How Effective is Shockwave Therapy for ED?

How Effective is Shockwave Therapy for ED?

• 5 December 2024
• Dr. Sankeerth Reddy

Last updated on December 5, 2024

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects a significant portion of men worldwide, especially those over the age of 40. Many individuals suffering from ED seek effective and minimally invasive treatments to improve their sexual function. One emerging therapy that has garnered serious attention is shockwave therapy. But how effective is shockwave therapy for ED?

Understanding Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves using acoustic waves to stimulate tissue repair and enhance blood flow. It has been widely used in orthopaedics and urology, and its application in treating erectile dysfunction has shown promising results.

Specifically, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) helps to improve erectile function by stimulating the formation of new blood vessels and enhancing the repair mechanisms in the penile tissues.

How effective is shockwave therapy for ED? Studies have shown that it can significantly improve erectile function in men with vascular-related erectile dysfunction.

Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness

A growing body of research supports the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction. In a 2021 study, men with moderate to severe ED who had previously not responded to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) showed significant improvement after receiving shockwave treatment.

The study noted that 54% of patients receiving LiSWT achieved erections sufficient for intercourse, compared to 0% in the sham treatment group​. These results suggest that shockwave therapy may offer a viable solution for men who have not had success with oral medications.

Additionally, a clinical trial published in 2023 demonstrated that shockwave therapy led to significant improvement in erectile function in men with vascular-related ED. Throughout the trial, participants experienced improvements in both their International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores and their Erection Hardness Score (EHS) at 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment sessions​. This trial highlights the sustained benefits of the therapy for up to 6 months, offering a long-term solution for treating ED.

How Does Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Work?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy works by stimulating the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein critical to the formation of new blood vessels. This process, known as angiogenesis, enhances blood flow to the penile tissues, which is essential for achieving and maintaining erections. As a result, shockwave therapy is particularly effective for men with mild to moderate ED of vascular origin, as it directly addresses the underlying blood flow issues.

How effective is shockwave therapy for ED? Research indicates it provides a non-invasive treatment option with long-lasting results for many patients.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for ED

Shockwave therapy is gaining popularity as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) due to its non-invasive approach and long-lasting benefits. The key benefits of using low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) for ED include:

• Non-invasive treatment: No surgery or incisions are required, making it less risky than surgical options.
• Minimal side effects: Unlike some other treatments, shockwave therapy is generally well-tolerated with few reported adverse effects.
• No anaesthesia required: The procedure can be performed without the need for local or general anaesthesia.
• Convenient with no downtime: Patients can resume their normal activities immediately following treatment, with no recovery period needed.
• Promotes natural healing: Stimulates the formation of new blood vessels and improves overall blood flow in the penis, addressing the root cause of ED.
• Long-lasting results: Many men report significant improvements in erectile function, with effects lasting for months after the treatment course is completed.
• Effective for various severities of ED: It can be helpful for men with mild to moderate ED, as well as those who have not responded well to other treatments.
• Non-reliant on medication: Offers a natural alternative to oral medications, reducing dependency on pills.

Who Can Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?

Therapy for erectile dysfunction using shockwave treatments is particularly beneficial for men with mild to moderate ED, especially those with vascular causes. It is also an option for men with severe ED who have not responded well to oral medications.

Conclusion

Does shockwave therapy work for ED? The evidence strongly supports its effectiveness, particularly for men with vascular-related ED. The treatment’s ability to stimulate new blood vessels and improve blood flow offers a significant improvement in erectile function. Therefore, shock wave therapy represents a promising option for those seeking a long-term, non-invasive solution to erectile dysfunction.

How to book an appointment

To book an appointment with Dr Reddy, please call us on +65 8088 9378, email us at info@drreddysankeerth.com, or book online via our website.

FAQs

If you have any more questions about how effective shockwave therapy is for ED, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime, you can find more FAQs below that may provide the additional information you’re looking for.

How long does each shockwave therapy treatment session last?

A typical treatment session for shockwave therapy lasts between 15 to 20 minutes. Patients usually undergo several sessions over a period of weeks, depending on the severity of their erectile dysfunction and the recommended treatment protocols.

Is shockwave therapy effective for moderate erectile dysfunction?

Yes, shockwave therapy is particularly effective for men with moderate erectile dysfunction, especially those with vascular causes. It works by improving blood flow and promoting the development of new blood vessels.

What is radial wave therapy and how does it differ from shockwave therapy?

Radial wave therapy and shockwave therapy are both non-invasive treatments, but radial wave therapy is generally used for conditions like muscle pain, while shockwave therapy is more focused on conditions like ED, as it targets deeper tissues.

Can shockwave therapy be used for treating kidney stones?

Yes, shockwave therapy has been widely used in urology to break down kidney stones. The same principle of using acoustic waves is applied, but the energy levels and treatment areas differ from those used for erectile dysfunction.