What is shockwave therapy?

The clinical term for shockwave therapy is low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT). It’s a noninvasive therapy that’s been used in orthopedics for years to help heal broken bones, injured ligaments, and injured tendons.

LiSWT has also been used to improve wound healing. Using targeted high-energy sound waves, LiSWT can speed up tissue repair and cell growth.

Erections rely on healthy blood flow to the penile tissue. Shockwave therapy is viewed favorably as a way of repairing and strengthening blood vessels in the penis and improving blood flow.

Increasing blood flow to the penis is the same goal of more traditional ED treatments, such as oral medications. 

How does it work?

Shockwave therapy is administered with a wand-like device placed near different areas of the penis. A healthcare provider moves the device along parts of your penis for about 15 minutes while it emits gentle pulses. No anaesthesia is needed.

The pulses trigger improved blood flow and tissue remodelling in the penis. Both of these changes can lead to erections sufficient for sex.

There’s currently no established recommendation for the treatment period or frequency.

However, a 2019 review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that the most common treatment plan was twice weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 3 weeks without treatments and another 3-weeks of twice-weekly treatments.

The analysis found that the effects of shockwave therapy lasted about a year.

What does the research say?

The same 2019 review and meta-analysis found that erectile function significantly improved with shockwave therapy. Results were best among men with vasculogenic ED.

A 2010 pilot study found that among 20 men with vasculogenic ED, all experienced improved erectile function after 6 months of shockwave treatment. Follow-up with the men found no adverse effects.

Despite this encouraging research, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved shockwave therapy as a treatment for ED. Some doctors may still offer shockwave therapy for ED, but use outside of a research setting is considered off-label.

FDA approvals for new treatments are always accompanied by guidelines for doctors to follow and side effects to be shared with patients.

As with any unapproved treatment, if you choose to do shockwave therapy for ED, there may be risks that aren’t properly explained, or you may be spending money on a treatment that doesn’t live up to its promises.

Additionally, treatments that haven’t been approved by the FDA usually aren’t covered by insurance.

According to a statement from the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), there isn’t enough “robust clinical trial data” to support the widespread clinical use of shockwave therapy. The SMSNA recommends that shockwave therapy only be done under strict research protocols.

Risks and side effects

Shockwave therapy is painless for most men. And as previously stated, available research has found few, if any, side effects.

However, that doesn’t mean that the procedure is safe. It’s still a relatively new therapy, and more research needs to be done to determine side effects, complications, and long-term effectiveness.

Getting treatment

Occasional episodes of ED are normal. Stress, lack of sleep, alcohol use, or temporary hormonal changes, among other factors, can make it difficult to maintain an erection. However, if ED becomes more frequent and is affecting your sex life, see your doctor.

If you’re interested in shockwave therapy, know it’s still experimental. Some doctors don’t want to use it until further research confirms its safety and effectiveness.

Still, if you’re looking for a pill-free treatment and aren’t interested in invasive procedures, talk with your urologist about shockwave therapy and where such a treatment may be available in your area.

Remember that your doctor may also recommend that you try a more commonly used treatment first. Common treatments for ED include:

• Medications. 
• Lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, changing your diet, and getting enough exercise may help combat ED.
• Counseling. If psychological issues, such as anxiety, stress, or relationship problems, are causing ED, talking with a therapist or counselor may help.
• Treating underlying health conditions. Health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes can contribute to ED.

Takeaway

The desire for an erectile dysfunction treatment that works consistently and over a long period is fueling research around the world.

Shockwave therapy has proven to be effective in treating some medical conditions. If you’re interested in getting shockwave therapy, talk to your doctor first. They can help you decide if this might be an option for you and possibly direct you to a reputable provider.