Erectile Dysfunction is a condition wherein a man finds it difficult or impossible to achieve and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. Erectile Dysfunction may result from poor circulation, damaged nerves, or damaged/blocked blood vessels. It can also be caused by side effects of medications or other health conditions, such as diabetes. Aside from the loss of the ability to have an erection, erectile dysfunction can have a negative impact on the emotional state and self-esteem of the person affected.
Scientific research has found a variety of ways to combat erectile dysfunction, with either prescription drugs or surgery. However, these methods target the symptoms, and not the underlying cause of the condition. While effective for some men, the drug-based remedies can come with a host of side effects. Research has shown that approximately half the patients that need the help experience side effects that are significant enough so as to inhibit sexual activity. Worse, even for patients that can tolerate the side effects, the effectiveness of the drugs diminishes over time as the blockages that caused the problem in the first place become worse. Other patients resort to surgical solutions such as implant surgery, wherein an inflatable device is surgically implanted to create an erection. This surgery is painful, expensive, and can create other problems such as irreversible nerve damage.
There Must Be a Better Way. . .
A more recent scientific breakthrough is the use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy to break up blockages and restore proper blood flow to the pelvic area, allowing for natural erectile function. According to research by Gruenwald et al. (2013), Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy was found to have the ability to provide the energy needed to encourage new blood vessels to form from pre-existing blood vessels. This process is known as angiogenesis, and it is particularly important as impaired or limited blood supply is often the main reason for erectile dysfunction. This therapy is often referred to as “acoustic wave therapy” as well as “extracorporeal shock wave therapy”.
But before the effectiveness of this form of shock wave therapy is examined, it is important to ask and answer the question of:
How does Shock Wave Therapy work?
Shock Wave Therapy uses low-intensity acoustic waves to eliminate blockages and promote the creation of new blood vessels by inducing cellular microtrauma. This process is known as neovascularization. The creation of new blood vessels improves the blood flow in the penis thereby enabling natural and sustainable erections.
Shock Wave Therapy is a non-invasive and painless process. Without the use of needles or drugs, a patient could potentially see vast improvements in as little as three to four weeks, using short, in-office sessions, typically twice a week, of about 15 minutes duration. There is no downtime or recuperative time needed.
Despite the sound scientific theory behind the use of shock wave therapy, there is still the question of:
Does Acoustic Wave Therapy truly treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Several research studies have been dedicated to testing the authenticity of the use of Shock Wave Therapy to treat erectile dysfunction. Vardi et al. (2012), found that not only did the Shock Wave Therapy improve the patient’s ability to achieve an erection, but it also had a physiological effect on the penile structure, suggesting long-term improvements. In addition, a study run by Kitrey et al. (2016), found that comparing a control group with a group that was exposed to Shock Wave Therapy treatment found a 54.1% improvement in the patient’s ability to maintain erections after treatment.
In addition to combating erectile dysfunction, the increased blood flow that results from the afore-mentioned neovascularization re-nourishes nerve endings, resulting in greater sensitivity and stronger, more lasting orgasms.
Aside from the data gained from scientific studies, the result of Shock Wave Therapy on the general population is another indication that not only does the therapy work, but it works well.
Ben M. had this to say when asked about his experience using Acoustic Wave Therapy:
“I didn’t think anyone could help me but the therapy works! This is not a placebo. Instead of disappointment like some meds, this delivers results beyond my hopes.”
And for the gentlemen who are worried that age will have an impact on the effectiveness of the therapy, Jack B. delivers some words of wisdom:
“I’m 79 years old, and I only wish I had known about this years ago. Wow! I never expected such fast results.”
Erectile Dysfunction can sometimes be a difficult personal matter to confront, but with the help of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, a lasting solution to this problem is finally attainable!
