Acoustic shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) that has been gaining traction in recent years. It involves the use of low-intensity shockwaves to improve blood flow and restore erectile function in men with mild to moderate ED. But does it really work? In this article, we'll explore the evidence behind acoustic shockwave therapy and how it could help men with ED. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity sound waves to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation in the penis.
It works by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and releasing nitric oxide, a vasodilator that helps to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow. This increased blood flow can help to restore erectile function in men with mild to moderate ED. A recent study looked at the effects of shockwave therapy on men with vasculogenic ED. The results showed that shockwave therapy was effective in restoring erectile function in men with mild to moderate ED. However, it had no effect on men with severe ED due to diabetes or those who had undergone prostatectomy, cystectomy, or radiation.
It also had no effect on men with Peyronie's disease. The study did not include a sham arm to evaluate the placebo effect, so it's difficult to say how much of the improvement was due to the shockwave therapy itself. However, other studies have shown that low-intensity shockwaves can grow new blood vessels and improve blood flow in the penis, which is essential for erections. Focused shockwave devices are most commonly used to treat ED, as their dense, higher-energy waves can be precisely delivered to an exact area up to 12 cm under the skin. A doctor may refer to shockwave therapy for ED as low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment (LI-ESWT).Shockwave therapy is generally recommended for patients who do not respond well to medications or who do not want more invasive treatments. Most people can return to normal activity the day after shockwave therapy, but your doctor will discuss whether you need to restrict your activity longer to recover. Overall, research suggests that shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for men with mild to moderate ED.
It has been shown to improve erectile function and increase blood flow in the penis. However, it is important to note that shockwave therapy is still considered experimental and there is no long-term data available yet.
