What is Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction?
Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction is a non-invasive treatment in which low-intensity shock waves are applied to different areas of the penis to improve blood flow and stimulate repair and tissue regeneration to treat erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction or ED is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. An erection is the result of an increase in blood flow to the penis. The brain typically transmits signals to the penis during arousal, which causes the erection. However, a range of factors can disrupt this process to prevent an erection, even when an individual feels aroused. Physical factors, psychological factors, and underlying health conditions can all cause ED.
Shockwaves are high-energy sound waves generated by a special hand-held device connected to a machine outside of the body. This is why this method is also called Extracorporeal Shock wave Therapy or ESWT as the term extracorporeal means outside the body. These shockwaves when applied to areas of the penis travel through the skin to stimulate penile tissue and encourage blood flow, which can also speed up the healing process. Low-intensity shockwaves have also been shown to grow new blood vessels and improve blood flow in the penis, which is essential for erections.
Types of Shockwaves
There are two types of shockwaves, radial and focused shockwaves.
- Radial shockwaves (soft shock) are used to treat larger and more superficial indications such as musculoskeletal conditions, and should not be utilised for ED.
- Focused shockwaves (hard shock) have a smaller and more targeted focal point for greater treatment depth and accuracy. The smaller targeted treatment area enables for a more comfortable treatment and is therefore utilised for treating men’s sexual health conditions.
When is Shockwave Therapy Indicated for Erectile Dysfunction?
Your physician may recommend shockwave therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction when other conservative treatment measures such as oral medications, lifestyle changes, and counselling have not been successful. Most problems with erections stem from challenges with blood flow and retention, both of which are addressed through shockwave therapy. This procedure works best for individuals with mild erectile dysfunction who are:
- Not responsive to medications sufficiently,
- Not interested in taking medications, or
- Interested in trying regenerative therapy to reverse some of the causes of ED
How is Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction Performed?
Shockwave therapy is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day of the procedure without the need for an overnight hospital stay. You may require at least 10 to 12 sessions of shockwave therapy several weeks apart to eliminate the erection problem. A single session of therapy may take about 15 to 20 minutes. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:
You will be positioned comfortably on the treatment table.
Focused low-intensity shock waves are then delivered to different parts of the penis for an average of 3 minutes through a small wand-like device attached to a shockwave machine that turns compressed air into low-energy acoustic waves.
These shockwaves create anatomical stresses that promote physiological processes meant to regenerate blood vessels and improve circulation – a process referred to as neovascularisation. Increased circulation allows for the natural engorgement of blood to the penis, which is required for a sustained erection.
While patients may experience a slight tingling as the device is passed over different areas of the penis, they should not be uncomfortable or experience pain.
What does Post-Procedure Care Involve?
Once the procedure is over, you will be able to return home right away. You should be able to safely drive home yourself. If you feel pain, over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will be recommended for pain relief. Most patients can return to normal activity the following day after shockwave therapy, but your physician will discuss whether you should limit your activity for longer to recover. You are advised to refrain from strenuous activities or exercises for a couple of days. Periodic follow-up appointments will be scheduled to review the response to the treatment.
What are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
Some of the benefits of shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction include:
- High success rate
- Completely drug-free
- Promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
- No anesthesia or sedative required
- Quick results
- No downtime
- Treats the root cause
What are the Side Effects of Shockwave Therapy?
Side effects from shockwave therapy are rare and usually mild. These may include:
- Mild bruising around the penis
- Mild pain at the treatment site
- Blood in the urine (rarely)
- Penile skin infection
- Painful erection
