Developed by a Brazilian, electronic Viagra works like a pacemaker. New therapy promises comfort and discretion. Discover in this article how the device works.
The CaverSTIM, nicknamed electronic Viagra, is the latest therapy for erectile dysfunction.
The creation is the idea of Brazilian Rodrigo Fraga-Silva and Swiss Nikos Stergiopulos. The pharmacology PhD and medical device specialist are co-founders of the company Comphya, located in Switzerland.
Still in the testing phase, the concept is innovative. The research focuses on men with cancer who have undergone prostate removal. This procedure, technically called prostatectomy, can cause erectile dysfunction. The device is implanted during prostate removal surgery.
Its activation via remote control is also promising. This command sends the necessary stimuli to the penis for an erection.
The first experiments with men showed satisfactory results.
Curious to know more about electronic Viagra? Clear all your doubts about the device below.
What is electronic Viagra?
Electronic Viagra is the new therapeutic resource for erection difficulties. Clinically called erectile dysfunction, the problem affects 30% of Brazilian men, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Developed by the Swiss company Comphya, CaverSTIM was initially tested on men undergoing prostatectomy due to prostate cancer.
The first implant was tested in August 2023. The Royal Melbourne Hospital, in conjunction with the Australian Prosthetics Center, was responsible.
Tests were also conducted in Brazil. Here, interventions took place at the State Hospital Mário Covas in Santo André (SP). At the institution, patients had spinal cord injuries.
In both cases, the implantation is during prostatectomy. The electronic Viagra is attached to the pelvic floor. With this procedure, the surgery has an additional 20 minutes.
Postoperatively, the device is not visible, providing discretion to the user. Activation by remote control stimulates the nerves responsible for penile rigidity.
How did electronic Viagra come about?
Electronic Viagra is the result of a combination of scientific knowledge.
Rodrigo Fraga-Silva has over 10 years of experience in sexual medicine, erection, and cell biology. The Brazilian holds 7 patents in the areas of erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, and alopecia, which is abnormal hair loss.
Nikos Stergiopulos is a professor and director of the Hemodynamics and Cardiovascular Technology Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland. The professional holds more than 20 patents in medical technology.
The idea of CaverSTIM began with Fraga, who has been studying erection difficulties for over 10 years.
Upon meeting Stergiopulos, his future partner, the project began to take shape. The goal was to help men regain their erectile capacity with comfort and discretion.
How does CaverSTIM work?
CaverSTIM is inserted in the pelvic region, near the prostate and pubic bone. This medical device consists of:
- implantable pulse generator (IPG);
- electrode paddle (the pulse generator is connected to this electrode paddle);
- external controllers;
- wireless charger.
This system is placed under the skin, and the inserted electrodes stimulate an erection. Once activated, the electronic version of Viagra acts as the nerves that have lost their functionality.
However, it is not permanent. The developers explain that it is a rehabilitation therapy. The research results show that participants regained their ability to have erections and that CaverSTIM is no longer needed.
Is electronic Viagra safe?
The 12 individuals from the United States, Australia, and Brazil regained their ability to have erections without side effects. Additionally, the developers point out that the electronic form of Viagra is effective, painless, with a quick and stable response, and is reversible.
With the initial success of the study, the aim is to test the product with 150 more men. Confirming its effectiveness, the expectation is to present it to regulatory agencies Anvisa (Brazil) and EMA (Europe) and launch it on the market by 2027.
Does it have a price yet?
As it is still in the testing phase, the product does not yet have a defined price.
Why is CaverSTIM an important milestone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction?
Three aspects make CaverSTIM an innovative product:
1. It is an alternative to traditional treatments
CaverSTIM is an alternative to Viagra and Cialis. These medications are the starting points in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, as approximately 30% of men are not successful with this approach.
Thus, methods such as penile injection and penile prosthesis come into play. In short, they act as follows:
- Penile injection: it stimulates the blood circulation needed for an erection. The application should be made 5 to 15 minutes before sexual intercourse;
- Penile prosthesis: it is surgically inserted. Currently, there are two main models, the malleable and inflatable prosthesis.
2. It is painless
Electronic Viagra does not cause pain. Recovering full sexual function painlessly is something the medical community is committed to. This raises many expectations for the product’s release.
3. It is discreet
The injection requires the man to interrupt the flow of foreplay. The penile prosthesis does as well.
CaverSTIM promises discretion, as it is activated by remote control. The device can be kept in the bedside table drawer, where condoms are usually stored. Thus, there is no embarrassment. Just press the control and grab the condom.
The conclusion is encouraging, but patience is needed. The tests need to be completed and presented to health authorities.
While electronic Viagra is not yet available, the medications on the market will continue to be prescribed.
For example, there is a “debate” about which is better, Viagra or Tadalafil. Both provide good responses. That is, both favor vasodilation and increased blood flow in the penis.
The verdict is given by the urologist. The men’s health specialist prescribes the medication in a personalized way.
And why is medical guidance so important? With professional help, a man does not put himself at risk by self-medicating or taking medications indiscriminately.
Do you feel that your erectile function is not the same? Take a pre-analysis with Dr. Paulo and take the first step to regain your sexual life.
Learn more:
- Male Self-Care: Why Is It Important for Health?
- Learn All About Enlarged Prostate: Causes, Diagnosis, and Recommended Treatments
- Does Stress Decrease Libido? Learn How to Identify and Treat It
- What Is Ejaculation? Answers to Your Main Questions
- Consequences of Male Sexual Abstinence and the Problems It Can Cause
- 10 Tips for Penis Care to Maintain Health and Prevent Infections and Diseases
- See What Causes Erectile Dysfunction and Available Treatments
- Prostate Surgery: What to Expect, Risks, and Recovery
- Gut Health and Sexual Function: The Connection
