Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men worldwide and is often linked to vascular, neurological, or psychological factors. Traditional treatments include oral PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum pumps, and penile injections. Recently, regenerative therapies using stem cells have emerged as potential options to improve erectile function by promoting tissue repair and blood flow.
Stem cell treatments, primarily involving mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow or adipose tissue, are delivered via intracavernosal injection. Some protocols combine stem cells with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or use adjunct therapies like vacuum erection devices (VEDs). These aim to enhance erectile hardness and potentially improve penile length and girth.
Costs for stem cell therapy in the U.S. typically range from $7,000 to $15,000 per treatment session. Availability is limited and mostly offered under experimental or cash-pay models since FDA approval for ED is pending. In places like Medellín, costs can be significantly lower, from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on source and protocol.
🔬 Scientific Evidence: Stem Cells for ED and Penis Size
Study 1: Al Demour et al., 2022
A phase 1 clinical trial with 29 men suffering moderate to severe ED treated with intracavernosal autologous bone marrow MSCs showed 69% of patients improved erectile hardness scores (EHS) by ≥1 point at 6 months. Average improvements on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were about 7 points. No serious adverse events reported.
Study 2: Zasieda et al., 2023
This trial combined MSCs with PRP and vacuum erection device therapy in 25 men. After 12 months, 64% achieved clinically meaningful improvements in EHS (≥2 points) and reported enhanced penile length and girth. Average increases in penile size were approximately 0.2 inches (flaccid) and 0.12 inches (erect).
Study 3: Other Trials & Meta-Analyses
Multiple small trials and systematic reviews (N > 100 total patients) indicate stem cell therapies are safe and show moderate efficacy in improving erectile function. Penile size changes are generally small but measurable when combined with adjunct treatments like pumps. However, large randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm durability and ideal protocols.
Summary of Results
| Outcome | Average Improvement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Erectile Hardness Score (EHS) | Increase by 1–2 points | Clinically meaningful improvement in 60–70% of patients |
| IIEF-5 Score | +5 to +7 points | Improvement in erectile function questionnaire |
| Penile Length Increase (flaccid) | ~0.2 inches (0.5 cm) | Small but measurable, enhanced with pump therapy |
| Penile Length Increase (erect) | ~0.12 inches (0.3 cm) | Likely adjunct effect, less data available |
Conclusion
Stem cell therapy for erectile dysfunction shows promising moderate improvements in erectile hardness and function for a majority of patients, with a good safety profile. Size increases are small but can be enhanced when combined with adjunctive treatments such as vacuum devices. Costs remain high, and more large-scale, placebo-controlled studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and long-term efficacy.
References
- Al Demour et al., 2022 - Phase 1 trial on MSCs for ED
- Zasieda et al., 2023 - MSC + PRP + VED study
- Systematic Review on Stem Cells for ED
Glossary
- EHS: Erectile Hardness Score, a scale from 1 to 4 rating erection firmness.
- IIEF-5: International Index of Erectile Function, a questionnaire assessing ED severity.
- MSC: Mesenchymal Stem Cell, capable of tissue regeneration.
- PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma, a concentrate of growth factors from blood.
- VED: Vacuum Erection Device, a mechanical pump to aid erections.