Erectile dysfunction is most common in men in their forties. Studies show that one in two men over the age of 50 experience erectile dysfunction and the psychological and physiological discomfort that comes with it.
Today, there are various treatments for erectile dysfunction: medication, vacuum erection devices, surgery. All of these methods have a greater or lesser risk of side effects.
The newest, internationally recognised safe, non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction with no side effects is extracorporeal shockwave therapy. It can also treat chronic pelvic pain syndrome, Peyron’s disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia and bacterial prostatitis.
How are erectile dysfunctions treated with extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, dilation of existing blood vessels and intensifies blood circulation.
Low-intensity shock waves directed at the penis by a special device trigger the formation of new blood vessels and the regeneration of existing ones. This improves the blood supply to the penis and restores and intensifies the blood flow that ensures a proper erection.
Who is suitable for treatment of erectile dysfunction with extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is suitable for patients with erectile dysfunction of vascular origin. The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is impaired blood flow to the penis, which is a common complaint among men aged between 40 and 80. The causes of this disorder are varied, but are often associated with cardiological risk factors such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, dyslipidaemia, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and heart failure.
Is extracorporeal shockwave therapy safe for erectile dysfunction?
Yes, the treatment of erectile dysfunction with extracorporeal shockwave therapy is safe and has no side effects on the human body.
Is extracorporeal shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction painful?
The procedure is completely painless, with pressure at the site of the wave and a slight tingling sensation. There may be a slight redness of the skin of the penis, which will go away on its own.
You can return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure. Sexual intercourse is limited to the day of the treatment.
How long does it take to treat erectile dysfunction with extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
The treatment course consists of 6 treatments, carried out 1 time per week. In more severe cases, 12-24 treatments may be required.
One treatment lasts about 20 minutes. The course of treatment can be repeated if necessary.
Although an improvement in erectile function can be seen after 2 treatments, the effect of the treatment is assessed one month after the last treatment.
Younger patients have a faster rate of cell regeneration, so the results of the treatment are seen earlier than in older patients.
After treatment of erectile dysfunction with extracorporeal shockwave therapy, patients no longer need to take medication to improve erections, or only very low doses of medication are required.
Who should not be treated for erectile dysfunction with extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is not a treatment for erectile dysfunction:
- if the injection site is treated with corticosteroids,
- in the presence of a penile prosthesis,
- in the case of prostatic hyperplasia (treatment can be carried out 3 months after surgery),
- in the case of inguinal hernia (treatment can be given 1 month after surgery),
- in case of oncological disease.
If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, seek help. Confidentiality is one of the most important components of the trusting relationship we build between patient and clinician.