Comparison
Evidence status: MixedED Treatment Options Compared
What are the treatment options for erectile dysfunction?
ED options range from lifestyle changes and PDE5 tablets to injections, vacuum devices, shockwave therapy, regenerative therapies such as PRP, stem cells and exosomes, and penile implants. They differ in evidence, invasiveness and the type of ED they suit. The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of ED.
Key fact: PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum devices, injections and implants are established ED treatments; shockwave is emerging; PRP, stem cells and exosomes are experimental or investigational. (European Association of Urology, 2026; page updated )
Private & confidential enquiry. You do not need to call.
Key takeaways
- Established treatments have the strongest evidence; regenerative therapies are still being studied.
- The most appropriate treatment depends on the cause, which is why assessment comes first.
- Treatments can sometimes be combined, according to the doctor's advice.
Treatment comparison
A guide for discussion with your urologist. It is not a recommendation or a ranking.
| Treatment | Typical candidate | Invasiveness | Number of sessions | Recovery | Primary treatment concept | Clinical assessment required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-Shot (PRP) | Selected men with organic ED after assessment | Minimally invasive (injection) | Protocol varies; confirmed at assessment | Usually short; instructions given by the clinician | Injected platelet-rich plasma, proposed to support tissue repair | Yes |
| Shockwave / EdSWT | Vasculogenic ED; some partial responders to tablets | Non-invasive (no injection) | Clinic protocol: 12 sessions over about 2 to 3 months | No downtime expected for most men; confirmed by the clinic | Low-intensity shockwaves, proposed to support blood-flow pathways | Yes |
| Stem Cell | Selected men when established options were unsuitable or ineffective | Minimally invasive; may involve cell collection | Individualised; explained at assessment | Depends on the procedure; confirmed by the clinic | Cell-based preparation, proposed to support tissue repair | Yes |
| Exosome | Men asking about an investigational option | Minimally invasive if offered | Not established; confirmed only if offered | Confirmed if offered | Cell-derived vesicles, proposed to support repair signalling | Yes |
| PDE5 medication (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil) | Many men with ED, unless contraindicated (for example with nitrates) | Non-invasive (tablet) | Ongoing, as needed or daily depending on the medicine | None | Increases the blood-flow response to sexual stimulation | Yes (prescription, with a health check) |
| Penile injections (e.g. alprostadil) | Men for whom tablets are unsuitable or ineffective | Self-injection after training | As needed before sex | None | Medicine injected into the penis to produce an erection | Yes (training and dose setting) |
| Penile implant | Severe or refractory ED after other options | Surgical | One operation | Surgical recovery; instructions given by the surgeon | A device placed in the penis that allows an erection | Yes (surgical assessment) |
A guide for discussion with your urologist, not a ranking or recommendation. Regenerative therapies are experimental or investigational for ED.
How the evidence differs
- Established: lifestyle and cardiovascular risk management, PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, intracavernosal injections and penile implants.
- Emerging: low-intensity shockwave therapy, with a weak EAU recommendation for selected men with vasculogenic ED.
- Experimental or investigational: PRP (P-Shot), stem cells and exosomes. The 2026 European Association of Urology (EAU) guideline says intracavernosal PRP for erectile dysfunction should be used only in a clinical-trial setting.
Choosing between options: questions that matter
What is the cause of my ED?
Blood flow, nerves, hormones, medicines and psychological factors each point to different options.
What have I already tried?
Correct tablet use, dose and timing matter before concluding that a medicine has failed.
What is my general health?
Heart disease, diabetes, blood thinners and previous surgery can change what is suitable.
What are the evidence and risks?
Ask for the evidence level, risks and alternatives for any option, in writing.
Learn about each treatment
P-Shot / PRP
ExperimentalPlatelet-rich plasma is prepared from your own blood and injected into penile tissue after numbing.
Read the guide →Shockwave Therapy (EdSWT)
EmergingLow-intensity shockwaves are applied to the penis. The proposed aim is to support blood-flow related pathways.
Read the guide →Stem Cell Therapy
ExperimentalA cell-based preparation is injected into penile tissue with the aim of supporting tissue repair.
Read the guide →Exosome Therapy
ExperimentalExosomes are tiny cell-released vesicles being studied for signalling that may support tissue repair.
Read the guide →Penile Rehabilitation Programme
IndividualisedA stepwise plan that may combine medication, devices and other therapies according to the cause.
Read the guide →Your physician
Dr. Niyazi Umut Özdemir
Urological Surgeon, UZ Clinic Antalya
Responsible for assessment and treatment planning at the clinic, with a clinical focus on male sexual health and penile rehabilitation.
Rated 4.5 on Google (47 reviews, as of 2 Oct 2026)Qualifications
- • Medical education at Ege University
- • Specialisation in urology
- • Turkish Association of Urology board certification
- • Clinical practice in Antalya, Turkey
Clinical focus
- • Erectile dysfunction assessment and treatment planning
- • Penile rehabilitation
- • Vasculogenic (blood-flow related) erectile dysfunction
- • Shockwave therapy, PRP and regenerative approaches
Education and roles
- • Ege University Faculty of Medicine (2000); urology specialisation, Ege University (2005)
- • Head of the Antalya branch, CİSED
Professional memberships
- • Turkish Urological Association
- • Society of Urological Surgery (Ürolojik Cerrahi Derneği)
- • European Association of Urology (EAU)
- • Turkish Andrology Association
- • Aegean Urological Association (Ege Üroloji Derneği)
- • Ankara Urologists Association
Ask the urologist about your case
Send your history and the clinic will advise which options may be relevant. Suitability is decided after medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a universal best ED treatment?
No. The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of ED and on the individual patient.
Are regenerative therapies proven for ED?
No. PRP, stem cells and exosomes are experimental or investigational for ED, and evidence is limited or mixed.
Can treatments be combined?
Sometimes. A doctor may combine options, for example medication with another therapy, after assessment. Evidence for specific combinations is limited.
Sources
- EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health: Management of Erectile DysfunctionEuropean Association of Urology, 2026 · Guideline
- Erectile Dysfunction: AUA GuidelineAmerican Urological Association, 2018 · Guideline
Related guides
Send your case for confidential review
You do not need to know which treatment you need. Share a few details and the clinic can advise which options may be relevant to your case.
- 1. Send your caseAbout 2 minutes, private.
- 2. Coordinator contacts youBy WhatsApp, phone or email.
- 3. Doctor assessmentThe urologist decides suitability.
Private & confidential enquiry. You do not need to call.
This page provides general information and does not diagnose ED or decide whether a treatment is suitable for you. Suitability and expected benefit vary between patients and are decided after medical assessment. Treatments described as experimental or investigational are discussed with full informed consent. Seek urgent care for chest pain, new neurological symptoms, penile injury or an erection lasting more than four hours.