Will acoustic wave therapy help erectile dysfunction in men?

ED can be a multifactorial problem for aging men. Consultation is important. Testosterone levels and male estradiol levels should be looked at. A good medical history and social history ie. smoking should be taken. AWT uses wave forms that are faster than sound they cause a microtrauma to the erectile tissue and the body heals itself producing new blood supply and flow. We also employ the Priapus or P-Shot sometimes for men who have problems. This uses your blood platelets to help rebuild blood supply. See an experienced provider. Hope this helps. JB

Acoustic wave therapy has been shown in multiple clinical studies to assist in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The majority of the studies done used what is called a "focused" shock wave device such as the Storz Duolith we use at Renew MediSpa. Weekly sessions x 6 to 12 (depends on the severity of the ED) followed by occasional maintenance sessions is the recommended course of treatment. The focused devices are the most comfortable, do not require numbing prior, and have no downtime. The procedure is also commonly referred to as 'Gainswave'. It is frequently combined with PRP injection - the "P shot", and more recently with "Bocox" which is injection of botox into the shaft of the penis every 6 to 9 months for further enhancement of blood flow. The latter has shown effectiveness even in men who were failing oral and injectable meds for ED.

Numerous clinical studies have shown that acoustic wave therapy, sometimes referred to as, shockwave therapy is very safe and effective at improving erectile functioning.  We have had great results at our clinic using acoustic wave therapy to treat ED and it is a cornerstone of the treatment protocols we provide.  We are glad to let men know that there are no known side effects of acoustic wave therapy; it will do no harm.  The same cannot be said for pharmaceuticals like Viagra or Cialis.
However, there are a number of factors to consider in deciding upon the treatment regimen that will give the best results.  For example, when men are generally in good health; not taking medications for high blood pressure or diabetes; are non-smokers with a relatively healthy body weight, often a course of acoustic wave treatments in conjunction with a pump to be used at home for 8 weeks or so after the treatments are concluded, to boost the healing response, can yield great results.  
When we work with men who have a more severe problem; are taking medications long term that can cause difficulties with achieving and maintaining an erection; have found that Viagra or Cialis which used to work initially, but now, after increasing the dosage, are finding that they no longer create an erection -  combining acoustic wave therapy with P shots and supplements can be a much more effective protocol, giving faster, better and more long lasting results.  
Whether you receive acoustic wave therapy on its own or in combination with P shots, we always recommend men use a pump twice daily for 10 minutes beginning when the treatment commences and for at least 8 weeks following the treatment.  The pump helps to bring blood flow to the area which optimizes the healing response and maximizes long term results. 

I have very good success with my program which is a combination of acoustic wave therapy (Gainswave), P shot and sometimes supplements or medications.Maverick Male Medical in Fayetteville, AR.

 Clinical studies show that acoustic wave therapy improves erectile dysfunction in about 70% of cases. This treatment aims to restore the erectile mechanism to enable natural or spontaneous erections. One of the main causes of erectile dysfunction is impaired blood flow to the penis which can happen because various reasons. Studies have shown that Acoustic wave therapy produces microtrauma to the penile tissue which stimulates angiogenesis (the formation of new vasculature) thereby improving blood flow to the penile tissues. Of course there other conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction which include psychological issues, hormonal factors such as low testosterone, enzyme abnormalities such as high phosphodiesterase level, and other various medical conditions. It is important to talk to a doctor who is knowledgeable about acoustic wave therapy to discuss your situation. 

The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is vaso-occlusive disease.  This means the blood vessels in the penis are occluded and/or to not dilate or relax as they once did, allowing adequate blood flow to the penis to facilitate an erection.  The theory behind "Wave Therapy" is to stimulate the body to grow new blood vessels throughout the penis by a process known as angiogenesis.  Once a new, adequate blood supply is established, and as long as the erectile tissue has no become fibrosed, erectile function should return.
Thank you for your question and I hope this helps
Richard Freier, M.D.  

Robust data shows that Acoustic wave, better known as shockwave, therapy improves ED in about 70-85% of cases.  This is a general percentage addressing all people seeking the treatment, but a focused consultation with provider knowledgeable in erectile dysfunction can provide a much better estimate of success for any given man's specific ED problem.  There are several different causes of ED, and the success rate will depend on both the underlying causes AND the severity/duration of the problem.  Your best bet is to find a provider dedicated to sexual medicine, and ideally a urologist with deep knowledge of the anatomy and nuances of erectile function. 
We have had excellent results with shockwave therapy, but it may not always be the best choice of treatment depending on the underlying causes and any associated factors.  To achieve the best results, the man's hormonal and vascular status must be optimized.  Many centers are now introducing shockwave therapy as an option in their offerings for ED treatment--largely because the data proves it is effective.  To get optimal results, look for providers with an extensive history in treating all male sexual dysfunction problems because you will ultimately get better results and a more honest approach. 
The best answer as to how this therapy works is that it helps to restore the function of the smooth muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa.  The health of these smooth muscle cells are the key to the hydraulic mechanism within the penis.  Shockwaves cause these cells, and the tissue around them, to secrete the body's own growth and healing factors. These growth factors restore and rejuvenate the smooth muscle cells so they respond and work much better--like they were when the man was younger.  The end result, in the appropriately chosen man, is to restore the normal hydraulics to the erectile cylinders in the penis.  That is a brief explanation of a fairly complex biologic process, but the beauty of it is that we have solid data available that proves this mechanism.  
I hope that helps you understand that shockwave therapy for ED is not only effective in the appropriately chosen man, but that it should be first line treatment since it is addressing the underlying problem leading to the dysfunction instead of just treating the symptom which is what the meds like Viagra and Cialis do!   

Thank you for your question. There are many causes of erectile dysfunction including low testosterone levels, stress and anxiety, medications, medical problems, and decreased blood flow. Acoustic wave therapy is effective for many men in the case of decreased blood flow. The exact mechanism is not known. The two most common theories are that it opens blockages in the penile blood vessels or that it causes micro-vascular damage that results in new blood vessel development. It typically takes 6-12 treatments to get an optimal effect. I recommend seeking a consultation with a physician who specializes in hormone replacement therapy and erectile dysfunction so that the cause of your problem can be determined and appropriate therapy recommended.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

It takes about 3 months to see results, but it does work at regenerating blood vessels and nerves that help with regaining erections.