Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Men’s sexual health is an important topic. Today, millions of men are impacted by erectile dysfunction (ED) or Peyronie’s disease (PD). In fact, studies have shown that at least 1 in 10 men suffer from ED in the United States, and this number has been reported to increase to up to 75% of men with age. Peyronie’s disease, or acquired curvature of the penis, is also a common issue effecting up to 9% of men. Urology Associates is excited to be able to offer a new, safe, and non-invasive treatment for these common conditions.
Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy (LiSWT) is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment that helps to improve blood flow in the penis for overall better erection strength and quality. This same technology can be considered with certain Peyronie’s symptoms as well, most specifically, pain related complaints.
Dr. Mazur Explains Shockwave Therapy
Dr. Dan Mazur is fellowship trained in male infertility and sexual health. As one of only a few doctors in the region with this specialized training, he is uniquely qualified to provide the full spectrum of treatments for individuals who suffer from Erectile Dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease.
Evaluating Erectile Dysfunction
To evaluate the cause of erectile dysfunction, we start with a complete medical history to look at all the risk factors and from there we evaluate all the treatment options. Most of the therapies are aimed at increasing blood flow down to the penis. Because the blood flow is what causes an erection. Many people are familiar with the medications that are available and those are often considered first as a therapy, but as technology has evolved, there are new therapies as well. One of them is low intensity shockwave therapy.
Low Intensity Shockwave therapy is considered a safe, non-invasive, and low-risk treatment. Shockwave therapy has been around for decades and has long been used for a treatment option for kidney stones or breaking up scar tissue in the body and promoting healing. Today it is being successfully used to treat conditions such as, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, and sometimes male or female pelvic pain. It offers the following benefits:
- Non-invasive
- No anesthesia needed
- No side effects
- Same day procedure
- Long lasting
While “shockwave” on the surface may sound unpleasant or uncomfortable it is generally considered a comfortable procedure that is well tolerated by patients. It applies short, frequent, and high intensity bursts of energy (in the form of an ultrasonic shockwave) into soft tissue that is injured, scarred, or contains adhesions. The goal is to get the body to heal itself by regenerating blood vessels and improving circulation. The increased circulation allows for the natural engorgement of blood to the penis, which is necessary for a sustained erection.
What Can I Expect?
We start by applying some ultrasound gel to the area, and then the probe is applied to the area of treatment. The applicator produces pulses as the clinician moves around the treatment area.You will hear a clicking noise and feel a tapping or tingling as the ultrasonic energy is delivered to the treatment area. The doctor can control the delivery of the energy and can adjust it for the patient’s comfort level.
Appointments take approximately 45 minutes and the procedure itself usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but can be longer depending on the customized treatment for each individual , which is based on their degree of erectile dysfunction. Patients usually require six treatments, and they can expect the effects to last for two to three years. At that point they may repeat the treatment, if needed.
Treatments are not uncomfortable, and people don’t require pain relief or anesthetic, however, patients may have soreness, redness, or some bruising in the treatment area. There are no restrictions following the therapy, but we do encourage people to take it easy for the rest of the day.
Advanced Treatments By Urological Experts
At Urology Associates we use one of the top-of-the-line machines on the market. Many of the clinics around the country use older and less effective machines and, unfortunately, they don’t deliver the best results. The technology in our Softwave machine differs in that it delivers a penetrating shockwave, whereas many of the other technologies do not.
Another benefit of seeking treatment at Urology Associates is that you are treated by people who have spent their entire careers focused on urologic care, including the treatment of erectile dysfunction. We are a comprehensive urology care center. That means that we treat a variety of men’s sexual health issues such as erectile dysfunction, hormonal issues, fertility issues, cancer, and issues of the of the urinary tract. We have comprehensive care as opposed to just the limited options that you may find in some men’s health clinics. At Urology Associates we aim to be your lifelong partner in good health.
Like all therapies, Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy is not the best therapy for everybody, but there are many people who are excellent candidates for this treatment. In many cases, we find that mild cases of erectile dysfunction see the most robust response to therapy. We make it very comfortable for you to talk to us and together we can review the treatment options, to find the best option for you.
Getting help is easy – take the first step!
Ask About Our Saturday Appointment Availability.