ED & Men’s Health
Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the lack of limb stiffness during sexual intercourse to perform a successful coitus. ED is a worldwide disease affecting approximately 50 % of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 with varying degrees of severity. Organic factors are the main cause (60 - 80 %) of ED, and the main focus here is on circulatory disorders of the erectile tissue. In the interdisciplinary treatment concept of ED, low-intensity ESWT has played an important role since 2010. Previous clinical studies have shown that ESWT is also effective for PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra) ineffectiveness with successful long-term effect. Since 2015, the European Association of Urology (EAU) has been using ESWT as a method of first choice for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in addition to PDE-5 inhibitors.
Benefits of ESWT for Men’s Health Issues:
- Therapies without medication or surgery
- Stimulates the body’s natural repair mechanism
- Short treatment sessions
- Replaces medications with spontaneity
- No reported side effects
- No anaesthesia required
Low-Intensity ESWT is exceptionally successful on vasculogenic ED, that is, impairment as a result of blood flow to the penis. For ED resulting from diabetes, results have been very promising but may require more frequent ‘tune-up’ sessions as a result of the disease itself. For those struggling with ED as a result of natural aging, the effects of the treatment are long-term and significant.
Unfortunately, there is little evidence to suggest that shockwaves are as effective on ED caused by nerve damage. It is best to consult your physician and/or therapist regarding the cause of your ED.
Whether ED is a result of aging or disease, such as diabetes, the overall effect of ESWT are the same. While a full treatment protocol of 8 sessions is highly recommended for optimal success, some clients have seen results after only 2 sessions.
During your treatment ESWT is applied to different points along the body of the penis. ESWT can cause cellular change in the targeted tissue without damaging the surrounding tissues. More specifically, it can improve blood flow to the penis by dissolving plaque build-up, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and activate stem cells and growth factors. Treatments are relatively pain-free, non-invasive, short in duration and produce long-term results.
When should I consider ESWT for Erectile Dysfunction?
You may be an ideal candidate for Erectile Dysfunction ESWT if:
- Traditional medication protocols and treatment modalities for ED (such as Viagra, Cialis, injections, pumps) cause you side effects (stomach pain etc) or they have stopped being effective after chronic use.
- You suffer with erection problems that have deteriorated in a mild to moderate manner through vascular or age-related causes.
- You have been diagnosed with a heart condition that prevents you from using traditional medication for ED.
- You have experienced ‘softness’ and ‘erection fatigue’ but you are not clinically diagnosed with ED or severe enough for medication, but you are looking to boost erection quality, blood flow and performance.
ESWT for Induratio Penis Plastica (IPP)
Induratio penis plastica (IPP), also known as Peyronie’s disease, is an acquired and generally progressive condition of the penis. Most men notice the presence of the disease when they feel thickened nodules (so-called plaques) under the skin of the penis. As the disease progresses, pain may occur with or without an erection and the penis becomes curved during an erection, which can make it difficult or impossible to have sexual intercourse. When treating IPP, the pain points in the penis are treated with extracorporeal shockwaves.
What is the difference between Focused Shockwave vs Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave?
- If you are considering ESWT treatment but you are unsure about your case and would like to discuss your personal circumstances, please get in touch for a no-obligation free consultation.