This article explains how shockwave therapy is now being used as a new and innovative treatment option for erectile dysfunction.
Contents
- Existing treatment options for erectile dysfunction
- How does erectile dysfunction shockwave therapy work?
- How effective is shockwave therapy for treating erectile dysfunction?
- What treatment method is involved in shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction?
- Who can benefit from shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction?
Existing treatment options for erectile dysfunction
It is estimated that 2.3 million men in the UK suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). This is the inability to get or maintain an erection. The causes of ED include a range of physical and psychological factors. In around 70% of cases, ED results from medical conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, where the blood flow is disrupted. This is known as vasculogenic ED.
A number of options are available to treat the symptoms of ED, the most common of which are drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra (known as PDE5 inhibitors); vacuum pumps, injections and implants are also options.
Until now, there has been no curative method of treating ED by naturally improving and increasing blood flow. However, it is now possible to treat ED using shockwave therapy (EDSWT). This technique treats the root cause of the problem through the creation of new blood vessels and therefore offers a potential cure for erectile dysfunction.
EDSWT does not involve the use of any pharmaceuticals, and it causes no side effects or stress to other organs or healthy tissue. It is non-invasive and requires no sedation or anaesthesia.
How does erectile dysfunction shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave therapy uses pulsed sound waves that are applied to the treatment area using a machine called the ED 1000. The therapy leads to the creation of new, functioning blood vessels, which greatly increases blood flow. The treatment is painless and done over a period of nine weeks with each treatment taking about 20 minutes. The growth of new blood vessels is known as angiogenesis.
How effective is shockwave therapy for treating erectile dysfunction?
Clinical data shows that three out of four patients with vasculogenic ED will benefit from shockwave therapy. The treatment is relatively new and there is good data to support it with longer term data being generated all the time. In clinical trials, EDSWT has shown significant long-term effectiveness after a one year follow up period. These results have been confirmed by a controlled study.
What is involved in shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction?
The treatment is painless and is performed on five different sites on the penile shaft and muscle attaching to the pelvis. Initially treatment is given twice a week for three weeks, then there is a break for three weeks, followed by further treatment twice a week for three weeks. This is done in an out-patient setting.
An initial consultation would be done with a doctor prior to any treatment being undertaken.
Who can benefit from shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction?
For patients currently being treated with medication there are two distinct groups who can benefit:
- Those who respond to medication – after treatment with EDSWT about 50% of this group will no longer need medication, and a further 25% will only need it occasionally.
- Chronic patients who do not respond to their medication – after EDSWT treatment, 73% of this group will go on to respond to their medication.
For patients who are excluded from using pharmaceutical treatments (due to medical history or side effects), EDSWT offers an alternative treatment option and with it, some hope.
For further information on the author of this article, Consultant Physician in Sexual Health, Dr Philip Kell, please click here.
Inability to maintain a penile erection for sexual intercourse, also referred to as impotence.
Full medical glossary
