Biohackers Explore Advanced Penile Health Interventions
Biohackers Bryan Johnson, 48, and Ben Greenfield, 44, are actively pursuing methods to enhance penile health. Johnson's regimen includes Cialis, penile Botox, and low-intensity shockwave therapy. He emphasizes the significance of nighttime erections as a crucial health indicator, pointing out that men who lack them face a 70% higher risk of premature death. Greenfield has investigated acoustic wave therapy and stem cell injections in his quest for optimal sexual performance.
Penile Health and Overall Well-being
Dr. Ryan Welter, founder of Regeneris Medical, defines penile health as encompassing erectile dysfunction (ED), orgasmic function, libido, and overall sexual satisfaction. He highlights that declines in penile health, particularly ED, serve as an early predictor of cardiovascular disease, often manifesting two to five years before a heart attack. This connection arises because penile arteries are smaller than those supplying the heart and brain, making them more susceptible to early plaque buildup.
"Declines in penile health, particularly ED, are recognized as an early predictor of cardiovascular disease, often preceding a heart attack by two to five years."
Nerve damage, common with aging and conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also contributes to ED by impairing brain-pelvis signals. Furthermore, imbalances in sex hormones, such as low testosterone, can reduce libido and erection capability. Dr. Welter also notes the strong link between happiness and longevity, suggesting that untreated sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction can negatively impact overall well-being and longevity goals.
Identifying Indicators of Poor Erectile Health
Chris Bustamante, an aesthetic nurse practitioner at Lushful Aesthetics, identifies several common indicators of declining erectile health: less firm erections, difficulty maintaining them, and changes in nocturnal and morning erections. Ejaculation time may also change, typically becoming longer with age.
Bustamante advises that sudden and drastic changes in erection quality, frequency, or duration, especially when accompanied by rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, warrant an immediate medical consultation. This is crucial for evaluating the cardiovascular system, hormone levels, and ruling out potential tumors.
Bryan Johnson utilizes an Adam Health sensor to meticulously monitor his nighttime erections, tracking their duration, frequency, and quality to generate a health score. He also tracks sperm count, movement, shape, penile blood flow, urination speed, and prostate size. Bustamante considers erections more reliable biomarkers than semen characteristics, as semen volume naturally varies and can decline with age.
Conventional Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Dr. Welter underscores the critical role of diet, exercise, and maintaining good metabolic health for both longevity and penile health. Bustamante recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, while advising against excessive consumption of red meat and processed foods. These foods, high in saturated fat, sodium, and preservatives, can elevate blood pressure and damage blood vessels, ultimately contributing to ED.
Regarding exercise, Bustamante emphasizes the importance of muscle building. He recommends 30 minutes of daily cardio but cautions against cycling, suggesting that sustained pressure on the perineum can damage nerves and vessels over time. Beyond lifestyle adjustments, low doses of Cialis are commonly used to relax smooth muscles in the prostate, bladder neck, and penis, thereby improving urine flow and facilitating erections.
Review of Biohacker-Pioneered Interventions
Bustamante explains that penile desensitization naturally occurs with age and activity. Some biohackers use low-intensity focused shockwave devices to create micro-injuries in penile tissue. This process stimulates new blood vessel growth and increased blood circulation, which can enhance sensitivity and function. He distinguishes shockwave therapy (high-energy acoustic waves) from acoustic therapy (gentler, lower-intensity waves), noting that acoustic therapy is often too superficial to be impactful.
Penile Botox injections temporarily relax muscles by blocking nerve signals, potentially leading to firmer, quicker erections that last for three to four months. This treatment may also improve the effectiveness of medications like Cialis and Viagra.
However, penile stem cell injections are not approved by the FDA and are considered experimental, lacking robust evidence of safety or effectiveness. Bustamante also warns against injecting salmon sperm derivatives due to associated risks of infection, allergic reactions, and odor.
Alternatively, Bustamante administers “P-shots” – injections of platelet-rich plasma (derived from the patient’s own blood) – directly into the penis. These aim to boost blood flow and stimulate tissue repair. Modalities such as shockwave therapy and P-shots are considered beneficial for improving erectile function and overall sexual quality of life.