When most men think of erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment, they think of drugs like Viagra® or Cialis®.
While these drugs are effective for many men, they work by temporarily improving blood flow. They do not treat the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction.
That’s why many men ask us low intensity shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) a non-surgical treatment designed to improve erectile function by targeting one of the most common causes of ED: poor blood flow.
At Maze Men’s Healthwe have offered shockwave therapy for years because, for the right patient, it can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan. But like any medical treatment, it is important to understand it who is more likely to benefit and who is not.
How does shock wave therapy work?
Low intensity shock wave therapy uses focused sound waves delivered to specific areas of the penis during a series of short office visits.
Unlike drugs that only work for a few hours, shockwave therapy aims to stimulate biological changes within the tissue. Research shows that these sound waves may encourage the growth of new blood vessels and improve blood flow, two key factors in achieving and maintaining an erection.
The treatment is non-surgical, does not require anesthesia and most men describe it as well tolerated. Sessions are usually completed over several weeks.
Who is the best candidate?
One of the biggest misconceptions about shockwave therapy is that it works for any type of erectile dysfunction.
He doesn’t.
The best candidates are usually men with vascular erectile dysfunctionmeaning their ED is primarily caused by reduced blood flow.
Men whose ED is associated with hormonal imbalances, certain neurological conditions, severe diabetes, pelvic surgery, or psychological factors may require different or additional treatments.
That’s why the first step in Maze Men’s Health isn’t scheduling shockwave therapy, it’s critical Why you face ED in the first place. Our providers perform a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause before recommending treatment.
What does the research show?
Low-intensity shock wave therapy has been extensively studied over the past decade.
Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that many men with mild to moderate angiogenic DM experience significant improvements in erectile function after treatment, particularly compared to placebo.
Maze Men’s Health has also reported encouraging results from its own clinical experience. After the introduction of shock wave therapy in 2018, approx 70% of men with mild erectile dysfunction experienced significant improvementand some no longer met criteria for ED after completion of treatment. Many men with more severe DM also experienced improved results when shockwave therapy was combined with drugs or injections.
While these results are promising, it is important to recognize that responses vary. Shockwave therapy is not a guaranteed cure and selecting the right patients is key to achieving the best results.
How is shockwave therapy different from ED drugs?
Medicines such as Viagra® and Cialis® temporarily improve blood flow and are extremely effective for many men.
Shockwave therapy takes a different approach.
Rather than only working when you take a pill, it’s designed to improve the health of the penile blood vessels over time. The goal is to help some men achieve stronger, more natural erections with less reliance on medication.
For many patients, shock wave therapy is not an alternative to any other treatment, it can become part of an individualized treatment plan.
Because experience matters
Not every clinic that offers shockwave therapy approaches erectile dysfunction the same way.
At Maze Men’s Health, shockwave therapy is never recommended as a one-size-fits-all solution. Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause of DM before treatment recommendations are made.
With over 30 years of experience specializing in men’s sexual health, our providers understand that successful treatment often involves more than one treatment. Whether it’s lifestyle changes, medication, hormone assessment, shockwave therapy or another evidence-based option, the goal is always the same: to help you regain your confidence and improve your quality of life.
Do not settle for treating the symptom yourself
Erectile dysfunction is often a sign that something else is affecting your health, particularly your vascular health.
If you’re dealing with DM, don’t assume that medication is your only option.
At Maze Men’s Healthwe will help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the treatment plan that is most appropriate for you, including whether shock wave therapy may be appropriate.
Schedule a consultation with Maze Men’s Health to find out if Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy could be part of your personalized treatment plan.
