As men grow into adults, they experience Erectile Dysfunction (ED) increases. This issue may lead to remarkable distress and impact on quality of life, along with its effect on relationships. Thankfully, there are a variety of treatments available for erectile dysfunction such as medications, vacuum therapy, and shock wave therapy. Shock wave therapy uses low-intensity shock waves to stimulate the growth of blood vessels in the penile area. That can improve the blood flow and gives a harder erection. Here we explore the effectiveness of shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction problems.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a condition in men unable to achieve or maintain a proper erection during sexual intercourse. ED affects men of all ages but is especially more common as they get older. The ED happens because of physical and psychological factors. Physical factors such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes contribute to erectile dysfunction. Psychological factors include anxiety, depression, stress, and social factors that can cause or worsen ED.
There are some common treatments for ED such as vacuum therapy, surgery, injections, and medications. But some of these treatments are not effective for all people and have some minor side effects. So, research has introduced alternative therapy such as shock wave therapy.
How Does Shock Wave Therapy Work?
In shock wave therapy, it includes the use of low-intensity shock waves that helps to expand new blood vessels in the penis. These shock waves are remitted to the penile tissue using a handheld device. It is thought that the shock waves encourage the release of growth factors, which in turn encourages the development of new blood vessels.
The increased blood flow to the penis caused by the new blood vessels may enhance erectile performance. A painless, non-invasive treatment that can be done in a doctor’s clinic is shock wave therapy. To get the best outcomes, it may take several sessions, each lasting 20 to 30 minutes.
Effectiveness of Shock Wave Therapy for Moderate Erectile Dysfunction
Shock wave therapy for ED has been the subject of numerous studies as several studies research on it. The majority of studies, however, have concentrated on males with mild to moderate ED.
One study revealed that shock wave therapy improved erectile function in males with mild to moderate ED, which was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2017. 156 men participated in the study and got shock wave therapy six times over three weeks. According to the results of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) assessment, men experience erectile function significantly improved after shock wave therapy.
A more recent study that was examined the literature on shock wave therapy for ED and was published in Sexual Medicine Reviews in 2021. The research found that shock wave therapy, especially for those men who have not responded to conventional treatments, is a promising treatment option for men with mild to moderate ED.
Shock Wave Therapy Risks or Side Effects
Men can experience some common and mild side effects after shock wave therapy.
- bleeding on and around the penis.
- pain around the penis during the procedure.
- blood in the urine.
- painful erection.
- skin infection on the penis.
Although clinical studies have generally shown shockwave therapy to be efficient and secure, more study is required to identify potential hazards and the most effective erectile dysfunction treatment plans.
Who eligible for Shock Wave Therapy
This therapy works best for those men who have mild erectile dysfunction such as those who are not responding to medications, or are not interested to consume medication.
Men with severe ED or other medical disorders, such as diabetes, prostate cancer, or heart disease, have not been adequately examined for treatment.
Getting Treatments
Infrequent ED episodes are typical. It might be challenging to keep or sustain an erection function due to stress, lack of sleep, alcohol usage, or hormonal changes, among other things. But, consult a doctor if your ED worsens and starts to interfere with your sexual life.
Shockwave therapy is still an experimental treatment if that interests you. Several medical professionals don’t want to utilize it until additional research verifies its efficacy and safety.
But, if you want to avoid invasive treatments and don’t want to take any pills, discuss shockwave therapy with your urologist to find out if it’s available in your region.
Remember that your doctor can advise you to start with a more often prescribed medication. ED is frequently treated with the following treatments:
- Medications: Generic medications such as Cenforce, Caverta, Suhagra, Fildena, Tadalafil, etc.
- Lifestyle Changes: You need to change your lifestyle, if you have a smoking habit, stop right now, change your diet plan, and do regular exercise can help to improve ED.
- Counseling: You have psychological issues including anxiety, stress, relationship problem, and depression that are causing ED. So, talking with a counselor or therapist can help you.
- Treating underlying health Conditions: High blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes may lead to ED.
Conclusion
Research is being conducted all over the world because of the need for long-term and reliable erectile dysfunction treatment.
It has been demonstrated that shockwave therapy is useful in treating several medical disorders. Several clinicians use it off-label for ED even though it isn’t currently an FDA-approved treatment.
If you are interested in shockwave therapy, you should discuss it with your doctor before undergoing it. They can guide you to a reliable supplier and assist you in determining whether this would be a good alternative for you.
