Hammad MAM. et al., 2025: Rising public interest in stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction: an analysis of public perception and a review of the literature.

Monday, 07 July 2025

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Muhammed A M Hammad 1, Jake Miller 2, Mark I Sultan 2, Elia Abou Chawareb 2, Hana S Nakamura 2, Juan R Martinez 2, Supanut Lumbiganon 2 3, Lawrence Jenkins 2, David W Barham 2, Dhiresh Bandaru 4, Jessica M Yih 2, Faysal A Yafi 2
1Department of Urology, University of California, 20 palatine, Apt 216 in Villa Sienna, Irvine, CA 92612, USA.
2Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
3Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
4School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.

Abstract

Purpose: The use of alternative treatment modalities for erectile dysfunction (ED) beyond phosphodiesterase inhibitors continues to grow within the practice of Urology. Utilizing U.S. Google trends as a novel epidemiological tool for geographically associating patient search intent, our study aims to capture trends relating to interest in stem cell therapy (SCT) as a potential treatment for ED.

Methods: An online search was conducted to identify centers in the United States offering stem cell therapy (SCT) for erectile dysfunction (ED), using specific keywords such as "ED treatment," "stem cells for ED," and "sexual health stem cell." The geographic distribution of these centers was mapped, and their publicly available information was evaluated based on strict inclusion criteria, including direct claims of SCT efficacy for ED and oversight by a licensed urologist. The public interest in SCT treatment was quantified using Google Trends data from July 2018 to July 2023, utilizing search terms related to SCT and comparing them to terms associated with alternative regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma and shockwave treatments, to extract the direction and magnitude of national interest over the preceding 5 years. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were then searched from inception to May 2024 regarding evidence for the use of SCT to treat ED.

Results: Despite insufficient evidence, public search interest demonstrates an upward trajectory of this treatment when compared to alternative regenerative therapies for ED. This increased interest in SCT as a potential treatment option for ED may be linked to the marketing efforts of commercial entities. Throughout the qualitative analysis of advertisement sources, only two websites (Stem Cells Transplant Institute, and Ambrose Cell Therapy) summarized the collective results of a directed clinical trial investigating the utility of SCT in ED patients.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the public prevalence of patients seeking SCT as a treatment modality for ED is increasing. In addition, varied sources nationwide promote SCT despite limited scientific evidence and consensus. This disparity calls for additional prospective research on the viability, efficacy, and long-term safety of SCT in the context of ED.

Ther Adv Urol. 2025 Feb 24;17:17562872251322651. doi: 10.1177/17562872251322651. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec. PMID: 39996014 FREE PMC ARTICLE

Comments 1

Jens Rassweiler on Monday, 07 July 2025 11:00

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant global health issue affecting over 100 million men, often linked to psychological and physiological factors. Current standard treatments include medications, injections, and penile prosthesis implantation, but stem cell therapy (SCT) is emerging as a potential alternative. SCT uses regenerative cells to combat endothelial dysfunction implicated in ED. However, the efficacy of SCT remains inadequately studied, necessitating more robust clinical trials.

Methodology: The study involved identifying U.S. clinics offering SCT for ED and assessing public interest through Google Trends data from July 2018 to July 2023. Only six clinics, led by licensed urologists, met the inclusion criteria for the analysis, indicating a small number of reputable providers. The study also analyzed search interest over time compared to other regenerative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and shockwave therapy.

Results:
Interest in SCT for ED has been increasing, particularly since 2021, indicating a growing public demand for this treatment modality. While the average cost of SCT is high (between $5,000 to $10,000), patients seem willing to invest in this option, potentially due to dissatisfaction with existing therapies. Also, the interest in shock wave therapy increased (Fig. 4). In contrast, interest in PRP has declined during the same period (Fig.3).

Discussion: The findings reveal a disconnect between rising public interest in SCT and the actual clinical availability of such treatments. The six identified clinics heavily relied on patient testimonials rather than peer-reviewed evidence, raising concerns about misinformation and the quality of care patients receive. The COVID-19 pandemic likely intensified interest in alternative treatments as in-person consultations decreased. Moreover, anxieties induced by the pandemic could have heightened interest in addressing sexual health issues.

Concerns are raised regarding the ethical implications of promoting SCT without substantial evidence of effectiveness, as regulatory oversight in this area is lacking. The document emphasizes the necessity for healthcare professionals to provide accurate information to patients and for further research to be conducted to validate the safety and efficacy of SCT for ED.

Literature Review: The review encompassed 18 studies that explored SCT's potential benefits in treating ED. While some studies documented improvements, results remain inconclusive, and concerns regarding small sample sizes and the lack of rigorous data were noted. In conclusion, while SCT shows promise, more high-quality studies are required to establish its effectiveness and safety.

Conclusion: The article underscores the rapidly growing public interest in SCT for treating ED, yet highlights a significant gap in clinical evidence supporting its efficacy. The reliance on patient testimonials for credibility instead of scientific validation poses ethical challenges. Consequently, there is a strong call for comprehensive clinical trials and regulatory measures to ensure that patients receive reliable, evidence-based information regarding their treatment options. Interestingly, the interest in shock wave therapy for ED is increasing in the community.

