Table of Contents
Introduction
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the most common sex problem that affects 30 million individuals. ED is the trouble in getting or keeping an erection that is firm enough for sex. ED can get worse or can happen regularly when sex is not normal, and it is essential to get treated. There are various treatments available, and non-invasive treatments are the first option. These include quitting smoking, changing certain food habits, exercising more, or stopping using drugs or alcohol.
Oral drugs or pills and testosterone therapy are the next steps in the treatment. More invasive treatments are penile injections, intraurethral injections, penile implants, vacuum erection devices, and surgery to bypass penile artery damage.
For many years, shockwave therapy has been used as a medical treatment. It is often used as a noninvasive treatment option for kidney stones and orthopedic injuries. Nowadays, urologists use this treatment to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Shockwave therapy is recommended for patients who do not want any invasive treatment or do not respond well to medications. This therapy is still considered an experimental treatment option.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Urologists for this treatment use clinical terms such as low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT). During this treatment, targeted sound waves, which are small wand-like devices, are used to stimulate penile tissue, and the healing process can speed up as they encourage blood flow. The new blood vessels also grow due to these low-intensity shock waves and improve blood flow in the penis, which is necessary for erections.
Is It Essential to Get the Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction?
Episodes of erectile dysfunction, which are occasional, are regular, and they can be due to stress, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, or temporary hormonal changes. Alcohol use can make it challenging to maintain an erection. However, it is essential to consult the doctor if erectile dysfunction becomes more frequent and is affecting an individual's sexual life.
As shockwave therapy is still an experimental therapy, some doctors only recommend using it once further research confirms its safety and effectiveness. The doctor will recommend that the individual try the most commonly used treatment first.
Common treatments for erectile dysfunction are:
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Medications and those include Sildenafil and Tadalafil.
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Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, changing the diet, and getting enough exercise may help combat erectile dysfunction.
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Sometimes, talking with the therapist or counselor might help if there are psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, or relationship problems causing erectile dysfunction.
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Treating underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
What Is the Difference Between Shock Wave Therapy and Radial Wave Therapy?
Both of these therapies are noninvasive treatments for erectile dysfunction, and the critical differences between them are listed below.
Shockwave Therapy:
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According to the data, blood flow can be stimulated to grow new blood vessels.
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A licensed medical professional with professional training administers this treatment.
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For treating erectile dysfunction, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved the treatment.
Radial Wave Therapy:
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This therapy has no data to support claims that it can be used to treat erectile dysfunction.
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The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate it as a class 1 medical device.
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This treatment does not require a medical license or professional training.
Who Is Eligible for Shockwave Therapy?
This therapy works well for men with mild erectile dysfunction who are:
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Not responding to medications adequately.
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Do not take medications properly.
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Interested in trying regenerative therapy to reverse some of the causes of erectile dysfunction.
This procedure has still not been established and is well-studied in men with severe erectile dysfunction or other health conditions that include prostate cancer or heart disease.
How Is Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy Procedure Performed?
There is no need for anesthesia for this procedure, which is performed in an exam room. There is no need to prepare anything in advance for the treatment. During this procedure, will move a wand-like device around the different areas of the penis. The treatment will last approximately 15 minutes.
The patient can return home once the treatment is complete. The patient should be able to drive home safely. The doctor will recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications if the patient experiences pain, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which will help relieve pain. The following day, after shockwave therapy, most individuals can return to normal activity, but the urologist will discuss whether the patient should restrict their activity for longer to recover.
What Are the Risk Factors for Shockwave Therapy?
The patient might experience some side effects, but they are rare and mild.
These may include:
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Pain at the sight during the procedure.
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Blood in the urine.
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Bleeding or bruising on and around the penis.
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Skin infection on the penis.
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Painful erection.
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Penile curvature that worsens.
The shockwave therapy is effective and safe, as generally shown in clinical studies, but requires more research to identify the potential risks and provide the best treatment protocols for someone with erectile dysfunction.
How Long Does Shockwave Therapy Take to Work?
Most individuals who get shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction will see benefits within one to three months. The initial results within the first several weeks can be dramatic. Long-term research and data are still not enough to say how long the treatment might last, whether the effects of treatment could wear off, or whether additional treatment will be required later.
What Is the Success Rate for Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction?
The exact success rate is unknown, but research a few years ago estimated that up to sixty percent of participants experienced benefits that lasted up to twelve months. The FDA has not yet approved shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction treatment, and more studies are essential to understanding its full potential efficacy.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy for some medical conditions has proven to be effective for treatment, and it is risk-free. It may be a noninvasive method to help reduce pain after surgery. It is the treatment option for kidney stones and orthopedic injuries and recently, urologists have started using this therapy to treat erectile dysfunction. However, the FDA has not approved this treatment for erectile dysfunction.
