Erectile dysfunction is the most common condition that plagues millions of men around the world. This often manifests as the inability to erection or maintain sufficient sexual performance. Treatments for ED vary, but shockwave therapy is one treatment that’s been on the rise in recent years. It’s covered in this paper, how it works, whether it works or not, and other aspects of it that apply to individuals interested in using it as an ED treatment.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that involves high-energy acoustic waves to create new blood vessels and improve blood flow to the penis. It was created for the treatment of kidney stones in the 1980s. But it has been explored and used in a variety of medical disorders, such as ED, over the past few years.
Is Shockwave Therapy Effective For ED?
Shockwave therapy works by introducing high-intensity sound waves to the penile tissue, which encourages the formation of new blood vessels and a boost in circulation. The treatment usually involves a handheld instrument applied to the penis and waves are directed at the area. The procedure typically lasts 15-20 minutes and several sessions might be needed for optimal results.
Reduced blood supply to the penis is one of the most common causes of ED. This can be caused by ageing, medical conditions or lifestyle choices. Shockwave therapy activates growth factors, which form new blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis. This more blood can cause stronger, lasting erections, thus reducing ED symptoms.
ED Shockwave Therapy’s Effect on ED?
A few trials have examined the efficacy of shockwave therapy for ED. Although the findings are promising, it’s important to understand that the research is still in its infancy and further research is required to confirm its long-term efficacy.
A growing literature advocates for SWT for ED. Vardi et al, from the Journal of Urology, performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. (2010) reported that SWT significantly improved erectile function in men with vasculogenic ED. They found that treatment patients rated higher on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) than did control participants.
Similarly, a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Urology by Gruenwald et al. (2019) concluded that SWT was safe and effective in reducing erectile dysfunction in men with ED of various causes. The SWT group had a statistically significant increase in IIEF scores compared with the placebo group at the completion of the trial.
In addition, a meta-analysis of six RCTs by Li et al. (2020) reported that SWT significantly enhanced erectile function in ED men over placebo. The SWT group’s IIEF scores had risen considerably, indicating better erectile function, the researchers wrote.
Other Considerations
Although shockwave therapy can be a promising cure for ED, there are a few things to consider before giving it a shot. These include:
1. Efficiency of Shockwave Therapy
And the vast majority of the patients will say, “Will it work?”. The results of shockwave therapy for ED vary across trials. There have even been a handful of papers describing dramatic erectile function improvements after treatment, showcasing the potential efficacy of the drug in certain individuals. But you should bear in mind that the other studies also had mixed results, and so this treatment wasn’t as effective for all men. More to the point, shockwave therapy still has little documented long-term effectiveness, something that undoubtedly stifles both people’s expectations and lack of proof.
2. Financial Issues
Shockwave therapy costs a fortune, and that’s something that quickly becomes a major drawback for patients. Each session costs hundreds of dollars and the cost of a series of treatments is usually somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the number. The majority of men in treatment already have other medical needs and costs that are disproportionate to the amount of money they’re spending on ED therapy, so the financial risk of getting shockwave therapy to treat ED is not one to take lightly.
3. Distribution of Treatment: Though Shockwave therapy is technically an innovative therapy, it is not widely distributed. Access will be based on location where only some clinics and physicians provide this service. If you have it, it may involve waiting for an appointment or it may be limited by insurance benefits that exclude alternative therapies such as shock wave therapy. So prospective patients ought to ponder closely whether such therapy can be available where they live before seeking treatment.
4. Potential Risks and Safety
Safety is always the priority when it comes to medical care. There are few known side-effects to shockwave therapy, though there are risks involved. Patients will experience bruising, swelling, or discomfort at the treated site after surgery. An exchange between the patient and a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits should also be taken seriously to ensure that an informed choice is made regarding the procedure.
5. Alternative Therapies
Although shockwave therapy represents an innovation in ED treatment, it’s important to remember that there is more to come. Medications via an oral contraceptive, vacuum tubes or surgery-these are far more plausible for most patients, depending on the disorder. Both the patient and a clinician should talk through and collaborate to ensure that all potential treatments are explored and a decision is made that best serves the patient’s needs.
Conclusion:
One of the promising new treatments for ED is shockwave therapy, which appears to help with the repair of erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood circulation and developing new blood vessels in the penis. Although the studies are early, evidence to date suggests that shockwave therapy would be an effective and well-accepted treatment for individuals with mild or moderate ED. You have to consider risks, expenses and limitations. Like any treatment, any choice to receive shockwave therapy should be negotiated according to the individual patient’s needs and the recommendation of a medical professional.
