This paper reports a case of a patient with sleep-related painful erections treated by acupuncture combined with abdominal vibration therapy. The main symptom was repeated painful penile erections during nighttime sleep. The syndrome was differentiated as "water failing to nourish wood" and "liver qi stagnation". Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Guanyuan (CV4), and bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), Guilai (ST29), Yongquan (KI1), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The treatment was combined with abdominal vibration therapy. Treatment was given once daily, five times per week. After the first treatment, the severity and duration of nocturnal erection pain were reduced, and sleep quality was improved. After two weeks of treatment, nocturnal erection pain persisted but became tolerable, with significantly shortened duration.
Humans ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Penile Erection ; Sleep

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology* ; Diet ; Diet, Fat-Restricted ; Feeding Behavior ; Penile Erection/physiology* ; Diet, Vegetarian

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard treatment for localized prostate cancer, but the procedure often results in postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). The poor efficacy of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors after surgery highlights the need to develop new therapies to enhance cavernous nerve regeneration and improve the erectile function of these patients. In the present study, we aimed to examine the potential of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in preserving erectile function in cavernous nerve injury (CNI) mice. We found that HB-EGF expression was reduced significantly on the 1 st day after CNI in penile tissue. Ex vivo and in vitro studies showed that HB-EGF promotes major pelvic ganglion neurite sprouting and neuro-2a (N2a) cell migration. In vivo studies showed that exogenous HB-EGF treatment significantly restored the erectile function of CNI mice to 86.9% of sham levels. Immunofluorescence staining showed that mural and neuronal cells were preserved by inducing cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production. Western blot analysis showed that HB-EGF upregulated protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and neurotrophic factor expression. Overall, HB-EGF is a major promising therapeutic agent for treating ED in postoperative RP.
Animals ; Male ; Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor/therapeutic use* ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Mice ; Penis/drug effects* ; Nerve Regeneration/drug effects* ; Penile Erection/drug effects* ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries/drug therapy* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Prostatectomy/adverse effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by abnormal collagen deposition in the tunica albuginea, leading to penile curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a combined treatment protocol incorporating collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), vacuum erection device, and tadalafil. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 99 male patients with PD treated at the Department of Urology, Hamad Medical Corporation (Doha, Qatar) between January 2018 and January 2020. Patients received 4-8 CCH injections alongside vacuum therapy and daily tadalafil (5 mg). The baseline mean penile curvature of 49.0° improved by an average of 21.4% post-treatment. Erectile function scores also increased significantly, with a mean improvement of 2.3 points on the International Index of Erectile Function. Minor complications were observed in 15 patients, while 13 were dissatisfied with treatment, with six opting for surgery. The modified protocol demonstrated significant improvements in penile curvature and erectile function with minimal complications, offering a safe, cost-effective alternative to traditional intensive treatments.
Humans ; Male ; Penile Induration/therapy* ; Tadalafil/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Microbial Collagenase/administration & dosage* ; Middle Aged ; Vacuum ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Penile Erection ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Aged ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology*

