nobuhito Ueda (Surgeon)
