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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

DEFINITION

|ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy) in the context of men’s health refers to a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves (shock waves). This device equipped with a transducer that delivers low-energy shockwave pulses to the penile arteries, not only enhancing blood flow but also promoting angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels), thereby helping to treat erectile dysfunction and also shockwave therapy increases the amount of blood that can flow into the penis, so as long as that flow isn’t restricted again you shouldn’t have any problems.

CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE TREATED BY SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (ESWT) FOR MENS HEALTH

1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

One of the most significant benefits of ESWT for men is its potential to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), especially when it is linked to poor blood circulation or vascular issues.

Improved blood flow: Shock waves stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and improve circulation in the penile tissues, which can help treat ED.
Tissue regeneration: The therapy encourages the repair and regeneration of tissue, which can improve erectile function.
Non-invasive alternative: ESWT can be a non-surgical option for men who prefer not to use medications like Viagra or undergo invasive procedures.

2. Improve Blood Circulation:

ESWT helps by improving circulation to the penis, encouraging angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels) and promoting better blood flow, which is crucial for achieving and maintaining an erection. By addressing vascular issues and encouraging tissue regeneration, ESWT may help men regain erectile function.

In the case of premature ejaculation, ESWT improve blood circulation and reducing chronic pain or inflammation in the pelvic region can have a positive effect on overall sexual function. Better blood flow may support more controlled ejaculation and enhance sexual stamina.

Overall, ESWT is gaining recognition as a non-invasive treatment option for addressing both erectile dysfunction and some sexual health concerns by focusing on improving vascular health and reducing pain or discomfort in the genital region.

3. Improved Sexual Performance and Function

Shock wave therapy has been shown to increase the elasticity of the smooth muscles in the penis, improving erectile performance and overall sexual health in some cases.

Increased sensitivity: ESWT can help improve penile sensitivity, leading to better sexual experience and performance.
Enhanced libido: Some studies suggest that improved blood circulation can also lead to increased libido and general sexual wellness.

HOW DOES ESWT WORK?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in soft tissues. For men’s health, shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including the following:

In the context of men’s sexual health, ESWT works by promoting tissue regeneration, improving blood flow, and stimulating the growth of new blood vessels in the genital area. This process can lead to enhanced erectile function, increased sensitivity, and improved sexual performance. ESWT has also been suggested to promote testosterone production, potentially aiding in the treatment of Low T.

1. Peyronie’s Disease

This condition involves the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, causing curvature and pain during erections. Shockwave therapy can help break down the plaque and stimulate tissue healing, reducing the curvature and improving sexual function.

2. Chronic Prostatitis / Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Shockwave therapy has been found to alleviate chronic pelvic pain in men, often associated with prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). By stimulating blood flow and tissue repair in the pelvic area, the therapy can reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Sexual Health

Aside from treating erectile dysfunction, shockwave therapy can improve general sexual health by enhancing circulation and stimulating the repair of tissues in the genital area. This can potentially help with issues like low libido or poor sexual performance.

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS BY PATIENT’S ABOUT ESWT

Is ESWT safe?

ESWT is generally safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. The most common side effects are mild discomfort, tingling, headache, dizziness, and local penile pain.

What can I expect during and after treatment?

During treatment, you can expect to experience mild discomfort or tingling in the treated area. After treatment, many men report gradual improvements in erectile function and overall sexual health over the following weeks.

What are the risks of ESWT?

There is a very small risk of tendon or ligament rupture and damage to the soft tissue. You should not have ESWT if you have poor sensation (neuropathy) or hypersensitivity in the target area, open sores, heart conditions, or seizures.

Can I repeat the treatment on a regular basis?

As the method seems to have a physiologic effect on the erection mechanism, repeating the treatment after a certain period seems logical; however, the question regarding a possible saturation effect remains unanswered and requires further investigation.

Are the results permanent?

The biological effects of shockwave therapy are permanent and have been established on a basic science level. However, erectile dysfunction depends on the lifestyle of patients and is usually a symptom of underlying health issues which lead to ED. Because ED usually gets worse in patients with comorbidities, this means that the improvements after the treatment might be reversed over time if the underlying conditions are not addressed.

Given that the treatment is relatively new, the longest period that patients have been followed up after treatment in a systematic way as part of a clinical trial was 12 months. The results of this study indicate that the treatment benefits were preserved after one year from the treatment, but further studies are required to investigate the efficacy after a longer period of time.

What if the shockwave therapy treatment doesn’t work?

Usually, the response to shockwave therapy treatment is good however it may take several months before the maximum effect is achieved. If after 3-4 months the patient still does not experience a pronounced improvement, then other treatment modalities will need to be considered.

When does ESWT treatment show its effect?

The onset of the effect of ESWT therapy is not the same for every patient. The maximum effect varies from patient to patient. The patient’s age, lifestyle, being obese or fit, blood pressure status and the degree of erectile dysfunction are very important in this regard. Usually, the effect starts in a few weeks. However, it may take several months to achieve maximum benefit.