Men's Health: Men's Health Q&A | Mayo Clinic Connect

Welcome to your home for all things related to men’s health at Mayo Clinic. Men’s health is a frequently discussed topic in the media and in popular culture. It can be a challenge to distinguish between truth and error. This page can help guide you to select evidence-based treatments and avoid the scams. Follow the Men’s Health page and stay up-to-date as we post useful information and resources. Post a comment and share your thoughts.

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Welcome to our Questions and Answers (Q&A) page. Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions our men's health team gets asked.

Question:

Is shockwave (Gainswave), stem cells, or platelet rich plasma (Priapus shot) therapy a legitimate treatment for my erectile dysfunction?

Answer:

Although studies are ongoing, at the present time, this is not a recommended therapy for men with erectile dysfunction. Currently available studies demonstrate minimal to no improvements in the majority of men when compared to placebo. Additionally, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America has issued a cautionary statement to patients that this therapy should be considered experimental and only performed under a clinical trial setting where patients should not incur more than basic research costs for participation.

Question:

I have new penile curvature, is it Peyronie’s Disease?

Answer:

Penile curvature may have several possible causes, one of which is Peyronie’s Disease. This is more common in men in their 50-60’s, those with diabetes, prior prostatectomy, and Caucasian (northern European origin) race. It is also more common if you have a more noticeable curvature (>30 degrees), a palpable bump or plaque, indentation, penile pain, or similar symptoms. Curvature that occurs in the teens to 30’s most likely represents non-Peyronie’s curvature. Often these conditions are treated similarly, however.

Question:

What are commonly recommended treatments for erectile dysfunction?

Answer:

Although every situation will vary, most often, men are treated with pills (PDE5 inhibitors) as a first option therapy, followed by penile injections, and lastly, a penile prosthesis. In some cases, men will utilize vacuum erection devices or other treatments such as suppositories, but these tend to be used less commonly and with lower satisfaction overall.

Question:

I have rapid ejaculation. Are over the counter therapies legitimate?

Answer:

Although each treatment varies in efficacy, common treatments include topical therapies that can be obtained over the counter. These often have few side effects and may increase the time taken for a man to ejaculate during penetration by 2-3 fold.

Question:

I have new penile curvature, what should I be doing?

Answer:

Although specific recommendations will vary depending on individual conditions, men with early phase Peyronie’s Disease (first 3 months) should begin traction therapy to reduce the likelihood for length loss and curvature. Many men in the early phase of disease will develop worsening curvature, pain, abnormal or loss of penile sensation and penile length loss, and traction can limit the development of severe curvature or length loss. Men are recommended against any surgical treatments until at least 12 months from disease onset. There are no oral pills which have shown consistent evidence to improve Peyronie’s Disease. For further information, please check out bent penis and Peyronie's Disease.