Erectile Dysfunction

What Is Shockwave Therapy

The clinical term for this treatment used by urologists is low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT). During the treatment, a small wand-like device uses targeted sound waves to stimulate penile tissue and encourage blood flow, which can also speed up the healing process. Low-intensity shockwaves have also been shown to grow new blood vessels and improve blood flow in the penis, which is essential for erections.

 

Candidates For Shockwave Therapy

This procedure works best for men with mild erectile dysfunction who are:

• not responding to medications

• not interested in taking medication

• interested in trying other methods to reverse causes of ED

 

Shockwave Therapy Procedure

This procedure is performed in an exam room and does not require anesthesia. You do not need to prepare anything in advance for your appointment.

 

During the procedure, your technician will move a wand-like device around different areas of your penis. At NU Med we use DUOLITH®devices, which emit gentle pulses that trigger increased blood flow. The entire treatment lasts approximately 15 – 20 minutes. Most people see benefits within 1 – 3 months. The initial result can be dramatic and you could need more treatments in the future.

 

Once treatment is complete you should be able to safely drive yourself home. If you experience pain, your doctor will recommend over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Most people can return to normal activity the following day after shockwave therapy, but your technician will discuss whether you should restrict your activity for longer to recover.

 

You may experience some side effects, but they are rare and generally mild. These may include:

• pain/discomfort during the procedure

• bleeding or bruising on and around the penis

• blood in the urine

• skin infection on the penis

• painful erection