The relationship between hyperuricemia (HUA) and erectile dysfunction (ED) remains inadequately understood. Given that HUA is often associated with various metabolic disorders, this study aims to explore the multivariate linear impacts of metabolic parameters on erectile function in ED patients with HUA. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 514 ED patients with HUA in the Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Nanjing, China), aged 18 to 60 years. General demographic information, medical history, and laboratory results were collected to assess metabolic disturbances. Sexual function was evaluated using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Based on univariate analysis, variables associated with IIEF-5 scores were identified, and the correlations between them were evaluated. The effects of these variables on IIEF-5 scores were further explored by multiple linear regression models. Fasting plasma glucose ( β = -0.628, P < 0.001), uric acid ( β = -0.552, P < 0.001), triglycerides ( β = -0.088, P = 0.047), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( β = -0.164, P = 0.027), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; β = -0.562, P = 0.012), and smoking history ( β = -0.074, P = 0.037) exhibited significant negative impacts on erectile function. The coefficient of determination ( R ²) for the model was 0.239, and the adjusted R ² was 0.230, indicating overall statistical significance ( F -statistic = 26.52, P < 0.001). Metabolic parameters play a crucial role in the development of ED. Maintaining normal metabolic indices may aid in the prevention and improvement of erectile function in ED patients with HUA.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism* ; Hyperuricemia/metabolism* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism* ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Uric Acid/blood* ; Young Adult ; Triglycerides/blood* ; Adolescent ; Cholesterol, LDL/blood* ; Penile Erection/physiology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Penile fracture is a rare urological emergency that may cause erectile dysfunction (ED). We analyzed the factors affecting erectile function in patients who underwent surgical repair for the management of penile fractures. Eighty-two patients who underwent penile fracture surgery in the Department of Urology, University of Gaziantep (Gaziantep, Türkiye) between January 2012 and January 2023 were evaluated. Age, body mass index, time elapsed from the incident of penile fracture to surgery, size, laterality, level of the defect, causes of fracture, presenting signs and symptoms, and relevant complications were recorded. Erectile function of the patients was evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative 3 rd and 6 th months according to the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scoring system. The factors decreasing the erection quality of the patients after surgical repair of penile fractures were investigated using IIEF-5 scoring system. Only age, defect size, and time elapsed from fracture onset to surgery were found to be effective on the occurrence of ED ( P = 0.005, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the cut-off values were 12.5 mm for defect size ( P < 0.001), 8.5 h for the time elapsed from fracture onset to surgery ( P = 0.036), and 40.5 years for the age of the patients ( P = 0.005). Delayed surgery, defect size, and advanced age had significant and negative effects on erectile function in cases of penile fracture. Before repair of the defect, patients should be given appropriate counseling about the possibility of ED, and early penile rehabilitation should be initiated.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology* ; Penis/surgery* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Postoperative Complications/etiology* ; Young Adult ; Rupture/surgery* ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Penile Erection ; Retrospective Studies

Despite surgical advancements, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common consequence of radical prostatectomy (RP). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of early penile rehabilitation within a dedicated penile rehabilitation program on assisted and unassisted erectile function (EF) recovery. All patients who underwent RP and at least 1 year follow-up at penile rehabilitation program in the Department of Urology, OORR Policlinico Riuniti (Foggia, Italy) were included. Treatment involved phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is; tadalafil 20 mg, 1 tablet every other day), intracavernous injections (Caverject 5 µg, 1 vial per week), and daily use of vacuum erection devices (VEDs). Primary end point was EF recovery defined as International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) ≥21 with or without rehabilitation aids. IIEF-5 and prescribed treatments were prospectively collected at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 24 months. Among 570 eligible patients, 397 (69.6%) underwent rehabilitation. Patients who undergoing andro-rehabilitation were younger (65 months vs 70 months; P < 0.0001), had lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (5.9 ng ml -1 vs 6.2 ng ml -1 ; P = 0.04), and lower grade tumors ( P = 0.001) compared to the patients who did not undergo sexual rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy. Two-year EF recovery rates in patients undergoing andro-rehabilitation ranged from 75% (preoperative IIEF-5 >16) to 45% (preoperative IIEF-5 <16) with rehabilitation aids. Combination treatments (PDE5I+VEDs with or without intracavernous injections) showed the highest rates of EF recovery (up to 80% at 2 years). EF recovery without rehabilitation aids was significantly higher for patients with IIEF-5 >21 (IIEF-5 >21 [36%] vs IIEF-5 of 17-21 [18%]; P = 0.01). Subanalysis indicated a moderate benefit of rehabilitation in patients with preoperative IIEF-5 <16 who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing RP. Participation in intensive penile rehabilitation programs improves EF recovery in patients undergoing RP. Preserving the neurovascular bundles may be beneficial for patients with preoperative ED.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatectomy/rehabilitation* ; Middle Aged ; Erectile Dysfunction/drug therapy* ; Aged ; Recovery of Function ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/adverse effects* ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Penile Erection ; Tadalafil/therapeutic use* ; Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of psychological intervention based on the extension and expansion of positive psychology (PERMA) model on sexual psychological resilience (PR) and erectile function in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (pED). METHODS: This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial included 122 cases of pED diagnosed in our hospital from September 2023 to August 2024, which were equally divided into a trial and a control group, the former treated by PERMA-based psychological intervention in addition to drug therapy, while the latter by drug therapy only. After 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, we obtained the scores of the patients on IIEF-5, Connor-DavidsonResilience Scale (CD-RISC), Self-Esteem and Sexual Relationship Satisfaction Scale (SESRS) and the quality of sexual life, and compared them between the two groups before and after intervention. RESULTS: At 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, the IIEF-5 scores were significantly lower in the trial than in the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline scores on any dimensions of CD-RISC between the two groups, while after 8 weeks of treatment, the scores on personal abilities, stress resistance, control, mental influence and total CD-RISC scores were all remarkably higher in the trial group than in the control (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups before treatment either in the SESRS scores, or in the average number of effective erections, average duration of each erection and average erection hardness. After 8 weeks of treatment, the patients in the trial group, compared with the controls, showed marked increases in self-esteem, sexual relationship satisfaction and total SESRS scores, as well as in the average number of effective erections, average duration of each erection and average erection hardness (P<0.05). CONCLUSION For the treatment of pED, PERMA-based psychological intervention in addition to active medication contributes to elevating the psychological resilience and improving the erectile function of the patients.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/therapy* ; Prospective Studies ; Single-Blind Method ; Quality of Life ; Psychology, Positive ; Self Concept ; Resilience, Psychological ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Sexual Behavior ; Penile Erection

