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Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread sexual condition that affects around 151 million men around the world. Moreover, ED affects nearly half of all men aged 40-70 years old.
A variety of things can contribute to the development of ED—age, preexisting medical conditions, and mental health concerns, to name a few.
Thankfully, there are a variety of therapeutic alternatives to choose from, such as shockwave therapy.
Shockwave therapy is a recently popular therapy with promising results in most studies.
Recommended for its efficacy and painless treatment, this therapy can help you regain erectile function by inducing the growth and regeneration of blood vessels.
By treating yourself with shockwave therapy, you can be free from symptomatic erectile dysfunction for 2 years or more.
To gain a better understanding of shockwave therapy, let’s explore the different types of erectile dysfunction it can treat and their underlying causes.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as acoustic wave therapy or extracorporeal shock wave therapy, is a non-invasive option for treating erectile dysfunction that has gained a resurgence in popularity in clinical trials over recent years.
This treatment involves the use of electric pulses to stimulate penile blood flow and improve erectile function.
According to a recent study, nearly 75% of men who received shockwave therapy have reported having an improvement in their erectile function.
This innovative treatment option is safe, painless, and has no side effects, making it a preferred choice for many men looking to improve their sexual health.
So if you’re struggling with ED and looking for a solution, consider shockwave therapy as an ED treatment to help you potentially restore erectile function.
Erectile Dysfunction: What Is It and Its Types
Erectile dysfunction, often shortened as ED, is defined as the failure to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is often associated with older men, but it can affect any man of any age and can greatly deteriorate their overall well-being.
There are several types of ED, each with its own unique causes and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types:
- Organic ED: ED caused by physical issues such as obesity, heart disease, or low testosterone levels.
- Psychogenic ED: ED is caused by psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Mixed ED: ED is caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors.
- Vasculogenic ED: ED is caused by problems with the blood vessels in the penis.
- Neurogenic ED: ED is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction in the pelvis or spinal cord.
If you are struggling with ED, it is important to speak with a local erectile dysfunction doctor to determine the underlying cause and find the best treatment option for your specific needs.
Types of ED Treatable by Shockwave Therapy
ED is a widespread issue. Fortunately, there are restorative ED treatment protocols such as shockwave therapy that can help.
Here are the primary types of ED, along with their associated causes, that shockwave therapy can treat.
1. Vasculogenic ED
This type of ED is caused by blockages in the blood vessels and arteries that surround the penis. It’s commonly also associated with cardiovascular and blood flow issues.
Shockwave therapy can help improve blood flow to the penis by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels.
With the help of low-intensity acoustic waves, shockwave therapy can induce a trigger of growth hormones. This, in turn, leads to the growth of new blood vessels in the affected area.
A review of various studies has shown that shockwave therapy has significant improvement in erectile function, with benefits lasting even 12 months after treatment.
2. Neurogenic ED
This type of ED is caused by nerve damage or dysfunction in the pelvis or spinal cord. Shockwave therapy can help improve nerve function and increase sensitivity in the penis.
In addition to its effects on blood flow and erectile function, shockwave therapy may also have a positive effect on the nervous system in the penis.
Research has shown that shockwave therapy can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in the growth, survival, and maintenance of nerve cells.
Another study further showed that shockwave therapy preserves nerve function in the penis, leading to improved sensation and sexual function.
3. Psychogenic ED
This type of ED is caused by psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
While shockwave therapy may not directly treat these issues, it can help improve erectile function, which may in turn improve the psychological causes of ED.
Psychogenic ED, also known as psychological ED or sexual performance anxiety, is characterized by the presence of erectile dysfunction despite normal physiological function.
It can be caused by a variety of psychological factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and performance anxiety.
One small study involving 21 men with psychogenic ED found that those who received shockwave therapy had a significant improvement in erectile function.
4. Hormonal Imbalances
Low testosterone levels or other hormonal imbalances can contribute to ED. Shockwave therapy may help improve testosterone production and balance hormones in the body.
However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in the treatment of ED caused by hormonal imbalances.
If you are struggling with low testosterone, then contact a low testosterone specialist for more treatment options.
5. Penile Scarring
Penile scarring, also known as Peyronie’s disease, is a condition characterized by the formation of scar tissue within the penis, which can cause it to bend or curve during an erection.
Shockwave therapy helps in regenerating your blood vessels and increasing the healing process in your penis.
A recent meta-analysis shows studies that found a reduction in penile pain due to plaque size reduction after shockwave therapy.
Consult your doctor for more treatment options.
Overcome Erectile Dysfunction with Medical Support from Atlanta’s Top Male ED Clinic
Shockwave therapy is an excellent treatment option for those who do not wish to have painful surgeries or take a pill every time before having sex.
While shockwave therapy is not yet FDA-approved, it’s starting to catch wind as a viable treatment option for the various causes of ED.
That said, shockwave therapy is not for every case of ED. Consider your options before opting for shockwave therapy.
Need further assistance? Contact Atlanta male clinic Priority Men’s Medical Center for consultation and treatment of a wide range of sexual dysfunction conditions. We are one of Georgia’s leading men’s clinics providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Low Testosterone therapy, RestoreWave therapy, and much more.
