Purpose of review: To review novel, non-surgical therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Recent findings: Recently, a landmark study identified the SIM1 locus, involved in the leptin-melanocortin pathway, as an independent risk factor for ED and a potential target for novel therapies. The recent literature otherwise has focused on low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT), with several randomized trials and meta-analyses suggesting therapeutic efficacy. There are few novel oral agents for ED. There is growing evidence suggesting efficacy of intracavernosal stem cells therapy and low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT), although these therapies are still investigational. A better understanding of the pathophysiologic spectrum of ED will offer new opportunities for novel, non-surgical therapies for ED.
Keywords: Dietary supplement; Erectile dysfunction; Extracorporeal shockwave therapy; Genetic therapy; Physiological; Platelet-rich plasma; Sexual dysfunction.