Innovative trends and perspectives for erectile dysfunction treatment: A systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveTo review contemporary knowledge concerning the innovative trends and perspectives in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).MethodsMedline was reviewed for English-language journal articles between January 2000 and March 2016, using the terms ‘erectile dysfunction treatments’, ‘new trends’ and ‘perspectives’. In all, 114 original articles and 16 review articles were found to be relevant. Of the 76 cited papers that met the inclusion criteria, 51 papers had level of evidence of 1a–2b, whilst 25 had level of evidence of 3–4. Criteria included all pertinent review articles, randomised controlled trials with tight methodological design, cohort studies, and retrospective analyses. We also manually reviewed references from selected articles.ResultsSeveral interesting studies have addressed novel phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), orodispersible tablets, their recent chronic use, and combination with other agents. A few controlled studies have addressed herbal medicine as a sole or additional treatment for ED. Experimental studies and exciting review papers have addressed stem cells as novel players in the field of ED treatment. Other recent articles have revised the current status of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the field of ED. A few articles without long-term data have addressed new technologies that included: external penile support devices, penile vibrators, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, and endovascular tools for ED treatment.ConclusionsThe current treatment of ED is still far from ideal. We expect to see new drugs and technologies that may revolutionise ED treatment, especially in complex cases.

Retracted

“…Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5i), such as sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil, are currently the first-line therapy for ED. [ 10 , 11 ] These drugs enhance blood flow to the penis through nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling pathways. However, PDE5i agents are effective in only ∼60% of patients and are associated with adverse effects such as headache, flushing, and dyspepsia.…”

Fluted pumpkin ( Telfairia occidentalis ) seed modulates some markers of erectile function in isolated rat’s corpus cavernosum: Influence of polyphenol and amino acid constituents

“…ED is the process whereby sexually active men are unable to sustain an erection required for good sexual performance. Presently, about 150 million men has been estimated to be affected by this sexual dysfunction worldwide and it has also been reported that about 322 million men will be affected globally with ED in the next six years from now with about 2.5 times increase in Asia, Africa, and South America (Aytac, McKinlay, & Krane, ; Ismail & El‐Sakka, ).…”

“…will be affected globally with ED in the next six years from now with about 2.5 times increase in Asia, Africa, and South America (Aytac, McKinlay, & Krane, 1999;Ismail & El-Sakka, 2016).…”

Modulation of some markers of erectile dysfunction and malonaldehyde levels in isolated rat penile tissue with unripe and ripe plantain peels: identification of the constituents of the plants using HPLC

“…Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common form of sexual dysfunction that is rampant among sexually active men, and it is estimated to affect about 322 million men globally by the year 2025 (Ismail and El-Sakka 2016). Kandeel et al (2001) reported that ED is a vascular disorder that is characterized by difficulty and/ or inability to attain/maintain penile erection for vaginal penetration.…”