An overview of the Canadian landscape on the use of restorative therapies for erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease

Authors

  • Jainik Shah University of Manitoba
  • Maximilian G. Fidel University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Dhiraj S. Bal University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Armin Kharazi Men's Health Clinic, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Connor F. Roque University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Yool Ko University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Karim Sidhom University of Manitoba
  • David Bouhadana McGill University
  • Francis Petrella McGill University
  • Premal Patel Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.8804

Keywords:

Impotence, Peyronie's Disease, Platelet Rich Plasma, Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Restorative therapies (RTs), including low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-SWT) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), aim to restore natural erectile function. Many clinics offer these therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie’s disease (PD) with direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing. This study sought to investigate the landscape of RTs within Canadian clinics.

METHODS: Online searches were made to identify clinics offering Li-SWT and/or PRP as an RT for treating ED and PD in Canada. Public websites were analyzed, followed by calling clinics for data on cost, treatment protocols, clinic ownership, success rates, and adjunctive therapies.

RESULTS: A total of 107 clinics were identified online, with a 68.2% call response rate (n=73). Of the respondents, 56 and 40 clinics provided Li-SWT and PRP therapies, respectively, with 23 clinics offering both. All clinics reported using RTs for ED, with 21 clinics offering Li-SWT and 22 clinics providing PRP for PD. Forty-three clinics provided costs and protocols for Li-SWT, while 33 clinics did so for PRP. The average cost ± standard deviation (CAD) of six sessions of Li-SWT was $2167.24±936.11 and one shot of PRP was $1478.68±591.98. Most (60.3%, n=44) clinics reported physician ownership, with a majority (n=28) being family medicine-trained. Seven clinics did not provide data and 22 were non-physician-owned. Ten clinics provided success rates, with an average of 87.3%.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite limited data supporting their routine clinical use, many clinics across Canada offer RTs for ED and PD with varying treatment protocols and increased costs. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy of RT for ED and PD.

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Published

2024-07-15

How to Cite

Shah, J., Fidel, M. G., Bal, D. S., Kharazi, A., Roque, C. F., Ko, Y., … Patel, P. (2024). An overview of the Canadian landscape on the use of restorative therapies for erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease . Canadian Urological Association Journal, 18(12), 420–4. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.8804

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 12 (2024): CUAJ December

Section

Original Research

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