EXTRA-CORPOREAL SOUND WAVE THERAPY (ESWT)
Latest Treatment for Impotence / Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
A new treatment for erectile dysfunction called ESWT is now available.
Impotence / Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an extremely common problem in males, which affects more than 40-60% of men between the ages of 40 and 60 to some degree or the other. A common cause of Erectile Dysfunction is reduced blood flow or vascular supply in the penis, called Vasculogenic ED.
ESWT or Soundwave Therapy is a new treatment option for ED, which aims to improve blood flow in the penis and cure Impotence / Erectile Dysfunction, thus enabling the patient to achieve and maintain dependable erections.
How does ESWT work?
ESWT involves low-intensity sound waves similar to ultrasound waves. The impulses generated by the ESWT machine are focused onto the treatment area, stimulating the treated tissues to grow new micro blood vessels. Research suggests that the improved micro-vessel network increases the blood supply to the penis, resulting in improved erection quality.
How effective is ESWT?
In our clinic, results indicate that treatment improves the quality of erections in over 80% patients with vasculogenic ED or Diabetes.
The treatment has been tested in patients with early and severe erectile dysfunction with the following results:
- Men with early ED who respond to medication such as Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), or Levitra (Vardenafil) – (the so-called 5-Phosphodiesterase inhibitors) – In one study, 77% of men in this group were cured, achieving spontaneous erections and intercourse without medication.
- Men with severe ED, not responding to 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors – 70% of these men with severe ED started to respond to medication after ESWT, returning to a sex life with the help of 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitor tablets. They were able to discontinue more cumbersome or invasive treatments such as vacuum pumps or injection therapy.
Who will benefit from ESWT?
Patients with vasculogenic ED or Diabetes are the best candidates for this therapy.
In the case of impotence due to other causes, such as Prostate Surgery, Trauma, Peyronie’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease or other similar causes, some men may have a combination of poor penile blood flow along with another cause for their ED and it is possible they may still benefit from the treatment.
How do I know whether I have vasculogenic ED?
Poor penile blood flow is reportedly the commonest reason for ED and is present in 70% of men with Organic or Non-psychological ED. Some patients may already have a diagnosis of vascular problems, such as previous heart attack or stroke.
Many others may have risk factors for vascular disease that make vasculogenic ED more likely such as high Blood Pressure, high Cholesterol and a history of smoking.
The history obtained from the patient in a large percentage of cases would suggest or rule out ED due to vascular insufficiency. However, the doctor might advise certain tests including a Penile Doppler to make a firm diagnosis of ED due to vascular insufficiency to find out who is likely to benefit from this treatment.
How is the ESWT treatment carried out?
ESWT is given as an out-patient treatment in a series of 12 short treatment sessions spread over nine weeks. The treatment is given twice weekly during Weeks 1-3, followed by a break of three weeks (Weeks 4-6). Then follow a further three weeks with twice-weekly treatments (weeks 7-9).
Are there any side effects with ESWT?
ESWT is a non-invasive and entirely pain-free treatment that does not require any additional medication. A gentle tapping sensation may be felt during the treatment. To date, there are no reported side-effects during or after the treatment and the treatment is considered to be extremely safe. Patients are able to return to their daily routines immediately following each treatment session.
What are the longer term outcomes from ESWT?
Early evidence shows that results have been maintained for up to two years after treatment. This is the longest follow-up currently available, as Soundwave Therapy is a new treatment.
How is ESWT different from other ED treatments?
The usual ED treatments involve medication which carry the risk of side effects, work only during a set time window, often require a degree of planning of sexual activity and incur ongoing drug costs. Using a Vacuum pump is cumbersome and kills spontaneity. Surgical options like Microsurgery and Penile Implants are available but they carry their own risks for complications. ESWT is a non-invasive, non – pharmacological, non – surgical therapy which aims to trigger a natural mechanism that improves penile blood flow and may allow restoration of penile function and sexual spontaneity without need for ongoing treatment.