AWT isn’t FDA-approved to treat ED, but Dr. Seth Cohen, a board-certified urologist based in New York city, recently addressed the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) and cited “equivocal results” from recent clinical trials.Â
“Numerous clinical studies have shown that AWT is very safe and effective at improving erectile functioning,” says Dr. Alex Paziotopoulos, a physician in Chicago. “We’re glad to let men know that there are no known side effects of AWT.”
The ED treatment works by improving blood flow to the penis, which may improve sexual performance. The sound wave energy is believed to help repair old or damaged blood vessels and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (called neovascularization), which allows for better blood flow. It's a promising long-term solution compared to temporary alternatives, such as Viagra or Cialis.
To administer shockwave therapy for ED, your doctor will apply the device to your penis. A typical session lasts about 20 minutes, and most men don’t find it painful or need anesthesia.Â
RealSelf Tip: Shockwave therapy for ED can be combined with another experimental treatment option: PRP therapy, sometimes called the P-Shot. In the procedure, your provider injects platelet-rich plasma (derived from your own blood) into your penis via a tiny needle. The growth factors in PRP are believed to promote healing and tissue growth, promoting blood flow that may lead to stronger erections.