Science Behind Stem Cell Therapy for ED| Nordic Stem Cell

Clinical Trials and Research Papers

The Clinical Evidence Behind The Nordic Method. Current treatments for post-prostatectomy ED — such as PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis), vacuum erection devices, and penile implants — manage symptoms but do not repair the underlying nerve and vascular damage caused by surgery. PDE5 inhibitors are frequently ineffective for men after radical prostatectomy, as nerve damage limits their mechanism of action.

The Nordic Method takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than forcing a short-term response, it promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and restores damaged nerves (neuroregeneration). In a clinical trial at Odense University Hospital, 73% of continent men went from complete loss of function to recovery sufficient for intercourse within 6 months of a single injection (Haahr et al., EBioMedicine 2016; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02240823).

The Nordic Stem Cell treatment is based on a Danish clinical trial conducted at Odense University Hospital. The protocol was invented and led by Søren Paludan Sheikh, MD PhD, and is known as The Nordic Method

The Patients

All 17 patients in the trial were prostate cancer survivors who had undergone radical prostatectomy, resulting in severe erectile dysfunction. The continent men had a median IIEF-5 score of 7 at baseline -> classified as severe ED. All had tried conventional treatments like Viagra without adequate effect.

The Results

After a single injection of approximately 22 million of their own stem cells harvested from adipose tissue, 73% of continent men recovered erectile function. Their IIEF-5 scores improved from a median of 7 to 17 within six months – a shift from severe dysfunction to erections sufficient for sexual intercourse.

The Science

The results were peer-reviewed and published in EBioMedicine (impact factor 9.9). The treatment works by promoting neuroregeneration – repair of damaged nerve tissue – combined with angiogenesis — formation of new blood vessels. Together, these mechanisms restore the biological foundation for natural erections.

From Research to Treatment

Nordic Stem Cell has acquired the exact protocol directly from the original research team → The Nordic Method is based on the exact protocol from the Haahr et al. clinical trial, implemented under the guidance of the original research team.

Nordic Stem Cell is the first and only licensed clinic in the world to offer The Nordic Method outside a clinical trial setting.

Who We Treat

The Nordic Method is currently available to men with erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy. Later in 2026, Nordic Stem Cell will expand treatment to patients with diabetic and age-related ED.

Our Location

Our first clinic is based in San José, Costa Rica. Current US and EU regulations restrict same-day autologous stem cell treatments. Costa Rica offers a regulatory environment where this evidence-based therapy can be provided.

Trial Summary

  • Patients with post-prostatectomy ED
  • 73% of continent men recovered erectile function
  • IIEF-5 improved from 7 to 17
  • No serious adverse events
  • Published in EBioMedicine (IF 9.9)
  • ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02240823

Start Your Private Assessment

Complete a short confidential assessment and speak with a medical specialist about your options.

Start Assessment

Published Research

Peer-reviewed evidence supporting The Nordic Method

2016

EBioMedicine

Published Research

Published in EBioMedicine (2016), this groundbreaking Phase I trial investigated the safety and efficacy of autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) for post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction. The study confirmed the treatment is safe and well-tolerated. Most notably, 73% of continent men recovered erectile function sufficient for intercourse within 6 months of a single injection.

2018

Urology

12-Month Follow-Up: Sustained Results

This long-term study, published in Urology (2018), tracked patients for one full year after treatment. The results demonstrated that the regenerative improvements in erectile function were sustained for 12 months. The study validated that a single intracavernous injection of stem cells offers durable benefits, with over 50% of continent patients maintaining the ability to have intercourse one year later.

2017

Sex Med Rev

Expert Review: The Future of ED Therapy

A comprehensive review published in Sexual Medicine Reviews (2017) places our treatment as an emerging option for men who do not respond to PDE5 inhibitors—a group that includes most prostate cancer survivors. By addressing the root cause rather than masking symptoms, this research positions adipose-derived stem cell therapy as a durable solution with minimal adverse effects and the potential for long-term restoration of sexual function.

Speak With a Specialist

Our specialist team is there to discuss and review your specific situation and whether regenerative stem cell therapy can help you restore erectile function.

Contact Us