Lots of men with erectile dysfunction are frustrated by their condition and the standard treatment options. ED medications can have side effects or lose effectiveness over time. Surgery may be an option for some, but most men prefer non-invasive treatment. A new option called “shockwave therapy” is quickly becoming a popular choice for ED treatment.
“Shockwave therapy can reverse the underlying cause of ED,” says D. Scott Christensen, a men’s sexual health Nurse Practitioner with Urology San Antonio. “Low blood flow is the root cause of ED, and increasing blood flow using shockwave therapy can produce better erections and sexual performance.”
Shockwave therapy uses high-frequency sound waves are applied to the penis to stimulate growth of new blood vessels and possibly break down plaque in existing vessels. Treatment is a simple in-office procedure that takes around 15 to 20 minutes to perform. Most patients say it feels like a light tapping or tingling sensation and do not experience pain.
“Anyone with mild to severe ED can likely benefit from shockwave therapy,” says Mr. Christensen. That includes the nearly 50% of men that struggle with getting or maintaining an erection and men who are looking for a better response to oral ED medications.
The typical treatment course is six appointments (one treatment per week for 6 weeks), and 50-80% of patients will report an improvement in their erections 30 days after they have completed the full treatment cycle. Individual results will vary, however, some studies have shown that a positive response can last up to two years.
Each shockwave treatment is $350, and the typical patient will have six treatments. This treatment is new, and currently, insurance companies are not covering shockwave therapy.
Interested in hearing more about shockwave therapy or other ED treatment options? Schedule an appointment with D. Scott Christensen today.
