Platelet-rich plasma (P-Shot), low-intensity shockwave therapy and stem cells are often promoted as “regenerative” treatments for erectile dysfunction. This page summarises the position of specialist scientific bodies as of November 2026: PRP and stem cells remain experimental, while shockwave therapy has a limited place in selected cases with a small benefit.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
What do scientific bodies say?
| Body | PRP | Shockwave therapy | Stem cells |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Association of Urology (EAU) 2025 | Not for erectile dysfunction outside clinical trials (2022 recommendation), nor for penile curvature outside trials. | Weak recommendation for mild vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, men who cannot take tablets, or poor responders. For penile curvature: pain relief only. | Not among recommended treatments. |
| American Urological Association (AUA) 2018 | Investigational. | Investigational. | Investigational. |
| Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) 2021 | All three are experimental and belong in research settings, not routine care. | ||
| Cochrane review 2025 | — | May slightly improve erections in the short term, possibly not noticeably. Low-certainty evidence (21 randomised trials, 1,357 men). | — |
We found no specific recommendation from the World Health Organization on these treatments; the references are the guidelines of specialist urology and sexual medicine societies.
What does this mean for patients?
- PRP (P-Shot): there is not enough evidence that it treats erectile dysfunction or penile curvature, or that it increases penis size. If it is offered, ask whether it is part of an approved research study.
- Shockwave therapy: may help some men with mild vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, with a modest benefit. It is not used to correct penile curvature.
- Stem cells: experimental.
- Be wary of anyone promising a “permanent” or “guaranteed” cure with these methods.
Which treatments are proven?
According to European guidelines: lifestyle change and risk factor control, then tablets (first-line for most men), then injectable vasodilator medicines, shockwave therapy for selected cases, and a penile prosthesis when needed. Read about erectile dysfunction treatment in Dubai.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the World Health Organization recommend PRP or shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction?
We found no specific WHO recommendation on these treatments. The specialist references are the guidelines of urology and sexual medicine societies such as the European and American urological associations.
Is the P-Shot (PRP) an approved treatment for erectile dysfunction?
No. The European Association of Urology advises against using it for erectile dysfunction outside clinical trials, and the American Urological Association considers it investigational.
Does shockwave therapy work?
European guidelines give it a weak recommendation for selected cases, such as mild vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. A 2025 Cochrane review found it may slightly improve erections in the short term, possibly not noticeably, with low-certainty evidence.
Can PRP injections treat penile curvature?
European guidelines advise against PRP injections into the plaque outside clinical trials.
Sources
- EAU Guidelines 2025: Sexual and Reproductive Health
- EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health: summary of changes 2022 (PRP)
- Burnett AL et al. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline. J Urol 2018
- Restorative Therapies for Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statement From the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Sex Med 2021
- Ergun O et al. Low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2025
Book a consultation
Prof. Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess erectile dysfunction and explain the proven options at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City. Medical consultations are confidential.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.