The future of erectile dysfunction therapy I: Implementation of translational research

Abstract

The treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) was radically altered following the introduction of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and direct penile injections of vasoactive compounds. However, a large number of men have a poor response to these traditional treatments and require additional management strategies. Currently, novel, minimally invasive strategies are being developed with the hope of delaying placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis, which represents the final phase of ED treatment. This chapter examines the development and role of nanoparticles, the use of stem cells, tissue engineering, and gene therapy for the treatment of ED.