by Randall S. Bock, MD

 

As a primary care physician transitioning into semi-retirement, I found myself at a crossroads. I took on a part-time job at a men’s sexual health clinic, intrigued by the potential of a novel treatment called Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (LI-ESWT) for erectile dysfunction (ED). From speaking with the previous physician, I was enthusiastic; but felt an underlying need (at some point) to understand firsthand whether this treatment truly worked.

Discovering LI-ESWT

LI-ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that uses acoustic waves to stimulate blood vessel growth and enhance blood flow to the penis. It targets the vascular issues often at the root of ED, promising better and more sustainable erections. The treatment itself is straightforward. Patients undergo multiple sessions over several weeks, with each session lasting about 15-20 minutes. The duration and frequency are tailored to the individual’s age, severity of ED, and overall health. Despite the financial investment and the time commitment, no one had ever requested a refund, which speaks volumes about its effectiveness.

My Personal Experience

By the time I decided to try LI-ESWT, I had already spoken to many patients, both younger men with psychological factors affecting their ED and older men with more severe vascular issues. Nearly all of them reported improvements. Still, I was curious about my own response to the treatment.

As men get older, the likelihood of experiencing ED increases. A rough estimate is that if you subtract 20 from your age, that’s the percentage of men dealing with ED. So, for someone in his mid-60s (as I was), nearly half might have a treatment-worthy problem, although many don’t want to admit it.

After my first few repetitions with the device, I noticed a significant improvement, with no “downtime”. It’s hard to describe, but think of it as upgrading your home’s plumbing. Everything just flows better. The treatment itself is painless, and once you get past the initial embarrassment, it’s quite effective and I saw improvements relatively quickly.

One patient shared: “I was skeptical at first, but after a few sessions, I felt like I had turned back the clock. It’s not like I’m 20, but now being 58 is more like 45.“

How Does LI-ESWT Work?

The therapy works by inducing microtraumas in the penile tissue, which prompts the body to initiate a healing response. This includes the release of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO), which are crucial for blood vessel formation and improved blood flow. The overall effect is enhanced penile hemodynamics and tissue regeneration, which restores erectile function.

From my discussions with the Israeli researchers who developed this technology, I learned that while the exact mechanisms are still being studied, the results are undeniable. The shock waves create a sort of “shakeup” in the arterial layers and surrounding tissues, leading to better erections and overall sexual function.

The Importance of Confidence

One fascinating aspect of ED is the psychological component. The better the erection, the more confidence a man has, and this confidence helps maintain the erection. Conversely, worrying about losing an erection can actually cause it to diminish faster. This iterative process means that improving erections can lead to even better erections over time.

As another patient shared: “The confidence boost from knowing I could perform without worry was incredible. It made a huge difference that my wife definitely noticed!”

The Road Ahead

Despite LI-ESWT being considered an investigational therapy due to the FDA’s stringent approval processes, its adoption across clinics nationwide has grown significantly. This speaks to the demand and positive outcomes associated with the treatment.

Many men prefer LI-ESWT because it allows them to be more spontaneous, without relying on medications like Viagra® or Cialis®. One tech-savvy patient said: “With pills, it felt like I was just patching up an old system. The shockwave was more like upgrading my hard drive—everything just worked better, and I didn’t need to worry about timing things right.”

Conclusion

LI-ESWT offers a promising solution for men seeking to regain their sexual function without the need for medications or surgery. By addressing the root causes of erectile dysfunction and promoting natural tissue regeneration, this therapy helps men achieve better erections and enhance their overall quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ED, consider exploring LI-ESWT as a treatment option. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if this innovative therapy is suitable for you and take the first step towards restoring your sexual health and confidence.

For those interested in more detailed information, I have attached a basic patient handout page and recent review paper on the topic. Additionally, you can find insights from urologists like Dr. William Brandt, who highlight the benefits and applications of this technology in their practices. Dr. Brandt explains, “Most treatments for erectile dysfunction do not treat the cause but rather provide a solution that doesn’t restore the original function. LI-ESWT, on the other hand, aims to restore the excellent function men had in the past.” And it holds some promise even for those with more severe arterial dysfunction such as diabetics.

LI-ESWT is not a magic bullet, but its results are consistently positive and offer a viable solution for many men suffering from ED. It is a scientifically supported treatment with a growing base of satisfied patients, myself included. This therapy is not about returning to one’s 20s but rather about regaining a more youthful and confident version of oneself.

Take the first step today and explore what Regeneris Elite Men’s Health Clinic LI-ESWT can do for you.