Mens Health
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is not only the inability to get an erection sufficient for penetration but failing to maintain an erection during intercourse.
One of the major causes of ED (erectile dysfunction) is restricted blood flow to the penis – the amount of blood in the cavernous bodies may then not be enough to cause an erection. This type of ED is called vascular erectile
dysfunction.
Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction (impotence)
Men with ED are often treated by the GP with oral medications. However, they are not the only way to treat erectile dysfunction. One of the alternatives is shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is a relatively new and innovative treatment for ED as well as long standing tendon and soft tissue problems. The clinically proven method has been used for the treatment of various medical conditions for more than 30 years.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials showed that shockwave ‘significantly improves erectile function in patients with vasculogenic ED. (caused by dysfunction of blood vessels)
In trials shockwave had a success rate in excess of 70% and often helped patients reduce or stop taking medication altogether.
Other conditions treated using shockwave therapy
Peyronie’s disease
- Painful erections or a bend or curve in the penis
- ‘Lumps’ in the penis
- 6-10% of men between 40 & 70 suffer
Peyronie’s disease is caused by ‘plaque’ formation in the shaft of the penis. This can be caused by trauma to the tissues. Shockwave is clinically proven to reduce the size of the plaque and reduce pain. This can sometimes reduce the angle of curvature and is more effective when combined with other strategies that your therapist will discuss with you.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (non-bacterial prostatitis)
- An unidentifiable cause of pelvic pain lasting more than 3 months
- Pain in the pelvic, genital and perineal area
- Urgent and frequent urination
- Sexual dysfunction or ejaculatory pain
- Psychological depression
- Unresponsive to conventional treatment
- Impacts 5-10% of adult men
Chronic pelvic pain condition can affect men of any age, but is most common in older men who have an enlarged or irritated prostate. The exact causes of this condition are unknown, It is thought that in some men there may be inflammation in the area without a specific cause, in others, the pain may be coming from the muscles or nerves in the area.
Penile blood supply before treatment
Penile blood supply after treatment
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Frequently asked questions
How does shockwave improve erectile dysfunction?
Shockwave works by:
- Stimulating the release of nitric oxide – a chemical that dilates the vessels to increase blood flow
- Stimulating the growth of new blood vessels in the area (this process can take from 8-12 weeks)
- Stimulating repair processes in damaged tissue by speeding up the healing rate
Is shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction painful?
No!
We use the most up to date focused shockwave machine made by Storz Medical. There are no side effects and you can continue with your day afterwards.
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
- Heart disease
- Prostate disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol
- Lifestyle factors: excessive alcohol, smoking, obesity
- Relationship difficulties
- Anxiety / depression
- Lack of testosterone
Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to avoid erectile dysfunction?
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise daily
- Reduce stress and anxiety
Shockwave therapy can improve erectile dysfunction but if there is no modification to lifestyle then the problem may return.
What are the benefits?
- Treats the cause, not just the symptoms
- Enables spontaneous erections
- Visible results within 3 weeks
- Offers proven clinical long-term results
- Completely safe with no side effects
- Non-invasive, totally painless
- Triggers natural repair mechanisms by increasing blood flow
- Restores sex life with stronger, firmer, longer-lasting erections
- 70%+ success Rate
How is Shockwave applied?
Shockwaves are pulses of high frequency sound waves – not electrical shocks!
Ultrasound gel is applied to the therapy head of the Focused device and a low energy level is selected. We can then apply shockwaves to the penis or perineal area (see video at top of page) and gradually increase the intensity so that it is tolerable to the patient. Most patients can easily tolerate the energy levels required for Men’s health. Any initial sensitivity quickly calms down but we will work with the patient to make sure they are comfortable.
Will I have complete discretion?
Your enquiries and treatment are handled with the utmost discretion. Appointment confirmation and reminders will list ‘Focused shockwave’ as the treatment choice.
We will need to speak to you before you attend but will always check you are comfortable and able to talk to us before we proceed. This is mainly to confirm that you have seen a Doctor and they have diagnosed ED (impotence). More importantly, we need to know that you have been screened for the more serious caused of ED such as heart disease, diabetes and prostate disease. This normally will involve some simple blood tests, a blood pressure check and possibly a prostate check.
If you are struggling to get to see your GP you can order a blood screening kit from various online companies. The one that has been recommended to us is Blue Horizon. We have no affiliation with this company.
We may still be able to treat you if you have heart disease or diabetes.
Your treatment will always be delivered by the same practitioner – Mr Danny Emery
We also use shockwave therapy to treat several other conditions such as tendon problems (Achilles, Tennis elbow) and plantar fasciitis as well as our osteopathic patients attending for muscle or joint issues, so no one will be sure why you are attending.
Payments and receipts will show up as ‘Newquay osteopaths’.
In studies focused shockwave treatment improves erectile dysfunction in 70%+ of cases but we cannot guarantee that the treatment will have the desired result. We will do everything in our power to ensure current protocols and guidelines are followed. The treatment is non-refundable.
What is the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of shockwave therapy?
Shockwave treatment of erectile dysfunction – Ilan Gruenwald, Boaz Appel, Noam D. Kitrey, Yoram Vardi, 2013 (sagepub.com) – Learn more.
Twelve-Month Efficacy and Safety of Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Who Do Not Respond to Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors – PMC (nih.gov) – Learn more.
Evaluation of clinical efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction rate after low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction: an Australian first open-label single-arm prospective clinical trial – PubMed (nih.gov) – Learn more.
Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy Improves Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients With Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction: A Triplex Ultrasonography-Based Sham-Controlled Trial – PubMed (nih.gov) – Learn more.
A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial Using a Second-Generation Duolith SD1 Low-Intensity Shockwave Machine in Males with Vascular Erectile Dysfunction – PubMed (nih.gov) – Learn more.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that assess the efficacy of low-intensity shockwave therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction – Learn more.
Prostate cancer patients to trial ground-breaking shockwave therapy
A trial by Guys and St Thomas’ NHS trust, London. Learn more
Men’s Health Prices
Initial assessment – £50 (this fee is deducted from the cost of any treatment you have and can be done at the clinic or remotely
Course of 6 treatments – £1500
Follow up sessions (after the initial 6) – £250 per session