Erectile Dysfunction

Did you know that about one in five men suffers from erectile dysfunction (ED) – the persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection that enables sexual intercourse? If not, it may be because most men are too reluctant to talk about ED. Men learn to be tough and virile. It can be shocking the first time a man experiences ED; confusion, fear, shame, and anger are common emotions. You’ll seldom hear a man bring the topic up in casual conversation: "Yeah, so I couldn’t get it up last night, fourth time this month. You?” Unfortunately, the stigma prevents some men from seeking help. ED is a common health problem. Statistics indicate the age of the man correlates to the risk of having ED; 45% of 45-year-old men experience ED; 60% of 60-year-old men experience it. Chances are many of the men you know have ED.

Causes of ED

• Vascular related – Heart disease, atherosclerosis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, tobacco/alcohol/drug abuse. Medications including antidepressants, antihistamines, and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate conditions.
• Endocrine related – diabetes is an example of an endocrine disease that can cause ED and nerve damage; impaired blood flow and reduced hormone levels are other complications.
• Neurological and nerve disorders – Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, prostate enlargement, or cancer.
• Psychological causes – depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, stress, and relationship problems.

ED can be frustrating for you and your partner and can even adversely affect your relationship. In terms of treating ED, oral and injectable drugs and surgical implants only address the symptom and create a cycle of dependence.

Drugs such as Viagra and Cialis only provide a temporary solution to ED and can be harmful if not taken as prescribed, while penile implants involve invasive surgery, which comes with an increased risk of infection if you have diabetes. Also, implants have been known to malfunction.

To address your needs, our services include:

• Penile ultrasound, a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to measure blood flow in and around the arteries of the penis.
• Focused shockwave therapy, a nonsurgical treatment option for ED and Peyronie’s disease. Shockwave pulses activate the body's healing response, which results in:
  • Reduction of plaque in restricted blood vessels and arteries, opening them up for improved blood flow
  • Formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization), which bring more blood to the penis
  • Nerve regeneration that induces Schwann cell proliferation
  • Activation of growth factors, which enhance tissue growth and repair

Focused shockwaves release energy inside the tissue where it’s most needed. It’s the reason there is little to no pain during treatment. Compare that with radial acoustic therapy where a topical anesthetic (numbing) cream is recommended to reduce pain caused at the epidermal layer.

At Affirm Clinic in Edmonds, Washington, we use noninvasive, technologically advanced, low-intensity focused shockwave therapy – or simply shockwave therapy – to treat erectile dysfunction.

Focused shockwave treatment sessions are virtually painless and take 30 minutes, start to finish, with no need for topical anesthesia.

Shockwave Therapy for ED

Shockwave therapy is FDA-approved for lithotripsy (kidney stones), lithoplasty (clogged arteries – shockwavemedical.com), and diabetic foot ulcers (sanuwave.com). Shockwave for ED is considered an off-label use at this time. Numerous clinical trials for the treatment have produced excellent results.

ED Treatment in Edmonds & Seattle, WA

Are you a candidate for shockwave therapy to treat erectile dysfunction? To find out, call Affirm Clinic today at (206) 231-6000 to arrange a private consultation with our doctor or request one online and we will contact you.