Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects 30 to 50 million men in the United States and usually starts with reduced blood flow. This guide covers causes, diagnosis, PDE5 inhibitors, injections and implants, and what the evidence shows for shockwave therapy, PRP and stem cells.
GAINSWave therapy is a branded low-intensity shockwave (Li-ESWT) protocol for erectile dysfunction, not a device. A 2017 meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials found larger erectile function gains than sham, mostly in mild to moderate vasculogenic ED.
PT-141 (bremelanotide) works through the MC4R pathway in the brain rather than the vascular system, offering an alternative for men who do not respond to PDE5 inhibitors. Here is how it compares.
Penile shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) improved erectile function scores versus sham in a 2019 meta-analysis of 7 trials, works best for mild vasculogenic ED, is not FDA cleared for ED, and typically costs $3,000 to $6,000 per course.
Erectile dysfunction often appears 3 to 5 years before a heart attack or stroke, and men with ED have a 44% higher risk of cardiovascular events. Here is why erections reflect artery health and which heart checks to ask for.
PRP therapy for ED (the P-Shot) has weaker evidence than pills, shockwave therapy or implants: two placebo-controlled trials disagree and the AUA calls it experimental. Compare each option by evidence, regulatory status and cost.
Low libido affects up to 40% of women at some point. This explains the hormonal and non-hormonal causes and what the research says about treatment options.
At a Glance Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States; prevalence rises sharply from 12% in men under 60 to over 50% in men over 70. In men over 40, the majority of ED cases have a vascular component – ED is now recognized as a potential early marker…
At a Glance Pelvic floor exercises alone achieved a 40% cure rate for ED at three months in a well-designed RCT, making them a first-line non-drug option. L-citrulline at 1.5 g/day significantly improved erection hardness scores in a 2011 RCT, with a mechanism equivalent to L-arginine but better bioavailability. Korean red ginseng has the largest…
Bremelanotide (PT-141, sold as Vyleesi) is an FDA approved on demand injection for low sexual desire in premenopausal women that works on brain melanocortin receptors rather than blood flow. In phase 3 trials about 25% of women reported a meaningful rise in desire, versus 17% on placebo.
Testosterone is the hormone that quietly runs the show for men’s health. It affects everything from your energy levels and mood to your muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. When levels drop below where they should be, the effects can feel like a slow fade: less motivation, more belly fat, poor sleep, and a…
