Shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment modality for erectile dysfunction (ED) that has been gaining traction in recent years. It is a non-invasive, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave (LI-ESWT) treatment that can be administered in a variety of ways depending on the shock wave machine used. The therapy can last approximately 15 to 30 minutes and is usually repeated up to a total of 18 sessions, with 1 or 2 treatments per week. The studies are encouraging and suggest that shock wave therapy could play a new role in the ED algorithm to improve the response to standard reference therapies.
The most prominent hypotheses behind shock wave therapy for the treatment of ED stem in part from the therapeutic uses of shock waves to induce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels). People usually don't need anesthesia, but they may experience a tingling sensation in the treatment area. It is important to note that penile shock wave therapy is still experimental and not approved by the FDA, and that the results, treatment protocols, and side effects are not fully understood. Currently, only a small number of men with ED can be offered treatment that restores their spontaneous erectile function.
Keep reading to learn more about how shock wave therapy works for ED, possible risks and side effects, and where people can get treatment. Several FDA-approved treatments for ED are currently available, and people can discuss options with their doctor. Currently, treatment to improve penis length consists of extending the penis or making an incision in the suspensory ligament of the penis. It is currently only available as part of a clinical trial, meaning that treatments should only be performed in research settings. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reviewed the side effects of treatment in men undergoing low-intensity shockwave therapy for vasculogenic ED.
The most common side effects reported were mild pain during treatment, mild bruising at the site of application, and transient numbness or tingling sensation in the penis. In conclusion, shockwave therapy is a promising new modality for treating ED that has been gaining traction in recent years. It is important to note that it is still experimental and not approved by the FDA, and that the results, treatment protocols, and side effects are not fully understood. Patients usually undergo 1 or 2 treatments per week for approximately 18 sessions, although no protocol for shockwave therapy has been published or standardized.