What is the latest treatment for erectile dysfunction in 2026?

A newer treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) is MED3000, an over-the-counter topical gel. It creates a quick cooling-then-warming sensation on the head of the penis that activates nerve signals, increases blood flow, and helps trigger an erection. Other emerging options include shockwave therapy, stem cell therapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. However, these are in earlier stages of investigation and have not yet received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As new treatments for ED continue to emerge, people now have more options to explore with a healthcare provider. Here’s an overview of the latest medical advancements.

Each new ED treatment works differently, so results can vary from person to person. Here’s an overview of what research points to for new ED medication options.

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1. MED3000 (Eroxon): first over-the-counter topical gel

MED3000 is a newer ED treatment that has become widely available, and in 2023, it became the first ED gel approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use.

Unlike oral medications, it works through a physical mechanism. When applied to the head of the penis, the gel creates a cooling sensation as it evaporates, and then a warming sensation. 

Research suggests this cooling-then-warming effect activates nerve pathways in the penis, which signal the brain and local tissues to initiate an erection. This nerve activation helps relax smooth muscle and increase blood flow to the penis.

The gel was developed after researchers noticed something unexpected in earlier clinical trials of a different formula: even people who received the gel without the active drug showed a meaningful improvement in erections.

That finding led to the creation of MED3000, which uses its evaporative cooling-then-warming effect to stimulate the nerves involved in erections. Activating these sensory nerves helps trigger the body’s natural erectile response, relaxing penile muscles and increasing blood flow. 

Large clinical trials have shown that MED3000 can help improve erections across different levels of ED severity. About 6 in 10 people noticed an erection within roughly 10 minutes of applying the gel.

Because it works differently from standard ED pills and can be used without a prescription, MED3000 offers a new option for people who prefer a topical treatment or cannot take oral ED medications.

2. Low-intensity shockwave therapy

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) uses gentle shock waves applied to the penis to help improve blood flow. Because reduced blood flow to the penis is a common cause of ED, this treatment aims to support the body’s natural ability to get firmer erections without medication.

It’s offered at many clinics, but it’s not FDA-approved for ED.

Shockwave therapy isn’t a single treatment. Most people require a series of sessions, typically 6–12 or more, to achieve noticeable results. But on the plus side, some people (especially those with mild, blood flow-related ED)  do see noticeable improvements in erections, especially after completing a full treatment plan. In trials where people with blood flow-related ED received 18 sessions, approximately 75–80% experienced a significant improvement in symptoms. (Important caveat: this study only studied men for whom oral ED medications worked, too). 

Because results can vary, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider before deciding whether this option makes sense for you.

3.  Inflatable penile prosthesis

Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation is a surgical treatment usually considered when ED medications and other therapies haven’t worked. It’s intended as a one-time, long-term solution rather than an ongoing treatment.

The most commonly used implant today is an inflatable, three-piece device made up of cylinders placed in the penis, a pump, and a fluid reservoir. When activated, the device creates an erection on demand.

IPP has very high success and satisfaction rates, especially among people who don’t respond to PDE5 inhibitors or have ED related to nerve injury, spinal cord injury, or prostate cancer surgery. Modern implants and surgical techniques have also reduced infection risk to around 1% or lower.

Because IPP is irreversible and involves surgery, it comes with risks such as infection, device malfunction, pain, or changes in penile length. For this reason, it’s typically reserved for severe or treatment-resistant ED after careful discussion with a healthcare provider.

4. Bremelanotide + PDE5 inhibitor combination

Bremelanotide is a single-use nasal spray used on an as-needed basis for ED. Early studies in people with ED show that it may help increase erection firmness. In these trials, many people reached high firmness levels about 30 minutes after using the medication. The most common side effects were facial flushing and nausea.

Studies have also explored bremelanotide in people who don’t respond well to sildenafil. Among these individuals, nearly 34% of those using bremelanotide reported improved erections compared to about 9% in the placebo group.

Researchers have also tested bremelanotide in combination with a PDE5 inhibitor, such as sildenafil, to determine whether the combination offers additional benefits. In one small study, taking both medications together led to stronger erections than sildenafil alone.

Bremelanotide is currently FDA-approved for treating low sexual desire in those with premenopause, but it isn’t FDA approved for ED, as more research is still needed.

5. Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy harvests cells from a patient’s own body or from donor sources (such as umbilical cord tissue) and is being studied as a possible future treatment for ED, but it’s still experimental. Early research is exploring whether injecting different types of stem cells into the penis can help improve blood flow and support tissue repair.

In one small study of stem cell therapy from umbilical cord tissue in people with type 2 diabetes, most reported some return of morning erections within three months, although the firmness was not strong enough for penetration. (Adding oral ED medication helped some participants have sexual intercourse).

Research in people with ED after prostate surgery has also shown a benefit. In multiple small, early-phase studies using stem cells taken from a person’s own fat tissue or bone marrow, some individuals reported erections firm enough for intercourse at 6–12 months after treatment.

The side effects reported were mostly mild and related to the procedures used to collect the stem cells, such as liposuction. No serious safety concerns were reported in these early trials.

Because these studies are small and results vary, much larger and longer-term trials are required before stem cell therapy can be considered a reliable or recommended treatment for ED.

6. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

PRP injections are an experimental option some people explore for ED, but the research so far has not shown meaningful benefit. PRP uses a person’s own blood, processed to concentrate components rich in growth factors.

These growth factors are thought to support tissue repair and blood vessel health in the penis, which in theory, could help improve erections, particularly when ED is linked to blood flow issues.

