Shockwave Therapy is a new and non-invasive potential treatment for ED. It is an effective, safe, and long-term option for ED.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is defined as difficulty obtaining and maintaining an erection. It can be embarrassing to speak. More than half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 report experiencing some form of ED. So take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
ED can happen:
- Most often when blood flow in the penis is limited or nerves are harmed
- With stress or emotional reasons
- As an early warning of a more serious illness, like: atherosclerosis (hardening or blocked arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar from Diabetes
How common is erectile dysfunction?
Approximately 1 in 10 adult men will suffer from ED in the long term. Many men may never experience an erection. An erection can occur for many reasons, including: Excessive drinking, stress, relationship problems, and exhaustion. It is not uncommon for him to fail to get an erection in less than 20% of cases and usually does not require treatment. However, if an erection is not achieved by more than 50%, it generally means that there is a problem and needs treatment. ED does not have to be part of aging. It’s true that some older men need more stimulation, but they should still be able to achieve an erection and enjoy intercourse.
During erection, the spongy tissues relax and trap blood. The blood pressure in the chambers makes the penis firm, causing an erection. When a man has an orgasm, a second set of nerve signals reach the penis and cause the muscular tissues in the penis to contract and blood is released back into a man’s circulation and the erection comes down.
When you are not sexually aroused, the penis is soft and limp. Men may notice that the size of the penis varies with warmth, cold or worry; this is normal and reflects the balance of blood coming into and leaving the penis.
What is the treatment for ED?
Specific treatment for erectile dysfunction will be determined by your doctor based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the disease
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion or preference
ED can be treated in many ways, including:
Shockwave therapy
There are several ways to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Shockwave therapy could serve as a long-term treatment for underlying physical causes of ED.
Aside from penile implants and lifestyle changes, techniques that include medication and injections represent on-demand treatment options. Shockwave therapy could be an alternative.
Inadequate blood supply to the penis is a common underlying cause of ED, known as vasculogenic ED. Shockwave therapy may work best for people with this condition, as experts believe it increases blood supply.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is an alternative, non-invasive treatment for ED. It is a fairly recent technique that has emerged over the last decadeTrusted Source.
Practitioners may refer to shockwave therapy for ED as low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment (LI-ESWT).
Research continues to examine the effects of Shockwave Therapy to determine if it is a safe and successful treatment option.
Risks and side effects
- Bruising of penile skin
- Blood in urine
- Penile skin infection
- Painful erection
Causes
ED can result from health problems, emotional issues, or from both. Some known risk factors are:
- Having high blood sugar (Diabetes)
- Having high blood pressure
- Having cardiovascular disease
- Having high cholesterol
- Smoking
- Using drugs or drinking too much alcohol
- Being obese
- Lacking exercise
Doctors attributed erectile dysfunction to psychological problems or, in older men, to aging. Medical opinion has changed. It takes longer to get aroused with age, but normal erectile dysfunction is worth seeing a doctor.Also, the problem is usually not psychological. Urologists now believe that physical problems contribute to the most long-lasting cases of ED in men over the age of 50.
Does shock wave therapy work for erectile dysfunction?
Shockwave therapy significantly improved erectile function. Results were best in men with Erectile Dysfunction. A study found that all 20 men with ED had improved erectile function after his 6 months of shock wave therapy.
What does Shockwave Therapy for ED feel like?
Prior to treatment patients will apply a numbing gel to the penis. Most patients say it feels like a light tapping or tingling sensation and do not experience pain.
What to Expect at Your Appointment?
After patients apply the numbing gel and it takes effect, shockwaves will be directed to various areas around the shaft and base of the penis. Typically, treatment sessions will last about 15 to 20 minutes.
How long does treatment take and how many treatments are recommended?
Treatment is a simple in-office procedure that takes around 15 to 20 minutes to perform. The typical patient will have six treatment appointments (one treatment per week for 6 weeks).