Regenerative Therapy in Erectile Dysfunction: A Survey on Current Global Practice Trends and GAF Expert...

Area of Science:

• Andrology
• Urology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions globally.
• Current treatment guidelines for ED lack standardization for regenerative therapies.
• Expert consensus is needed to guide regenerative therapy (RT) use in ED.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey global practices in regenerative therapy (RT) for erectile dysfunction (ED).
• To establish expert recommendations for RT use in ED treatment.
• To address the lack of evidence and standardized guidelines for RT in ED.

Main Methods:

• A 39-question survey developed by Global Andrology Forum (GAF) experts.
• Global distribution to ED specialists via online forms and professional networks.
• Delphi method used to achieve consensus on expert recommendations.

Main Results:

• One-third of 479 respondents from 62 countries use RT for ED.
• Low-intensity shock wave therapy (54.6%) is the most popular RT.
• Platelet-rich plasma (24.5%) and combined therapies (14.7%) are also used; stem cell therapy is least common (3.7%).
• Primary indication is refractory or adverse effects of PDE5 inhibitors.
• Effectiveness is highest in middle-aged patients with mild-to-moderate ED.
• Respondents are confident in RT safety and interested in its future use.

Conclusions:

• Global adoption of RT for ED is increasing, with diverse applications.
• Standardization of RT practices in ED requires further research due to limited evidence and guidelines.
• Expert consensus highlights the growing clinical relevance of RT in ED management.