Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions experienced by men, and it is more common as men age. One cross-sectional study estimates 3 million Canadian men over the age of 40 have some degree of erectile dysfunction.
If you feel concerned or uncertain about your erectile function, you can take this short quiz.
Many health conditions may cause erectile dysfunction. Diseases and conditions that affect blood flow, such as heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes can contribute to ED. If you have ED due to a physiological reason, such as poor blood flow, shockwave therapy may be an excellent treatment option.
Shockwave therapy is a medical treatment that has been available for many years to treat several conditions. High-intensity shockwave therapy was originally used in urology for the treatment of kidney stones. At more moderate intensity, orthopedic surgeons use shockwaves for the treatment of inflammation in joints and muscles.
Recently, the use of shockwave therapy at a lower intensity has been clinically proven in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Erectile Dysfunction Shockwave Therapy (EDSWT) uses sound waves directed at the penis to stimulate blood vessels and tissue growth in the penile area to combat the leading causes of ED in men. For example, micro-plaque in the penis’ blood vessels, scar tissue, and a lack of proper blood flow are all leading causes of physical ED in many men. Instead of temporarily increasing blood flow, like ED pills do, shockwave therapy aims to treat the root cause of erectile dysfunction to provide a longer-term ED solution.
Instead of temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis like most ED medications, shockwave therapy restores the erectile mechanism and allows men with ED to get erections spontaneously and naturally.
During shockwave therapy, a clinician moves a wand-like device on the patient’s penis. The device sends sound waves toward the penis, dissolving plaque formation in blood vessels. This frees up any blockages to encourage better blood flow. The sound waves also stimulate dormant growth factors and stem cells, leading to new blood vessel growth and the rejuvenation of erectile tissue. This may allow men affected by ED to regain their ability to get a harder, longer erection without medication.
Shockwave therapy works best for men with mild to moderate ED. This includes anyone:
Instead of making it easier to get an erection temporarily, this non-invasive treatment is designed to promote erectile health and restore a man’s ability to get and maintain an erection naturally.
ÀAlongside its ability to combat ED, it’s also proven to be successful at treating Peyronie’s disease which is characterized by fibrous scar tissue. Shockwave therapy helps men with Peyronie’s disease by using sound waves that heal penile scarring and plaque formation. By healing scar tissue, shockwave therapy also reduces the curvature of the penis, which many men with Peyronie’s disease experience.
One reason shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction is becoming so popular is that it has very few side effects. Patients usually do not experience significant pain or discomfort during the treatment. Some may feel tingling afterwards – like you might after your hand or foot falls asleep. The erectile dysfunction shockwave therapy procedure takes under a half hour, making the appointment easy to schedule for working men. There is no downtime or recovery period and patients can return to sexual activity immediately.
A review of clinical studies also didn’t find any significant negative side effects to report. In fact, some studies posit that if shockwave therapy continues to deliver results in future testing, it is an ideal treatment option for ED, given its painless, non-invasive nature.
While shockwave therapy shows promise as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, it is important to consult with a men’s sexual health professional to ensure that you can benefit safely from shockwave therapy for your ED. Remember, every individual’s situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Your healthcare provider will consider factors such as the underlying cause of your ED, your overall health, and any other treatments or medications you may be taking.
There are also other treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma penile injection therapy (also commonly known as PRP shots) or Trimix Injections you may want to consider if you have erectile dysfunction and want to improve your sexual performance. It is therefore essential to seek professional advice and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Contact Pollock Clinics today to learn more about your options.
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