Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: Does It Work?

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for many men. It can lower confidence and affect relationships. Medicines and injections are available, but they don’t work for everyone and may cause side effects. Penile Shockwave Therapy is a new, emerging, gentle, and non-surgical treatment option that may help improve blood flow and support stronger erections. In this article, you will learn about penile shockwave therapy, how it works, who it can help, its benefits, and possible risks.

What Is Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction?

Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, delivers low-intensity shock waves to the penis via a handheld device. These waves are gentle but precise, designed to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and repair damaged tissue. This treatment sends gentle pulses to the penis to improve blood flow and help men achieve better erections. The sessions may last for 15 to 20 minutes. Patients usually do not require anesthesia. Shockwave therapy was developed in the 1980s for the treatment of kidney stones. But it has now emerged as a treatment option to manage erectile dysfunction.

How Does Erectile Dysfunction Shockwave Therapy Work?

Low-intensity shockwave therapy works by two mechanisms. These processes involve: [1]

1. The production of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
2. Increasing nitric oxide levels. Both of these help in improving blood flow to the penis.

Studies have been testing the effects of shockwave therapy in men with erectile dysfunction. A study done in 2017 involved 710 men with vascular or venogenic ED (when the veins in the penis can’t hold enough blood to keep an erection going). At the end of the sessions, 43% of participants showed significant improvement in the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), and the ability to penetrate increased from 26.8% to 44%. These benefits decreased after a month, suggesting that longer or repeated treatment may be necessary. slightly declined after a month, suggesting longer or repeated treatment may be required. [2] Another clinical trial done in 2019 showed that low-intensity shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) can help men with mild to moderate ED by growing new blood vessels and improving blood flow. It can improve erections for at least three months. Though this is not a permanent treatment, it is one of the safest and non-surgical treatments for those who are looking for alternative options to pills or injections. [1]

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for ED

Penile shockwave therapy is gaining popularity as a modern solution for erectile dysfunction. It offers several potential benefits for men with erectile dysfunction.

Non-invasive and painless

Shockwave therapy is gentle, painless, and does not need any anesthesia. [3]

Improves blood flow and erections

Shockwave therapy promotes the formation of new blood vessels and improves penile blood flow, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. [4] 

Well tolerated

Short-wave therapy is well tolerated by patients who do not respond to pills and other ED medications, and it proceeds in short treatment sessions over a few weeks.

Who Should Undergo Penile Shockwave Therapy?

Penile shockwave therapy is most suitable for men whose erectile dysfunction is mainly caused by blood flow or vascular problems [5]. It works best for those with mild to moderate ED and for men who cannot tolerate pills and medications for ED and want a non-invasive option instead of daily medications or injections.

Who Should Not Use Shockwave Therapy for ED?

Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. This therapy is not suggested if:

• ED is caused by nerve damage, severe diabetes, or psychological factors [3].
• Someone is suffering from metabolic disorders like diabetes, prostate disorders, and cardiovascular disorders [4].
• A person is expecting permanent and stable results. The benefits of shockwave therapy may last from months to years and are temporary. usually last 1to 2 years [6].

Potential Risks and Considerations of Penile Shockwave Therapy

Penile shockwave therapy is generally safe, but some men may experience mild to moderate side effects.

Mild bruising or tingling

Mild bruising, tingling, or numbness on or around the penis may occur after the treatment. These effects are usually short-lived and may resolve on their own [7].

Painful erections

Temporary painful erections or discomfort during sex may occur [7].

Blood in urine

Sometimes, infection or blood in urine (hematuria) may occur [4].

Not FDA Approved

Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction may offer a lot of benefits, but it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means it is still considered experimental, and more research is still needed.

Cost

Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction may vary from place to place, but it is generally expensive. Your healthcare professional can give you an exact idea about the  cost based on your condition.

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy is becoming a popular treatment for men who face erection problems, mainly because of poor blood circulation. It is a modern, safe, and painless method that does not need surgery, injections, or anesthesia. However, the effects are not permanent, and some may need repeat sessions. It usually helps men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, while those with severe diabetes or nerve damage may not benefit as much. A doctor can best guide you about which treatment will work in your case.