Patel CK et al, 2016: Advances in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: what's new and upcoming?
Patel CK, Bennett N.
Institute of Urology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction adversely affects up to 20% of all men and is the most commonly treated sexual disorder. The public health implications of this condition are significant and represent a challenge for our healthcare system. The physiological pathways responsible for erections have been extensively studied, and much advancement has been made since the introduction of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Newer agents, such as dopaminergic and melanocortin receptor agonists, which target central erectogenic pathways, are under investigation. Newer formulations and delivery methods of existing medications such as alprostadil will also be introduced in the near future. Furthermore, low-intensity shockwave lithotripsy and stem cell regenerative techniques are innovative approaches to the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
F1000Res. 2016 Mar 18;5. pii: F1000 Faculty Rev-369. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.7885.1. eCollection 2016. Review. FULL ARTICLE
Comments 1
In this article well established pharmacological treatment modalities are reviewed together with some innovations in the field.
Low intensity SWT (here abbreviated LIST) is mentioned as a promising approach for treating erectile dysfunction and reference is given to some recently published studies. But, experience with LIST is much more extensively reviewed in other articles.
The advantage of this review is that it briefly summarizes all different treatment modalities that can be used for patients with erectile dysfunction.
Two interesting and to me surprising notations: It is estimated that erectile dysfunction affects approximately 20% of men above the age of 20. Moreover, it is expected that worldwide the number of men with this disease will be approximately 322 million in 2025!