Acoustic wave therapy also known as shockwave therapy can be helpful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence issues in men. This therapy basically involves a low-intensity shockwave exposure given to the penile that can restore the erection function. According to the National Institutes of Health, shockwave therapy can be effective for men experiencing difficulties in getting or maintaining erections.
About acoustic wave therapy
According to various sources on the web, acoustic wave therapy is a low-intensity shockwave therapy that utilizes sound waves that penetrate the skin and tissues of the penile and targets the root cause of erectile dysfunction. The waves enter deep inside and stimulate the erectile tissues called corpora cavernosum. It catalyzes physiological as well as chemical processes.
The reason men experience erectile dysfunction is the lack of blood flow to the penile. This therapy boosts the blood flow to the penile by drawing the blood into the blood vessels of the penile. The narrowed blood vessels widen and allow more blood inside. The penile gets engorged with the blood and the blood gets trapped inside with high pressure, and thus, it triggers stronger erections.
How does acoustic wave therapy improve erection function?
The penile is exposed to low-intensity shockwaves. The medical practitioner uses a wand-like device to administer shockwaves to the penile. The device probe is placed around the different areas of the penile for a few minutes. The device emits gentle pulses to the penile. Many studies have concluded that these pulses may restore the erection function by conducting three operations that include:
- Vasodilation – The reason for the lack of blood supply through the penile is the narrowing of the blood vessels, which prevents the blood supply to the penile. This therapy helps in relieving the strains of the blood vessels and causes relaxation. The gentle pulses compel them to expand their passages and allow blood to flow inside. As the blood vessels gain their health, the erection function becomes easy.
- Neovascularization – This technique can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in the penile. The shockwave pulses penetrate inside the skin and deep into the tissues. It facilitates the new growth and development of blood vessels. In this way, there will be newly formed blood vessels in the penile, which will circulate more blood into the penile and help men to get stronger erections.
- Tissue regeneration and remodelling – There needs to be more studies and research done to justify these claims. However, as per some studies, the effects of the pulses can facilitate the rapid growth and multiplication of the cells and trigger the regeneration of the erectile tissues. It helps in healing the portions of the tissues that were damaged. The tissues go back to their normal and healthy state.
Is acoustic wave therapy effective for ED?
Many researchers have concluded that this technique works for men having erectile dysfunction and noted that it is safe and does not have any significant side effects. Men who got this therapy showed improvement in their ability to get and sustain erect penile. The therapy reduces the symptoms and makes it easier to get and sustain stronger erections.
Those having mild to moderate degrees of impotence issues were able to restore their erectile function in a healthy state. Those experiencing severe forms of erectile dysfunction may or may not get the best results. Although researchers claim that this technique does not produce any side effects and is generally a harmless way to improve the erection function, more such studies and research need to be conducted to consolidate these claims.
Is acoustic wave therapy for ED safe?
There have been encouraging reviews regarding this therapeutic technique, but one cannot be completely sure about its efficacy. This technique is still new and there needs to be in-depth research done covering its effectiveness, safety, side effects, etc.
Most importantly, acoustic wave therapy is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used as a remedy for erectile dysfunction problems in men. FDA has approved alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction, which include medications such as Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Avanafil, and Stendra. They do cause some mild side effects.
Lastly, only a licensed medical professional with expertise and professional training can perform acoustic wave therapy for erectile dysfunction. If other techniques fail to work, then you might consider this therapy. For that, you must see a licensed medical professional only.
