From the Guidelines
Novel treatments for erectile dysfunction include phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracorporeal or intra-urethral prostaglandins, vacuum devices, or penile prostheses, as these options may improve the patient's quality of life. According to the most recent evidence from 1, these treatments do not change the underlying pathology and natural history of the disease process but may improve the patient's quality of life.
Treatment Options
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are a common treatment option for erectile dysfunction, as recommended by 1.
- Intracorporeal or intra-urethral prostaglandins are alternative options for patients who do not respond to traditional medications.
- Vacuum devices and penile prostheses are also available for patients who require more invasive treatment.
Important Considerations
- It is essential to consult with a urologist to determine the most appropriate treatment option based on individual health status and needs.
- The choice of treatment should be based on the individual preferences of men with erectile dysfunction, including ease of use, cost of medication, and adverse effects profile, as suggested by 1.
- Hormonal testing and treatment may be considered in certain cases, but the evidence is insufficient to determine net benefits and harms, as stated in 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Avanafil tablets are a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males.
The novel treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) mentioned is Avanafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor 2.
From the Research
Novel Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) has been shown to significantly improve erectile function in men with vasculogenic ED who were prior responders to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) therapy 3.
- LI-ESWT uses acoustic waves to induce neoangiogenesis and has been suggested to improve the effect of PDE5i in nonresponders, reducing the need for more invasive treatments 4.
- The optimal treatment protocol for LI-ESWT is still debated, but common device settings include an energy of 0.09 mJ/mm² and a frequency of 5 Hz, with 1,500 shocks per session 5.
Emerging Therapies for ED
- Novel molecular pathways or new technologies have been tested as potential therapeutic options for difficult-to-treat ED populations, including melanocortin receptor agonist, Max-K channel activator, guanylate cyclase activator, and nitric oxide donor 6.
- Regeneration therapy using stem cells has shown favorable data in men with diabetic or post-prostatectomy ED 6.
- Low-intensity shock wave therapy has also demonstrated promising results in patients with vasculogenic ED 6.
Safety of Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy
- Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiST) seems to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for vasculogenic ED in patients on antiplatelet medication, with no reported bleeding events or side effects 7.