Research stem cells cure erectile dysfunction

Study: Stem cells against erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer
Problems with sex are among the most common side effects after surgery for prostate cancer. A new study showed that stem cells injected into the penis can help with erectile dysfunction. Improvements in "quality of orgasm" were also noted.
Most common cancer in German men
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in German men and the third most common cause of cancer death. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the number of new cases has increased in recent years. According to German Cancer Aid, the figure for 2016 is estimated at 66,900. Sufferers who undergo surgery often experience significant long-term impairments in quality of life. In many cases, treated men are incontinent and impotent after prostate surgery. In general, problems with sex are among the most common side effects after surgery for prostate cancer. Can help here in the penis injected stem cells.

Stem cells injected into penis
According to a new study, men with erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer seem to be helped with stem cell transplantation, AFP reports. The results have now been published by the French Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm). Twelve men complaining of erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer survived the study. As the scientists report in the journal "European Urology", the patients were then injected stem cells from their bone marrow in the penis.

"Significant improvements" during intercourse
According to the institute, the men reported "significant improvements" in sexual intercourse six months later. It is said that this affects not only the erection and its duration, but also the "quality of orgasm". Researchers said that having sex issues is one of the most common side effects after prostate cancer surgery. The reason for this is the injury of vessels and nerves in the penis, which accompany the operation, so the Institute.

Prostate cancer does not always require surgery
Surgery is not always necessary for this type of cancer. According to health experts, there are cases in which patients do not get major health problems. Interesting in this context is an invention that made American researchers several years ago. They developed a test that uses three genes to make a precise statement about whether a prostate tumor is so malignant that it should be treated - or not. At the time, the scientists reported on their work in the journal "Science Translational Medicine." (Ad)