Keep Factually independent
Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.
Are there any devices or therapies for erectile dysfunction without medication?
Executive summary
Non‑drug options for erectile dysfunction (ED) are widely discussed and include established devices — vacuum erection devices and penile implants — and a growing set of non‑pharmacologic therapies such as low‑intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT), neurostimulation implants, and regenerative approaches (stem cells, PRP) now in trials or limited practice [1] [2] [3] [4]. Evidence strength varies: vacuum devices and implants are established clinical options; LiSWT, neurostimulation and “regenerative” injections have mixed or preliminary data and remain areas of active research and commercialization [1] [2] [5] [4].
1. Vacuum pumps and penile implants — the clinical backbone
If you want device‑based ED treatment without pills, two well‑documented options exist: vacuum erection devices (VEDs), which use negative pressure to draw blood into the penis and are FDA‑cleared for ED and post‑prostatectomy rehabilitation [6] [1], and surgically implanted penile prostheses, which provide a durable mechanical solution for severe ED and have the highest satisfaction among existing device options [7] [1]. A 2025 systematic review continues to evaluate VED effectiveness, particularly for men who don’t respond to oral drugs, showing VEDs are widely used though evidence for some subgroups remains limited [2].
2. Shockwave and energy therapies — promising but not settled
Low‑intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LiSWT, often called shockwave therapy) is promoted as a non‑invasive way to stimulate new blood vessel growth and improve penile circulation; clinics and device makers report improved targeting and patient benefit in 2025, and it’s frequently cited in overviews of emerging non‑drug ED care [8] [9] [10]. However, clinical opinions differ: WebMD notes LiSWT is being studied but larger, standardized trials are needed to confirm safety and durability [5]. In short, LiSWT is an attractive alternative for vasculogenic ED but evidence is still maturing [9] [5].
3. Neurostimulation and implantable electronics — new frontier for nerve injury
Implantable neurostimulators aimed at restoring natural erection via cavernous nerve activation are in development for patients with nerve‑related ED (spinal cord injury, post‑prostatectomy). Companies such as Comphya describe devices (CaverSTIM) that implant electrodes to trigger erections under patient control — a targeted non‑drug option for neurogenic ED [3]. These approaches are innovative but currently categorized as emerging technologies rather than established standard of care [3].
4. Regenerative therapies (stem cells, PRP) — hype, early data, and disagreement
Regenerative treatments — stem cell injections, platelet‑rich plasma (PRP), gene therapy — are repeatedly discussed as potentially restorative (aiming to repair vascular or neural damage) rather than symptomatic [4] [11]. Reporting shows enthusiasm and early human studies, but authoritative summaries caution that data are preliminary: WebMD explicitly says PRP shows little to no benefit in some studies and that larger trials are needed; stem cell and gene therapies require more evidence before broad adoption [5] [4]. Clinics and marketing sites sometimes report high success rates, producing a discrepancy between commercial claims and the cautious tone of clinical reviews [9] [4].
5. Home‑use and energy‑based consumer devices — convenience vs. evidence
A number of home devices (radiofrequency, electromagnetic, or other energy‑based systems such as “Vertica” and branded COREWAVE™/REGENwave offerings) are being marketed for at‑home or in‑clinic use with reported high success rates in some vendor materials [12] [13] [9]. Market analyses forecast rapid growth in device sales and product launches, but these commercial reports reflect market potential more than independent, peer‑reviewed proof of long‑term clinical benefit [14] [15]. Consumers should weigh manufacturer claims against independent clinical data, which in many cases remain limited or inconsistent [9] [14].
6. Practical takeaways and what the sources don’t say
Established, non‑drug ED options with the strongest clinical track records are vacuum erection devices and penile implants [1] [2]. LiSWT and implantable neurostimulators show promise for specific causes (vascular, neurogenic) but need larger, standardized trials and longer follow‑up before universal endorsement [9] [3] [5]. Regenerative therapies and many home devices are experimental or commercially promoted ahead of definitive evidence; authoritative reviews call for more rigorous studies [4] [5]. Available sources do not mention detailed cost comparisons, specific insurance coverage policies, or head‑to‑head randomized trials for many newer devices — areas patients should discuss with clinicians (not found in current reporting).
If you’re considering non‑drug options, discuss the cause of your ED with a urologist to match therapy to etiology (vascular vs. neurogenic vs. psychogenic), ask for peer‑reviewed evidence for any marketed device or regenerative therapy, and verify regulatory status and follow‑up data before proceeding [1] [4] [2].