Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction – Shockwave Therapy
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It is also referred to as impotence.
This condition affects nearly 20 million men in the United States. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), partial or complete erectile dysfunction is present in 50% of men aged 40 to 70. The prevalence increases with age; however, treatment for impotence is effective and yields positive results in a significant number of patients.
In most cases, erectile dysfunction is associated with vascular, neurological, psychological, and hormonal disorders. It can also be caused by certain medications.
Vascular or neurological disorders leading to impotence are often the result of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Atherosclerosis of the penile cavernous arteries is most commonly caused by diabetes and smoking.
Age-related and atherosclerotic changes reduce the ability of the arteries to dilate, impair the relaxation of their smooth muscles, and consequently disrupt blood supply to the corpora cavernosa of the penis. In addition, dysfunction of venous occlusion causes venous leakage, which further aggravates erectile dysfunction, making it practically impossible to maintain an erection.
In such cases, shockwave therapy is particularly effective in treating erectile dysfunction. This method involves applying low-frequency acoustic waves of high energy to the deep tissues from the surface of the penis, stimulating tissue regeneration and improving blood flow.
The procedure is completely painless, non-invasive, safe, and, most importantly, highly effective. The focused shockwaves stimulate the formation of new arterioles (neoangiogenesis), improve blood flow to the penile corpora cavernosa, and enhance tissue oxygenation. In turn, improved microcirculation normalizes tissue nutrition (trophics), activates the production of vascular mediators responsible for erection, accelerates the healing process, promotes cell regeneration, and facilitates the development of an erection.
Shockwave therapy has no side effects. The procedure is well-tolerated by patients of all ages. Improvement in erectile function is noticeable after the very first session, which has a strong psychostimulant effect on patients.
Shockwave therapy is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Blood clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
- Acute infectious diseases
- Use of anticoagulants (especially Marcumar)
- Thrombosis
- Malignant tumors
- Presence of a pacemaker
Fortunately, this advanced treatment method is now available in Georgia! At Karazanashvili Robotic Center, you can undergo this procedure using the state-of-the-art Swiss-made device – Storz DUOLITH.
