What is Shock Wave Therapy and how is it used for Erectile Dysfunction?

You may be aware that shock wave therapy comes in many forms and has been used to treat many medical conditions. Perhaps the best know application of the medical use of shock waves is in the treatment of kidney stones. This was developed in the late 1970s in Germany and has been utilized for nearly forty years. This treatment has enabled literally thousands of patients to have their painful kidney stones treated without the need for surgery.

A much lower energy shock wave has been used to treat a painful condition of the foot, known as plantar fasciitis.

Ten years ago a study was conducted through the Technion Medical School in Haifa, to investigate whether low energy shock waves could stimulate blood vessel regeneration in men with erectile dysfunction. In the study, painless shock waves were applied to the penis and surrounding tissue over a period of several week. The study was double blinded, meaning that half of the patients received the actual therapy, and half received a sham (placebo) treatment. Neither the physician nor patient knew which therapy had been applied. Results were measured by a standard questionnaire given to patients prior to and following the treatment. Results indicated a significant improvement in erectile function in patients who had received the genuine treatment.

This study was the first of many studies performed in academic medical centers that seem to indicate improved erections in many patients who undergo shock wave therapy.

Many questions remain to be answered regarding this promising therapy. The optimal number of treatments,  number of shocks and strength of the shock wave, remain to be determined. Which patients have a greater or less chance of success with this treatment?

Until the past few years, treatment of erectile dysfunction has centered on helping patients achieve erections with medication or surgical devices without addressing the primary cause of the condition. With the introduction of shock wave therapy, there is now a treatment that offers the potential to treat the underlying problem and restore a man’s sexual function.