Are there exercises or devices that produce lasting Erections without surgery?
Executive summary
Non‑surgical options can produce erections for many men and, in some cases, improvements that persist for months to years; the most-discussed device/techniques in 2024–25 are PDE5 pills (medical, not a device), vacuum erection devices, low‑intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li‑ESWT or “shockwave”), regenerative injections (PRP/stem cells), and experimental gene or neurostimulation approaches [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]. Reported duration of benefit varies widely: some shockwave series claim “months” to “up to two years” of benefit [3] [4], while others report improvements that may last about six months for photobiomodulation in a small study [1]. Regulatory status and evidence quality remain mixed: devices often lack full FDA approval for ED and randomized‑controlled evidence is variable [6].
1. What “produces erections” today — a quick inventory
Clinically established, readily available non‑surgical options include oral phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) and mechanical vacuum erection devices that help men achieve and maintain erections [1] [2]. Emerging device‑based or procedural approaches advertised as “lasting” or regenerative include low‑intensity shockwave therapy (Li‑ESWT), focused shockwave protocols, low‑level laser/photobiomodulation, platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) or stem‑cell injections, and investigational neurostimulation or gene therapies; proponents say these target blood flow, nerve health, or tissue regeneration rather than only transiently producing an erection [7] [3] [1] [5] [6].
2. Shockwave therapy: hopeful signals, inconsistent proof
Multiple outlets and clinics promote Li‑ESWT or focused shockwave as a way to stimulate neovascularization and improve erection quality, with some claims of symptom relief lasting “several months” to “up to two years,” and response rates advertised up to ~80% in some summaries [3] [4] [7]. Independent reviews caution that effectiveness is variable, works better for men with mild–moderate vasculogenic ED, and that regulatory approval specifically for ED is not universal — the FDA had not granted full approval for ED indications as of 2025, although devices may be cleared for general physiotherapy [6] [3].
3. Regenerative injections and gene/stem approaches: promise, early evidence
Clinics offer PRP, stem cell injections, and experimental gene therapy as routes to longer‑lasting improvement by repairing tissue or altering biology; animal models show improvement and early human series are reported, but these approaches remain experimental with uncertain long‑term safety and regulatory timelines [5]. Commercial writeups and clinic blogs hype durable results; independent sources call for rigorous trials before declaring them a replacement for established therapy [5] [6].
4. Small studies, home‑use claims, and the evidence caveat
Some small trials report notable durations: a 44‑participant Israeli study cited photobiomodulation with a nonpulsed 808 nm laser producing benefits that averaged six months [1]. But these reports are small, sometimes industry‑linked, and outcomes vary across patient populations. Multiple sources note that outcomes depend on cause of ED — men with severe neurogenic damage, uncontrolled diabetes, or advanced vascular disease respond less well to device/regenerative protocols [6] [4].
5. Realistic expectations and mainstream standards of care
Professional and mainstream guidance still treat PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum devices, intracavernosal injections, and penile prosthesis surgery (as last resort) as core treatments; emerging device/regenerative options can augment care for selected men, especially those with vasculogenic ED, but are not yet universally established as permanent cures [1] [2] [8]. Clinics often combine multi‑technology protocols (shockwave + PRP + lifestyle changes) and advertise superior, “lasting” outcomes — available sources describe this trend but note variability and limited regulatory endorsement [7] [4] [6].
6. Safety, emergencies, and unintended consequences
Prolonged or uncontrolled erections are a serious medical emergency (priapism) and can cause permanent damage; any therapy that alters penile blood flow or tone should be used under medical supervision and patients must be advised about priapism risk and seeking urgent care if an erection lasts >4 hours [9] [10]. Sources also document standard drug side effects for PDE5s and recommend clinician oversight [1].
7. How to evaluate offerings and ask your clinician
Ask whether published randomized trials support the device/protocol for your specific cause of ED, what outcome durations were objectively measured, the device’s regulatory status for ED, and what potential harms or follow‑up are required. Sources emphasize that mild‑to‑moderate vasculogenic ED shows the best responsiveness to shockwave and similar therapies; men with severe nerve or vascular disease are less likely to benefit [6] [4].
Limitations: available sources do not provide a single authoritative statement that any non‑surgical device uniformly produces permanent erections for all men; reported durations and success rates vary by study, population, and therapy [4] [6] [3].