Jens Rassweiler

Methodology: The study involved identifying U.S. clinics offering SCT for ED and assessing public interest through Google Trends data from July 2018 to July 2023. Only six clinics, led by licensed urologists, met the inclusion criteria for the analysis, indicating a small number of reputable providers. The study also analyzed search interest over time compared to other regenerative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and shockwave therapy.

Results:
Interest in SCT for ED has been increasing, particularly since 2021, indicating a growing public demand for this treatment modality. While the average cost of SCT is high (between $5,000 to $10,000), patients seem willing to invest in this option, potentially due to dissatisfaction with existing therapies. Also, the interest in shock wave therapy increased (Fig. 4). In contrast, interest in PRP has declined during the same period (Fig.3).
	[img]https://www.storzmedical.com/images/blog/Hammad1.PNG[/img]
	[img]https://www.storzmedical.com/images/blog/Hammad2.PNG[/img]
Discussion: The findings reveal a disconnect between rising public interest in SCT and the actual clinical availability of such treatments. The six identified clinics heavily relied on patient testimonials rather than peer-reviewed evidence, raising concerns about misinformation and the quality of care patients receive. The COVID-19 pandemic likely intensified interest in alternative treatments as in-person consultations decreased. Moreover, anxieties induced by the pandemic could have heightened interest in addressing sexual health issues.

Concerns are raised regarding the ethical implications of promoting SCT without substantial evidence of effectiveness, as regulatory oversight in this area is lacking. The document emphasizes the necessity for healthcare professionals to provide accurate information to patients and for further research to be conducted to validate the safety and efficacy of SCT for ED.

Literature Review: The review encompassed 18 studies that explored SCT's potential benefits in treating ED. While some studies documented improvements, results remain inconclusive, and concerns regarding small sample sizes and the lack of rigorous data were noted. In conclusion, while SCT shows promise, more high-quality studies are required to establish its effectiveness and safety.

Conclusion: The article underscores the rapidly growing public interest in SCT for treating ED, yet highlights a significant gap in clinical evidence supporting its efficacy. The reliance on patient testimonials for credibility instead of scientific validation poses ethical challenges. Consequently, there is a strong call for comprehensive clinical trials and regulatory measures to ensure that patients receive reliable, evidence-based information regarding their treatment options. Interestingly, the interest in shock wave therapy for ED is increasing in the community.

Jens Rassweiler

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant global health issue affecting over 100 million men, often linked to psychological and physiological factors. Current standard treatments include medications, injections, and penile prosthesis implantation, but stem cell therapy (SCT) is emerging as a potential alternative. SCT uses regenerative cells to combat endothelial dysfunction implicated in ED. However, the efficacy of SCT remains inadequately studied, necessitating more robust clinical trials. Methodology: The study involved identifying U.S. clinics offering SCT for ED and assessing public interest through Google Trends data from July 2018 to July 2023. Only six clinics, led by licensed urologists, met the inclusion criteria for the analysis, indicating a small number of reputable providers. The study also analyzed search interest over time compared to other regenerative treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and shockwave therapy. Results: Interest in SCT for ED has been increasing, particularly since 2021, indicating a growing public demand for this treatment modality. While the average cost of SCT is high (between $5,000 to $10,000), patients seem willing to invest in this option, potentially due to dissatisfaction with existing therapies. Also, the interest in shock wave therapy increased (Fig. 4). In contrast, interest in PRP has declined during the same period (Fig.3). [img]https://www.storzmedical.com/images/blog/Hammad1.PNG[/img] [img]https://www.storzmedical.com/images/blog/Hammad2.PNG[/img] Discussion: The findings reveal a disconnect between rising public interest in SCT and the actual clinical availability of such treatments. The six identified clinics heavily relied on patient testimonials rather than peer-reviewed evidence, raising concerns about misinformation and the quality of care patients receive. The COVID-19 pandemic likely intensified interest in alternative treatments as in-person consultations decreased. Moreover, anxieties induced by the pandemic could have heightened interest in addressing sexual health issues. Concerns are raised regarding the ethical implications of promoting SCT without substantial evidence of effectiveness, as regulatory oversight in this area is lacking. The document emphasizes the necessity for healthcare professionals to provide accurate information to patients and for further research to be conducted to validate the safety and efficacy of SCT for ED. Literature Review: The review encompassed 18 studies that explored SCT's potential benefits in treating ED. While some studies documented improvements, results remain inconclusive, and concerns regarding small sample sizes and the lack of rigorous data were noted. In conclusion, while SCT shows promise, more high-quality studies are required to establish its effectiveness and safety. Conclusion: The article underscores the rapidly growing public interest in SCT for treating ED, yet highlights a significant gap in clinical evidence supporting its efficacy. The reliance on patient testimonials for credibility instead of scientific validation poses ethical challenges. Consequently, there is a strong call for comprehensive clinical trials and regulatory measures to ensure that patients receive reliable, evidence-based information regarding their treatment options. Interestingly, the interest in shock wave therapy for ED is increasing in the community. Jens Rassweiler

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