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows promise as a regenerative modality for mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED). However, its efficacy in treating severe ED remains unknown. Blood samples from 8-week-old male rats were used to prepare PRP through a two-step centrifugation procedure, followed by chitosan activation and freeze thaw cycle. A hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)-related ED model was established using a methionine-enriched diet, and an apomorphine (APO) test was conducted during the 4 th week. APO-negative rats were divided into two groups and were injected with PRP or saline every 2 weeks. Erectile function and histological analyses of the corpus cavernosum were performed during the 16 th week. The results revealed that erectile function was significantly impaired in rats with HHcy-related ED compared to that in age-matched rats but was improved by repeated PRP injections. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a reduction in reactive oxygen species and additional benefits on the recovery of structures within the corpus cavernosum in rats that received PRP treatment compared to those in the saline-injected control group. Therefore, PRP could enhance functional and structural recovery in a severe HHcy-related ED model. A notable strength of the present study lies in the use of a repeated intracavernous injection method, mirroring protocols used in human studies, which offers more reliable results for translating the findings to humans.
Animals ; Male ; Platelet-Rich Plasma ; Hyperhomocysteinemia/complications* ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Rats ; Disease Models, Animal ; Penis ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Penile Erection/physiology* ; Apomorphine/administration & dosage*

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on erectile function in Chinese patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). A retrospective study was conducted on 657 CP/CPPS patients who visited The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (Changsha, China) from November 2018 to November 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timeline before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in China. The severity of CP/CPPS, penile erection status, anxiety, and depression was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales, respectively. Compared with patients before the COVID-19 outbreak, more CP/CPPS patients developed severe erectile dysfunction (ED) due to depression and anxiety caused by the pandemic. After developing moderate-to-severe ED, mild and moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS patients exhibited more apparent symptoms of anxiety and depression ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), forming a vicious cycle. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the psychological status of CP/CPPS patients, exacerbating their clinical symptoms and complicating ED. The exacerbation of clinical symptoms further worsens the anxiety and depression status of patients, forming a vicious cycle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, paying more attention to the mental health of CP/CPPS patients, strengthening psychological interventions, and achieving better treatment outcomes are necessary.
Male ; Humans ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Pandemics ; Penile Erection ; Prostatitis/complications* ; Retrospective Studies ; East Asian People ; COVID-19/complications* ; Chronic Disease ; Pelvic Pain/complications*