A clinical trial tested this approach by comparing PRP injections to placebo injections in people with mild to moderate ED. The results showed no significant difference between PRP and placebo.

PRP appeared safe in this trial, with no major side effects reported, but the lack of meaningful improvement suggests PRP injections do not offer proven benefits for ED at this time. More research is needed before the treatment can be recommended.

7. Gene therapy

Gene therapy is being explored as one of the new procedures for erectile dysfunction, but it remains highly experimental and isn’t available outside of research settings.

The first small human trial tested a gene therapy delivered directly into the penis. In this study, researchers injected a gene called hMaxi-K, which affects potassium channels in penile smooth muscle. These channels help regulate smooth muscle relaxation, an important step in achieving an erection.

In the trial, no serious safety issues were reported, but longer-term safety data are needed. Some participants (particularly those who received higher doses) showed improvements in erectile function scores over several months.

However, because this was an early-phase study with a small number of participants and no control group, firm conclusions about effectiveness cannot be drawn. 

Gene therapy for ED is still in the very early stages of research. Larger, controlled trials are needed to better understand how well it works, how long any benefits last, and whether it’s safe over the long term before it can be considered as a treatment option.

Newer erectile dysfunction treatments give people more choices, but they don’t necessarily replace long-standing options like Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil).

These traditional medications remain the most reliable because they have undergone years of research, yield predictable results, and have well-established safety profiles. Ro offers these, along with other established ED treatments that work in different ways.

For example, Ro Sparks* is a fast-acting option that dissolves under the tongue and combines sildenafil and tadalafil, the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis. It can start working in about 15 minutes after it dissolves and last up to 36 hours.

Daily Rise Gummies* provide a different kind of support. They contain 7 mg of tadalafil, the same active ingredient in Cialis, in a fruit-flavored gummy form.

Taken once a day, these options help maintain steady medication levels in the body so you don’t need to plan a dose before sex. This can be especially helpful if you prefer daily treatment or want an option that doesn’t involve swallowing pills.

The newer MED3000 treatment works by stimulating nerve endings and can work in about 30 minutes. By comparison, treatments like shockwave therapy or stem cell therapy can take weeks or months to show results and tend to be less predictable. (Not to mention, they aren’t FDA approved). PRP injections and gene therapy are also still experimental.

Convenience is another factor. MED3000 is the only over-the-counter option, which makes it easy to access. For now, oral medications are still the most familiar and straightforward treatments for most people.

In general, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider about your ED. If you’re considering treatment, whether it’s with FDA-approved oral pills or injections, or would like to discuss some of the newer options, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider and follow their recommendations.

* Though this particular formulation is not FDA-approved, it is composed of active ingredients that have been FDA-approved for ED.

Different ED treatments may make sense for different needs. A quick way to think about the options is to match what you're looking for with what each can offer. If you:

• Want an over-the-counter option, MED3000 may be appealing because it doesn’t require a prescription and works quickly.

• Prefer to avoid medication, a more physical approach like shockwave therapy may feel more comfortable. However, while it’s  available in some clinics, but the evidence is mixed, and results can vary. (Plus, it is not FDA approved.)

• Want something fast-acting, Ro Sparks offers one of the quickest onsets among established treatments due to its dissolvable nature.

• Value spontaneity and prefer taking a daily medication, once-a-day options like daily tadalafil or Daily Rise Gummies may be a better fit.

• Have found standard medications don’t work well, research-based treatments like the bremelanotide and PDE5 inhibitor combination, stem cell therapy, or gene therapy could be something to look into. They’re being studied for people who don’t respond to PDE5 inhibitors and are still experimental.

Because everyone responds differently, and because many newer options are still experimental, the safest way to choose an ED treatment is to talk with a healthcare provider who can help match the approach to your health history, preferences, and goals.

Researchers are exploring new ED treatments that aim to improve erectile function itself — not just treat symptoms.

One small study tested a combined approach using low-intensity shockwave therapy, umbilical cord–derived stem cells, and hyperbaric oxygen. People treated with this combination had an improvement in their sexual health scores, and no major safety concerns were reported during the study period. That said, the study was small and done at a single clinic, so larger trials are needed before this approach can be considered reliable.

Another area of research is looking at radiofrequency therapy. This treatment uses controlled energy to target collagen in penile tissue, which helps support erections. In early studies, men reported better erection hardness and higher satisfaction after a few weeks of treatment, with no significant side effects reported.

These approaches are still experimental. While early results are promising, much larger and longer studies are needed before any of them can be recommended as standard ED care.

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As ED research grows, people now have more options than ever. Some newer treatments offer convenient short-term solutions, while others focus on long-term erectile function, but many still need stronger evidence before becoming a part of routine care.

With the latest treatments for ED, here are the main points to keep in mind:

• MED3000 is a newly approved option, as the first over-the-counter gel for ED: It works through nerve stimulation rather than medication and can start working in about 30 minutes.

• Traditional medications remain the most reliable: Options like sildenafil and tadalafil, have strong research and predictable results. Compounded medications such as Ro Sparks and Daily Rise Gummies that use these well-studied active ingredients may be a good option for some people as well.

• Shockwave therapy is promising but uncertain: Some people with mild ED using this treatment long-term saw improvement, but the evidence is mixed, and it’s not FDA-approved.

• Stem cell therapy, PRP injections, and gene therapy are still experimental: Some early studies show potential, but these approaches should not be considered proven treatments.

• Choosing a treatment depends on personal needs and medical safety: A healthcare provider can help match the right treatment option to your health history, symptoms, and goals.