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Almost every men in their life would have experienced trouble having an erection. But that does not mean you have erectile dysfunction. Let’s talk about what it is and erectile dysfunction treatment options.

What is Erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, or ED is the type of sexual dysfunction in which the penis fails to become or stay erect during sexual activity. It is the most common sexual problem in men and it affects as many as 30 million men. 

Prevalence of ED is high in:

  • Men with diabetes
  • Older patients
  • Hypertensive patients
  • Anxiety

Causes of Erectile dysfunction (ED):

  1. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes : High blood pressure or hight blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels which is essential for an erection.
  2. Certain hypertension, depression and allergy medications
  3. Treatment of prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate : Surgery andor radiation for cancers in the lower abdomen or pelvis affect’s the penis’ functionality.
  4. Use of tobacco or alcohol
  5. Obese
  6. Lack of exercise
  7. Sleep disorders

Erectile dysfunction is caused when the blood flow in the penis is limited or nerves are harmed.

Erectile dysfunction treatment:

There are many treatment options for erectile dysfunction:

  1. Medicines: There are many prescription medications like sildenafil, tadalafil to treat sexual function problems. But do not take any of these medications if you are taking nitrates for your heart. Please check with your doctor about any possible medicine interactions.
  2. Testosterone: Low testosterone can cause ED. So taking testosterone can help you to have normal erections or work in combination with other medicine.
  3. Vacuum device: The plastic tube in this device creates low pressure erection and helps to maintain the erection which is enough for sex.
  4. Injection or suppository: This method is for immediate erection. You can inject a medicine into the side of the penis with a small needle or place a tiny pill in the urethra.
  5. Implant: Penile implant are place inside the penis. Doctors recommend this option only when the other treatments don’t work. 

But many of these options have side effects like blocked ejaculation, penile discomfort, bruising of penis, penile pain and prolonged erections. 

Other treatment option for ED (Not FDA approved):

There are many ways to treat ED. Shockwave therapy could be used as a long term treatment option.

Shockwave therapy is one of the many treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED). But you should know that it is not FDA approved. This pill-free treatment has been supported by many studies and have shown encouraging results.

Shockwave therapy appears to work best for men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, which is a blood vessel disorder that affects blood flow to tissue in the penis.

Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction

What is shock wave therapy?

It is a noninvasive therapy that’s been used in orthopedics for years to help heal broken bones, injured ligaments, and injured tendons. The clinical term for shockwave therapy is low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT).

Shockwave therapy for Erectile dysfunction treatment:

Healthy blood flow to the penile tissue is necessary for successful erection. Shockwave therapy can repair and strengthen blood vessels in the penis and improve blood flow. If we take medicines like sildenafil, tadalafil, it works the same way. But, these medicines have multiple side-effects

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy is administered with a wand-like device placed near different areas of the penis. A healthcare provider moves the device along parts of your penis for about 15 minutes while it emits gentle pulses. 

It sends targeted high-energy sound waves. These acoustic waves increases blood flow, speed up tissue repair and cell growth. It forms new blood vessels which again helps to improve blood flow. Both of these changes can lead to erections sufficient for sex.

During this procedure you might feel a little pain or discomfort at the treatment area. There is no need for anaesthesia.

Shockwave therapy recommendation for ED:

There’s currently no established recommendation for treatment period or frequency.

Most common treatment plan was twice weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 3 weeks without treatments, and another 3-weeks of twice-weekly treatments.

The analysis found that the effects of shockwave therapy lasted about a year.

Side-effects of shockwave therapy for ED/ Is shock wave therapy painful?

Currently there are no established side-effects; therefore more research needs to be done to determine side effects, complications, and long-term effectiveness

More and more men are shifting towards shockwave therapy for the treatment of vascular erectile dysfunction as it has several advantages in comparison to other treatments like

  • Shockwave therapy is painless
  • It has no side-effects
  • It is non invasive and clinically proven
  • And it takes only 15 minutes per session 

Conclusion:

ED is a common problem. 95% of ED is treatable, there are various treatment options available. Talk to your doctor as finding a satisfying solution to Ed can be a life changing event for many men and their partners.


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