Shockwave and Erectile Dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is common in males. It is estimated that in the early 40’s about 40% of males will experience erectile dysfunction. This then increases steadily every decade of life. At 70 years, just slightly under 70% of males reported erectile dysfunction in a male health study [1].
Causes of erectile dysfunction include cardiovascular risk factors, as well as diabetes. Hence when evaluating erectile dysfunction, doctors are often interested in a patient’s general health as well. Blood test for cholesterol levels and screening for diabetes is common. Sexual satisfaction often goes beyond physical health as well to include healthy relationships between partners and mental well being. Treating diabetes, regular exercise, or managing kidney failure is part of the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Shockwave treatment has been increasingly used to treat erectile dysfunction on top of drugs. In Singapore, shockwave treatment is now used in public hospitals to treat erectile dysfunction [2]. Private clinics also offer this service and maybe able to offer some degree of flexibility around patients’ schedules for this therapy.
Shockwave therapy is thought to work by stimulating new blood vessel growth around the penis. Although different from drugs like Viagra and Cialis, their pathway is similar in that both the drugs and shockwave therapy aim to augment the blood vessels of the penis. Hence patients who respond to viagra will be more likely respond to shockwave treatment as well.
An advantage of shockwave therapy is that its effects are likely to last longer than viagra. Whilst viagra works only when it is taken, after a regiment of shockwave treatments, patients report to see the improvements persist for 6 months [3]. Given the improvements, some patients may decide not to take viagra after the treatment [3]. Sex can therefore be more spontaneous as well. However, the effects tends to wear off over time.
In the clinical studies below, there has been no significant adverse effects reported for the shockwave therapy [3,4,5]. Overall it appears to be a safe treatment option. In our clinic’s experience, the treatment is also well tolerated. However, patients who are not eligible for the treatment will be patients on anticoagulation as well as patients with cancers in the pelvic area. Patients with anticoagulation can discuss with their doctors how best to adjust their anticoagulation regimen for the duration of their shockwave treatment.
Medically-proven ESWT Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction, from $190/session.
References
1. J Urol. 1994 Jan;151(1):54-61.
2. https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/public-hospitals-now-offering-shockwave-therapy-erectile-dysfunction
3. European Urology May 2010, 58(2):243-248
4. https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(15)33720-6/abstract
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22425129