Focused low-intensity shockwave therapy (LIWST) is a safe, nonsurgical treatment option for men suffering from erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease. Not every person is a candidate for the treatment, but recent clinical trials have shown positive results for a number of patients, particularly for men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. It is a painless type of treatment that can be performed in as quick as 15 to 20 minutes per session, making it an ideal option for those desiring an instant solution.
Erectile Dysfunction
It is not uncommon for most men to fail to achieve or keep an erection from time to time, but if it becomes more frequent, it could be a sign of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection or ejaculate on a regular basis. ED can be a distressing condition, and it is calculated that up to 30 million men are suffering from it. ED can be caused by a number of physical and emotional problems. Among its risk factors are an advancing age and cardiovascular conditions.
Sexual arousal in men is an intricate process. It involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels—healthy, robust blood vessels are crucial to achieving and sustaining an erection. Any underlying heart or circulatory problem can result in erectile dysfunction. Cardiac conditions, endocrine, and neurological disorders; medications; and psychological factors are all likely causes of erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs can also have an impact on a man’s ability to achieve or sustain an erection.
Peyronies Disease
Peyronies disease is a condition where plaque or scar tissue develops under the skin of the penis, causing it to curve or become indented during erections. While most men with this condition can still have sexual intercourse, there are some who find it painful and difficult to engage in enjoyable sexual relations.
Focused Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy
Focused low-intensity shockwave therapy has been used in the orthopedic field for years to heal injuries, but it is a relatively recent treatment approach for ED and Peyronie’s disease. It has been proven to work at a cellular level to repair and strengthen blood vessels, speed up tissue repair and cell growth, and promote healthy blood flow and nerve regeneration.
It is administered with a wand-like device that is placed near different areas of the penis, emitting gentle pulses of high-energy soundwaves at a speed of 1,500 meters/second. It releases energy inside the tissue where it’s most needed to activate your body’s natural healing process.
Currently, shockwave therapy for both erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease is considered an off-label use at this time, but there have been numerous clinical trials for the treatment that have yielded excellent results.
Treatment Benefits
Focused low-intensity shockwave therapy uses shockwave pulses to activate the body’s healing response, which results in—
- reduction of plaque in restricted blood vessels and arteries, thereby improving blood flow
- formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization), bringing more blood to the penis
- nerve regeneration, which stimulates Schwann cell proliferation
- activation of growth factors, enhancing tissue growth and repair
Focused low-intensity shockwave therapy is virtually painless, with patients only occasionally reporting some tingling sensation. Unlike radial acoustic treatments that can be painful enough to require a topical anesthesia to reduce pain caused at the epidermal layer, focused shockwaves release the highest energy at the focal point within the tissue, causing little to no pain.
Focused low-intensity shockwave therapy is carried out as an outpatient procedure, with treatment sessions taking less than 30 minutes, allowing you to be able to return to your daily routine as quickly as possible. Several treatment sessions may be required, which will be scheduled over 3 to 6 weeks apart to ensure the efficacy.
Shockwave Therapy in Edmond, Washington
If you are coping with a sexual health issue such as erectile dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease, it may be time to seek professional advice in order to get to the root of the problem and obtain the treatment you need. At Affirm Clinic, our professional and discreet providers offer a number of different treatment options, including low-intensity focused shockwave therapy. We understand and are highly sensitive to your needs— our goal is to help restore your virility by diagnosing and treating your condition.
Call us today at (206) 231-6000 or complete our convenient online request form to schedule an appointment at our Edmond office, or to find out more about the services we offer and whether you are a candidate for shockwave therapy.