Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is caused by three main mechanisms: the brain, the nervous system, and the vascular system. However, the primary cause often originates from inadequate blood flow to the penis. 

As men get older, symptoms tend to intensify, but there can be various contributing factors, including other health conditions.

• Problems with the vascular system, including heart and blood vessel diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
• Abnormalities in the nervous system and spinal cord
• Psychological factors such as stress and depression
• Hormonal factors like low testosterone levels and abnormalities of the testes
• Lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise

Improve erection without medication or surgery, and long-lasting results. Technology called “Shockwave Therapy”

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a treatment method that revitalizes the mechanisms of male sexual arousal. It involves delivering low-intensity, pulsed sound waves externally to the genital area. This therapy specifically targets erectile dysfunction (ED). The waves cause minor microtrauma to the tissue, triggering a biological response. This stimulates the production of angiogenic factors, leading to the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization) in the affected area. As a result, blood circulation improves, leading to better arousal and erection quality.

Shockwave therapy for males typically comes in 2 forms:

• Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (f-ESWT): This type delivers energy in a focused manner deep into the tissue.

Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (LiESWT): This type is shockwave therapy for ED, dispersing waves with consistent energy.

Shockwave therapy for male rejuvenation is a medical treatment that utilizes low-intensity shockwaves to address erectile dysfunction (ED). Factors contributing to ED in males can be categorized into three main areas, all of which can be targeted and treated using penile shockwave therapy.

• The smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum have a spongy appearance similar to foam. Inside, they consist of numerous blood vessels. If these blood vessels are damaged, it can lead to inadequate blood flow to the male genitals.
• Blood vessel epithelial cells, which may be damaged due to high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, as well as individuals with high cholesterol or other vascular diseases, including hypertension.
• In individuals with a history of accidents, such as those with spinal cord injuries resulting from fractures or compressions, nerve endings may sustain damage. This can particularly affect nerves in the genital area, especially in males. Additionally, diabetic patients experiencing peripheral neuropathy due to high blood sugar levels may also encounter nerve damage in the genital region.

By structure, these 3 components play crucial roles in the erectile function of males. If factors impacting these areas, as previously mentioned, are present, they can lead to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (LiSWT) can help address issues related to damaged or compromised smooth muscle cells and blood vessels.

• Shockwave therapy for male rejuvenation helps increase Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), promoting faster repair and regeneration of damaged tissue in the genital area.
• Shockwave therapy for male rejuvenation stimulates the formation of new blood vessels in the corpus cavernosum.

Shockwave therapy for male rejuvenation triggers cellular regeneration processes. Shockwaves stimulate the repair and growth of damaged tissue and the tissue surrounding nerves that affect male sexual function

In the research conducted by Eric Chung and Ross Cartmill in 2015, the treatment of erectile dysfunction in a sample group of 30 male patients, with an average age of approximately 55.8 years, revealed that 18% had experienced erectile dysfunction for at least 18 months. Most patients had conditions such as vascular disease, heart disease, and diabetes. The treatment in this study utilized Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (LiESWT), with a total of 3,000 shocks administered, divided into 1,000 shocks for the corpus cavernosum, 1,000 shocks for the base of the corpus cavernosum, and 1,000 shocks for the perineum. After 6 weeks of treatment, it was found that 50% of the patients had achieved sufficient erectile rigidity to engage in sexual intercourse. Furthermore, at the 4-month follow-up, there were no changes observed in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score.

Afterward, the researchers followed up on the treatment outcomes at intervals of 12, 24, 48, and 60 months post-treatment using penile shockwave therapy for male rejuvenation (Eric Chung, MBBS, and Ross Cartmill, 2021). They found that two-thirds of the patients experienced a decrease in satisfaction rates during the initial 2 years after treatment. However, stability was maintained thereafter for up to 60 months, with no reports of any adverse effects following the shockwave penile therapy for male rejuvenation treatment.

Treatment with shockwave therapy should ideally consist of at least 10 to 20 sessions to observe results. The effectiveness of the treatment can last for 6 to 12 months post-treatment completion. However, the number of sessions may vary for each individual, depending on their symptoms and the severity of their condition. Ultimately, the decision on the number of sessions will be determined by the physician.

Since shockwave therapy involves gentle shockwaves targeted only at the male genital area, it doesn’t cause any wounds, severity, or danger to men. Therefore, there’s no need for recovery or time off from work. You can resume your daily activities, including sexual intercourse, as usual.

Improvement after shockwave therapy can lead to discontinuation of treatment, but for optimal results, it’s advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, consuming nutritious food, and maintaining a positive mindset. This helps ensure a quicker recovery and a happier, healthier life for your male partner.

1. 1. Individuals who prefer not to use medication or do not respond well to medication.
   2. Those experiencing mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) are likely to see clear results from the treatment.

   In cases where patients have underlying conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension, it is recommended to combine shockwave therapy for ED with other treatments as advised by a physician to ensure the most effective results.