An Overview of Shockwave for Vascular ED
Focussed Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) is a specialised form of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and an important distinction from radial shockwave therapy, particularly in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Shockwaves are high-velocity sound waves that differ significantly from regular sound waves. To illustrate, imagine a gun fired in a room with glass windows. The shattering of the glass is caused by the shockwave, not the bullet itself.
Originally, shockwave technology was developed for breaking down kidney stones (lithotripsy). During clinical trials, patients reported unexpected benefits, including reduced musculoskeletal pain, which led researchers to explore other therapeutic uses.
The principle behind FSWT involves generating microtrauma in the targeted tissue, triggering a cellular-level immune response. This response stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, addressing the underlying issue.
FSWT has shown promising results across various medical conditions, with particularly strong outcomes in men’s health. Erectile dysfunction (ED), especially vascular or age-related ED, is one area where FSWT has demonstrated significant effectiveness.
Vascular ED occurs when blood flow to the penis is impaired due to the narrowing of blood vessels, often linked to factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and ageing. Since an erection depends on sufficient blood flow, compromised circulation can result in difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection.
FSWT directly targets the affected area, breaking down calcified deposits in penile arteries. The subsequent healing process promotes new blood vessel formation (neurovascularisation) and stem cell production. Unlike vasodilating medications, which provide only temporary relief, FSWT addresses the root cause of vascular ED, offering a long-term solution.
Extensive clinical studies have documented the efficacy of FSWT. Current research suggests a success rate of 70–75% within 6–12 sessions, making it a viable and effective option for men experiencing vascular ED.
However, it’s important to note that FSWT is not effective for all types of ED. Other causes of ED include:
Psychological factors (e.g., stress or anxiety)
Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone
Neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury
Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of ED is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment typically takes 15-20 minutes and consists of placing the FSWT hand-held device directly onto the penis. The treatment is very well tolerated, with most men reporting a painless experience. FSWT requires no downtime and causes no side-effects.
Treatment will often be spread out across 10 weeks, with one treatment weekly. Most will see a small improvement within two weeks, followed by a period of limited change. However, continuing through the entire treatment plan will often provoke a hockey stick effect- causing significant improvements in frequency and duration of erections.