Is Shockwave Therapy a Good Option for Treating ED?
March 28, 2023
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent disease associated with natural aging as well as with several known risk factors. These included chronic conditions like hypertension, heart disease, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypogonadism, as well as with medication-related causes or pelvic surgery.
ED affects about 30% of all men above the age of 40 years and its prevalence steadily increases with age. But, men of all ages can find treatment options to better manage their erectile function. Nonsurgical treatments can include ED medications and/or noninvasive options like low-intensity shockwave therapy.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (or ED medications) can provide temporary relief but ED pills often fail to provide a permanent solution for better erectile function. Prescription PDE5 inhibitors that are commercially available include sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), tadalafil (Cialis), and the more recently approved avanafil (Stendra).
What Happens When ED Meds Don’t Work?
According to the National Institutes of Health, erectile dysfunction medications often fail due to a less precise dosing of PDE5 inhibitors. Older men and those with health impairments like hepatic cirrhosis or renal conditions may need to titrate to a higher dose to achieve the best response. In addition, PDE5 inhibitors do not work well if a man’s testosterone levels are too low. In some cases of erectile dysfunction, low-T therapy and other non-invasive treatments may work better than long-term use of an ED medication.
In addition, PDE5 inhibitors have similar side-effects that can include dyspepsia and headache, and to a lesser extent, myalgia, flushing, low-back pain, and rhinitis. Although the term “treatment failure” is widely used, it is most often due to medications or a patient’s other issues. According to medical experts in the field, the choice of ED treatment should be made by the patient after a men’s health specialist has outlined a personalized action plan that addresses the advantages and disadvantages of each ED treatment option.
Identifying reasons for treatment failures requires a men’s health physician who can address all probabilities, including a complete diagnostic evaluation to identify problems with hypogonadism as well as other hormonal therapies that might be needed to fully treat the cause of ED. Nowadays, it is widely accepted that any man who experiences problems with ED medications should immediately move on to second line therapies as erectile issues are highly treatable but sometimes requires combination treatments.
Long-Term Benefits of Shockwave Treatments
Low intensity shock wave therapy is a perfect example of how regenerative therapy can provide a cost-effective solution for men suffering with plaque-related erectile dysfunction as well as ED caused by Peyronie’s disease. Supported by a strong body of basic science, the data suggests when shockwaves are applied to local tissue it encourages blood vessel and nerve regeneration. This has triggered the use of regenerative therapies to restore and renew functional erectile tissue for improved blood flow.
If you are experiencing ED and it is causing problems in your relationship or daily life, it is important to talk to a men’s healthcare provider like Dr. Earl Eye. Having practiced medicine in Jacksonville for four decades, Dr. Eye is board certified in five medical specialties.
GAINSWave Jacksonville offers individualized concierge health care help men live a healthier, more vibrant life. Low-intensity shockwave treatments that are completely drug free and surgery free can provide a cost-effective option for improving your sexual health. Treatments typically last between 15 to 20 minutes, and best of all, there are little to no side effects and no downtime. Don’t suffer from ED needlessly when you can know for sure which treatment options support the best possible therapeutic benefit for treating your ED.
If you are tired of taking the little blue pill and are interested in non-invasive treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Eye. As your certified GAINSWave™ provider, he will review your symptoms and recommend the right protocol to help you regain and optimize your sexual performance.
