Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction)

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - What it is

What is Erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is one of the commonest problems experienced by men as they age.

It is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Symptoms of ED may include difficulty in achieving and/or maintaining an erection, having weak or soft erection that is not firm enough for penetration, as well as poor libido.

There are various treatment options for ED including oral medication, injections, vacuum devices, surgery and ESWT.

What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or ESWT is a type of treatment for ED. It is a low intensity shockwave treatment when applied to different areas of the penis results in the stimulation of new blood vessel growth.

With more blood vessels, there is improvement blood flow to the penis which improves the ability to achieve a full erection.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - Symptoms

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - How to prevent?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - Causes and Risk Factors

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - Diagnosis

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - Treatments

erectile dysfunction

In general, this is what happens during treatment:

You will be positioned comfortably on the treatment table.
A focused shockwave is then delivered to several areas on the penis
These areas include the side of perineum, base of the penis and the shaft of the penis (see picture below).

Each treatment will last around 20mins per session.

During the treatment, you may feel a tapping sensation on the treatment area as the shockwaves pass harmlessly through your body.

There are total of 6 sessions (once a week) to complete therapy.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - Preparing for surgery

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - Post-surgery care

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (erectile dysfunction) - Other Information

Complications from shockwave therapy are rare, but may include the following:

Mild pain/ache around the treatment area
Mild bruises
Blood in the urine (very rare)

Symptoms may last up to 24 hours. During this period of time, please avoid strenuous activity. Please seek medical attention if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Caution

If you are currently having blood coagulation disorder or on any blood-thinner medication, please consult doctor for suitability for this shockwave treatment.

Follow up

Our specialist doctor will follow up with you after the completion of the sessions to review the response of the treatment. Retreatment of the therapy (up to 18 sessions) may be recommended to further improve the response.