Current nonsurgical treatment modalities for vascular erectile dysfunction include oral PDE-5 inhibitors and intracavernosal injection of vasodilating agents. However, these treatments do not address the underlying pathophysiology of the disease, and their effect is short-lived.<\/p>\n
Low-intensity shock wave therapy may offer a better solution. This treatment uses focused sound waves to break up micro-plaque and stimulate a healing response and new blood supply in the penis.<\/p>\n
Those suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by vascular problems may be able to find relief from a non-invasive treatment called shock wave therapy. Shock wave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, which can help men with vascular ED improve their erections and have a healthy sexual life again.<\/p>\n
Shock wave therapy is a minimally invasive and safe procedure, which can be performed in our office without the need for any medication or surgery. During treatment, we will place a gel on your penis and then apply a handheld device to transmit the shock waves to the area. The treatment is painless and only takes 15 minutes. After a series of six to 10 treatments, you should experience improved blood flow in the penis and an ability to sustain a firm, long-lasting erection.<\/p>\n
The acoustic energy of the shock waves penetrates the tissue to stimulate growth factors that create new blood vessels in the cavernous bodies. The increased blood flow improves erections and helps men with vascular ED regain their confidence in sexual intercourse. In addition, the treatment doesn’t interfere with your daily activities and doesn’t require any downtime.<\/p>\n
This is a revolutionary approach to treating vascular erectile dysfunction. We are the first urology practice in Colorado Springs to offer this exciting new noninvasive and restorative treatment.<\/p>\n
In a study conducted by the University of Virginia, researchers found that LISWT significantly improved SHIM and EHS scores in men with vascular erectile dysfunction. However, it’s important to note that the study did not include any long-term data beyond one year. Therefore, it’s difficult to know how long the effects of this treatment last.<\/p>\n
Unlike oral medications, shock wave therapy doesn’t have any side effects. Moreover, it doesn’t cause drowsiness or interfere with your ability to drive or engage in other normal activities. In addition, you don’t have to stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, or any other ED medicines, during or after treatment. Because of these benefits, LISWT is a popular alternative to surgery, penile injections, and MUSE suppositories.<\/p>\n
The term shockwave therapy is used by urologists to describe several treatments that use pressure waves to stimulate tissue healing. The term varies in different settings, though, because the way these pressure waves are generated and delivered can have significant effects on the results.<\/p>\n
For example, urologists have used shock wave devices for decades to crack kidney stones in a non-invasive manner. These devices generate radial shockwaves that spread out from the point of application, much like ripples would from a stone dropped in water. Other types of shockwave therapies, including LISWT, are targeted at a specific area of the body using focused energy, such as the treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).<\/p>\n
LISWT is a painless procedure performed in our office without the need for anesthesia. During the treatment, a handheld device is held against the penis while sound waves are released. While it may seem strange to think about shockwaves on the penis, this is a safe and effective treatment that has been proven in multiple clinical studies to increase blood flow to the penis and improve sensitivity.<\/p>\n
A typical course of LISWT includes multiple treatment sessions, typically performed weekly. This therapy is most effective for men with vascular ED, which means that it helps with erections caused by poor blood flow to the penis. It is less effective for ED caused by nerve damage or psychological factors.<\/p>\n
The LISWT procedure is fast and painless, and you can resume your normal activities immediately after each treatment. During the session, you will lie on a table while a handheld device is placed against your penis. During the treatment, you will feel a light tapping sensation. Unlike medications that treat the symptoms of ED, LISWT works to address the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction by stimulating neovascularization and improving blood flow to the penis.<\/p>\n
The science of erectile dysfunction has advanced rapidly in the past 30 years, and we know more than ever how the brain, vascular system and penis all interact to create an erection. However, for many men, these advances have not translated into better sex lives. Medications can only go so far, and some men cannot even afford or are unwilling to take oral ED drugs. Fortunately, innovative treatment methods, such as LISWT, offer new hope for men who want to regain their confidence and sex life.<\/p>\n
Shock wave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that does not involve surgery or penile injections. Instead, a physician will use a wand-like device to deliver a series of shock waves to the penis. The doctor will typically apply the device to all of the sections of the left and right corpora cavernosa (the expandable erectile tissue responsible for erections). This is done during one treatment session that lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.<\/p>\n
A study found that LISWT can improve penile rigidity and erectile quality in men with vascular ED, allowing them to maintain firm erections that are sufficiently long for penetration. This effect was attributed to the increase in blood flow and nitric oxide production in the penis. LISWT is also considered safe with no adverse effects reported in clinical trials.<\/p>\n
This is an exciting new treatment option for ED. It is noninvasive and can be performed in our office without the need for anesthesia. In addition, it can be used in conjunction with other erectile dysfunction treatments. This allows us to customize the treatment for each patient’s unique situation.<\/p>\n
Unlike other ED treatments, LISWT aims to rehabilitate the erectile tissue rather than simply treating the symptoms. Studies* suggest that LISWT may be able to restore erectile function in up to 65% of patients with vascular ED.<\/p>\n
This new treatment is currently in the early phases of clinical research. As such, it is not available through insurance. However, the hope is that if enough evidence supports its efficacy and safety, it will be covered by insurance in the future.<\/p>\n
If you’re interested in trying LISWT for erectile dysfunction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. Our experienced urologists can help you determine if this treatment is right for you. We also can discuss other erectile dysfunction treatments and other ways we can help you get the erections you want. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you! *Please note that the studies cited were published in peer-reviewed journals and are not based on clinical experience.<\/p>\n
Many men struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED) are seeking relief without the need for medication. Instead, they\u2019re going to health clinics and letting professionals subject their penises to a treatment called shock wave therapy. This method uses sound waves to help improve erections and increase blood flow to the penis. It is a relatively new treatment and is still under investigation, but early results are promising.<\/p>\n
Unlike other ED treatments, which usually involve lifestyle changes and\/or prescription drugs, LISWT can restore blood flow to the penis and reverse the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. It\u2019s also noninvasive, painless, and has no severe long-term side effects.<\/p>\n
Most studies on LISWT use small numbers of patients and short-term follow-up periods, making it hard to determine its long-term safety and efficacy. However, one study that used a randomized double-blinded sham control trial found that LISWT has positive short-term clinical and physiologic effect on vascular erectile function. Specifically, LISWT increases the IIEF-EF score and improves physiologic penile hemodynamics.<\/p>\n
The treatment works by targeting the musculoskeletal tissue to improve erectile blood flow, but it also stimulates the vascular system and increases circulation throughout the body. It\u2019s typically performed in multiple sessions over a few weeks. It is safe for men of all ages and can be performed in a comfortable private room.<\/p>\n
During treatment, you\u2019ll sit in a chair and the shockwaves will be applied to your genital area through a gel-like substance that\u2019s placed on the skin. You\u2019ll hear a clicking sound as the shockwaves pass through your genital region and are transmitted into the surrounding tissue. Most patients find the treatment to be quite relaxing.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in learning more about LISWT, schedule a discreet telehealth consultation with Nicole Miroballi, MSN, WHNP-BC, FNP-C, our dedicated men\u2019s health clinic leader. We\u2019ll ask you about your health history and symptoms and determine if shock wave therapy is a good option for you. The entire process takes place in the comfort of our clinic, and you won\u2019t have to worry about any embarrassing side effects. Contact us today to get started!<\/p>\n