It’s an issue that affects more than half of men around the world.
But scientists may finally have a long-term solution for erectile dysfunction.
Experts from South China University of Technology have created the world’s first 3D-printed penis implant.
The implant is designed to imitate a portion of the penis known as the corpus cavernosum, and measures 2.46-inches (62.5mm) long.
In their study, the team tested it in rabbits and pigs, with impressive results.
Pigs with the implant who had damage to their penile tissue not only achieved erections, but also saw a boost in fertility.
While it’s yet to be trialled in humans, scientists hope to extend their testing to men in the future.
‘Our findings support the further development of 3D-printed blood-vessel-rich functional organs for transplantation,’ the team said.
It’s an issue that affects more than half of men around the world. But scientists may finally have a long-term solution for erectile dysfunction (stock image)
Experts from South China University of Technology have created the world’s first 3D-printed penis implant
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that affects the ability to either achieve or maintain an erection.
‘Most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection,’ the NHS explains on its website.
‘This is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and it’s nothing to worry about.
‘It can also be a side effect of some medicines.
‘If erectile dysfunction happens often, it may be caused by a condition such as: high blood pressure or high cholesterol diabetes depression or anxiety hormone problems.’
There are several treatments available to men with the condition, including Viagra and vacuum pumps.
However, researchers have been trying to find a more long-term solution for men with the condition.
In their new study, the researchers used a hydrogel to 3D-print a model of the corpus cavernosum – a key structure in the penis that fills with blood during an erection.
The researchers used a hydrogel to 3D-print a model of the corpus cavernosum – a key structure in the penis that fills with blood during an erection. Next, they seeded this scaffold with endothelial cells – the main cells that line blood vessels
Next, they seeded this scaffold with endothelial cells – the main cells that line blood vessels.
To test the implant’s effect, the researchers implanted it into dozens of pigs and rabbits with erectile dysfunction.
Amazingly, they found that the implant not only helped these animals to achieve erections, but also boosted their fertility.
For example, before receiving the implant, pigs with damage to their penile tissue had a reproductive success rate of 20 per cent.
But after receiving the implant, this success rate jumped up to 100 per cent.
While the implant is yet to be tested in humans, the researchers believe it could be an effective treatment for men with erectile dysfunction or penile injuries.
‘In this study, we created a dynamic model of the penile corpus cavernosum that not only reproduced erectile function in vitro but also restored normal penile erect morphology and reproductive function in rabbits and pigs with corpus cavernosum defects generated via in situ implantation,’ the team concluded.
‘These findings underscore the potential clinical applications of biomimetic corpus cavernosum (BCC) for the treatment of penile injuries.
‘Furthermore, this study advances the clinical application of 3D-printed artificial tissue organs.’
