Injection to perk up a man’s love life

(Just don’t tell him where it goes!)

AN INJECTION of stem cells may offer a new way to tackle impotence, or erectile dysfunction, which affects up to half of men aged 40 and older.

in two new studies, men given the jabs directly into the penis experienced an improvement in their sexual function.

the theory is that the stem cells — which have the ability to turn into different cells — will replace damaged ones and restore normal blood supply to the area. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

normally during arousal, the blood vessels of the corpora cavernosa — erectile tissue that runs along the length of the penis — open up, allowing blood to rush in. Pressure then traps the blood, maintaining the erection. However, in men with ED, the blood vessels in the area are narrowed, usually due to ageing or being furred up with fatty deposits.

ED can also result from general nerve damage following prostate surgery. Stress and other psychological and social factors can play a role, too.

treatment options include medication such as sildenafil (Viagra) which improves blood flow by widening blood vessels.

But these don’t work in about 40 per cent of cases — and in those with nerve damage caused by surgery or diabetes (triggered here by poor blood supply), only one in three benefits.

now scientists believe stem cells could offer an alternative.

the cells, usually found in bone marrow or embryo tissue, are the building blocks of all human tissue. they can develop into specialised cells such as those needed to make up blood vessels, skin, heart and bones. they are increasingly being used to repair diseased or damaged tissue.

in one of two new studies, 22 men with ED and diabetes were given two injections of stem cells (taken from donated umbilical cords) into the base of the penis. Results reported in the journal Urology international showed there were significant improvements in erections within days. Effects lasted up to a year and there were no side-effects.

in a second study, researchers took stem cells from the bone marrow of ten men with ED as a result of diabetes or surgical nerve damage. the samples were processed and injected into the corpus cavernosum.

Results of the study, reported in the journal cytotherapy, showed the injections improved erectile function in up to 40 per cent of men, with nearly all saying it improved their sexual activity.

Exactly how stem cells could work is unclear. one theory is that they form new blood cells and muscle tissue that boost erections; another is that they lead to increased levels of collagen which helps to strengthen penile tissue.

Professor Raj Persad, a consultant urological surgeon at north Bristol nHS trust, said of the research: ‘the results are very encouraging indeed, but it must be stressed that these are early days. Greater research will lead to greater understanding of the mechanisms involved.’