Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical problem that affects 40-70% of men in the United States, and it becomes more common as we age. Fortunately, medical solutions can help relieve ED symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Alfred Shtainer, MD, FACS, has extensive experience treating erectile dysfunction in men of all ages, using an individualized approach for maximum benefits. In this post, learn about one of those treatments — shockwave therapy — and how it works to reduce or even eliminate ED and its symptoms.
Shockwave therapy uses tiny “doses” of energy to stimulate circulation and natural healing responses, improving blood flow and optimizing penile health. The treatment itself is noninvasive, requiring neither incisions nor anesthesia. Best of all, it’s especially good at treating the most common type of ED: vascular ED.
Achieving and maintaining an erection depends on an ample supply of blood flow to your penis. Yet aging causes many men to develop issues that interfere with normal circulation, dramatically increasing the risk of erection-related problems.
Shockwave therapy helps by stimulating circulation and encouraging new blood vessel growth, increasing the overall blood supply to the penis, as well. Electrical stimulation also increases the production of a chemical called nitric oxide that helps blood vessels relax and expand so they can accommodate more blood.
At the same time, measured bursts of electrical energy help gently break apart abnormal scar tissue that can interfere with erectile activity. Plus, it stimulates new nerve growth for heightened sensitivity and satisfaction.
While the idea of sending electrical shocks through your penis may sound more than just a little unpleasant, the fact is, most men are surprised to find that shockwave therapy is well tolerated — comfortable, even. Most patients receiving shockwave therapy report a tingling sensation as energy waves painlessly penetrate deeper layers of tissue.
Treatment begins with the application of a special conductive gel. This gel helps transmit energy pulses more effectively, while also improving contact between the applicator device and your skin.
During therapy, Dr. Shtainer passes the applicator over the surface of your skin, adjusting the wave intensity throughout your treatment. Each treatment session takes about 15-20 minutes, and afterward, there’s no downtime — you can go right back to your routine.
Some men notice improvements in erectile function after a single treatment, but most men achieve maximum effects with a series of treatments over 3-4 weeks. Dr. Shtainer recommends a treatment plan for each patient based on their needs for optimal results.
Shockwave therapy is a safe, effective ED treatment for many men, but it’s not always the best choice. Scheduling an initial evaluation is the first step toward finding a therapy that works for you.
To learn more about shockwave therapy and other patient-centered treatments for ED, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Shtainer and the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York, today.
