ED (Erectile Dysfunction):
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
Causes and Mechanism:
ED can generally be categorized into four types:
◉ Psychogenic ED: Caused by psychological stress or anxiety.
◉ Organic ED: Resulting from physical illness or injury.
◉ Mixed ED: A combination of psychogenic and organic factors (the most common type).
◉ Drug-induced ED: Triggered by certain medications.
How an Erection Occurs:
An erection requires the proper functioning of both nerves and blood vessels. Under normal conditions, sexual stimulation travels from the brain’s central nervous system through the pelvic nerves to the penile cavernous nerves. These nerves and the endothelial cells of the penile blood vessels release nitric oxide (NO), which spreads throughout the corpora cavernosa.
This stimulates an increase in cyclic GMP within the corpora cavernosa, causing the arteries to relax and the smooth muscles within the corpora to dilate. As a result, a large volume of arterial blood fills the penis, leading to an erection.
The Importance of Nitric Oxide (NO):
Nitric oxide is crucial for normal erections as it dilates blood vessels and promotes blood flow. NO is produced mainly by endothelial cells in the blood vessels. If these cells are damaged, they cannot release sufficient NO, impairing blood flow to the penis and leading to ED.
ED Treatment
Our clinic provides treatment for the prevention and improvement of erectile dysfunction (ED) using SGF® (supernatant derived from cultured stem cells of exfoliated deciduous teeth). SGF® works by repairing damaged vascular endothelial cells, helping to restore blood vessel function.
A commonly used method for ED screening and evaluating treatment efficacy is the IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function). Among the 38 ED cases at our clinic, a total of three SGF® injections resulted in a significant improvement in IIEF-5 scores. In 18 of these cases, patients reached the “no ED” category.
The improvement in IIEF-5 was observed regardless of age, but patients over 70 years old with mild to moderate ED showed limited improvement. In contrast, nearly 100% efficacy was observed in patients under 70 years old with severe ED.
Age-specific trends showed remarkable improvements in patients in their 30s and 40s, whereas those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s showed more modest gains—typically an increase from an initial score of 12 to around 16–17 after three SGF® injections. However, increasing the number of SGF® treatments proved to be effective in achieving satisfactory results.
ED Treatment with SGF®
Our clinic performs ED treatment using SGF® (supernatant derived from cultured stem cells of exfoliated deciduous teeth).
The treatment consists of weekly injections for four weeks. These injections help repair the function of endothelial cells, promote blood vessel dilation, and restore erectile capability.
Unlike traditional medications such as Viagra, the effect of SGF® is long-lasting, as it improves the condition at the cellular level rather than providing a temporary solution. After completing one course (four injections), the effect is sustained for over a year.
Traditional ED medications may pose risks such as cardiovascular strain, headaches, or dizziness. In contrast, stem cell-based therapy carries a low risk of side effects, allowing patients to undergo treatment with confidence.
Insurance coverage for SGF® therapy is anticipated in the future, and this stem cell-based treatment is expected to attract increasing attention moving forward.
Treatment Process
ED treatment at our clinic uses ultra-fine needles, so there is minimal pain compared to regular injections.
We assess the patient’s physical condition before treatment and conduct any necessary tests.
This includes blood tests and evaluation using ED-related scores such as the IIEF-5 to establish a baseline.
SGF® Treatment: Once a week for 4 weeks (total of 4 treatments – 1 course)
A small elastic band is placed at the base of the penis, and 1 cc of SGF® solution is injected into each side of the corpus cavernosum, totaling 2 cc.
After treatment, we re-evaluate the IIEF-5 score to assess improvements.
Regular follow-ups with the physician help monitor treatment progress and ensure optimal results.
ED Treatment Gaining Global Attention
Stem cells are the origin of all tissues and organs in the human body, including bones, blood, and muscles. They have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell.
Regenerative medicine, which uses these cells to repair damaged or injured tissue, has gained increasing attention in recent years.
There is growing anticipation that stem cell-based approaches will not only treat conventional diseases but also be applied to ED treatment.
This field has received international recognition, particularly following Dr. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University receiving the Nobel Prize.
Research into applying stem cell therapy for ED is actively being conducted in countries such as the United States.
The following is a presentation by our clinic director,
Dr. Shoji Koga, regarding this treatment.
Excerpt from Presentation at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine
Title: Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction with Conditioned Media Derived from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Background
・In Japan, it is estimated that one in three men over the age of 40 suffers from erectile dysfunction (ED). However, current treatment options are symptomatic only, and no fundamental cure has been established.
(Urology 2003;61:201-206)
・An interim report has shown improvement in erectile function after transplantation of umbilical cord blood stem cells into the corpus cavernosum in seven patients with ED and type 2 diabetes.
(Exp Clin Transplant 2010;8:150-160)
Objective
This study aimed to explore the potential of treating ED using conditioned media of human exfoliated deciduous dental pulp stem cells (SHED-CM).
Methods
Over a period of 4 years and 6 months, from April 2016 to October 2020, 38 patients with ED who visited our clinic were treated with direct injection of SHED-CM into the corpus cavernosum.
During the course of treatment, no phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for ED or testosterone replacement therapy for late-onset hypogonadism were administered concurrently.
Evaluation
・The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, commonly used for ED screening and treatment efficacy evaluation, was employed to assess outcomes.
Changes in Median IIEF-5 Scores by Age Group
Conclusion: The younger the patient, the more significant the improvement with SGF® treatment. The effect could not be determined for patients in their 80s and 90s
Results
An average improvement of 6.2 points (range: 2–13) in the IIEF-5 score was observed after three injections.
40.86% of patients showed improvement.
47% of patients experienced resolution of ED.
Summary
・This study examined the therapeutic effects of injecting SHED-CM into the corpus cavernosum in 38 patients with ED.
・After three total SHED-CM injections, a significant improvement in IIEF-5 scores was observed, and 18 patients (47.4%) achieved a state classified as “no ED”.
・Improvement in IIEF-5 was observed regardless of age group.
・Significant pre-treatment predictors for achieving “no ED” status included age, baseline IIEF-5 score, and history of prior conditions.
Conclusion
These findings suggest the potential of SHED-CM therapy as a fundamental treatment for ED, by improving vascular dysfunction, which accounts for 70% of ED cases.
For Those Considering ED Treatment
If you are struggling with ED or have undergone testing at another clinic without improvement, please feel free to consult with our clinic.
Our physicians, specializing in regenerative medicine and urologic oncology, will provide scientifically grounded diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition, offering the most suitable therapeutic options.