Question 324 of 433
What about treatments marketed for sexual function?
The short answer
The proven treatments are ordinary ones. The procedures advertised under catchy names are mostly unproven.
Shockwave therapy for erections: a small average benefit in mild cases in some studies. Urology societies consider it investigational, and no device is approved for it.
Platelet-rich plasma injected into the penis: two small trials, one positive and one showing no difference from placebo.
The same injection for women: no credible controlled trials.
Vaginal laser “rejuvenation”: the FDA warned against it in 2018, and a careful trial published in 2021 found it no better than a sham procedure. Vaginal estrogen works and costs far less.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
LIMITED / NEGATIVE HUMAN TRIALS — Sexual-function procedures: outcomes vary; established alternatives have stronger support.Evidence grade (draft mapping)BLimited or small human studiesPart 21, Q324 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.