If you experience symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), you are not alone because it’s actually quite common.
Fifty-two percent of men worldwide experience some level of symptoms associated with ED. We are discussing what Erectile Dysfunction is and different methods of therapy here, including the facts about Radial Wave Therapy vs. Focused Shockwave Therapy for treatment measures.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to obtain and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction may include trouble forming an erection, trouble keeping an erection, and a decrease in sexual desire.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by a myriad of factors. Alcohol use, heart disease, blocked blood vessels, diabetes, anxiety, stress, obesity, depression, and sleep disorders are only a few of the many causes. Difficulty obtaining an erection during sexual intercourse can be considered normal if it occurs twenty percent or less of the time. If that number climbs to fifty percent, it would be beneficial to talk to our experts about Erectile Dysfunction.
What Are Other Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction?
Some medical conditions as outlined above can be considered risk factors for Erectile Dysfunction. Other risk factors include tobacco use, cancer treatments, injuries, and taking other medications.
Is Erectile Dysfunction Preventable?
Creating and living a healthy lifestyle is the prime way to prevent Erectile Dysfunction. When you take care of your body and your mind, you have fewer risk factors and environmental factors that can take their toll. In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, keeping up to date on all wellness and medical exams, exercising regularly, eating a variety of nutritious foods, and addressing any mental health concerns will also aid in preventing Erectile Dysfunction.
Radial Wave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
-What Is Radial Wave Therapy for ED?
Radial Wave Therapy, or Energy Wave Therapy in other terms, is another method to help treat Erectile Dysfunction in men. It is a form of therapy that does not involve taking pills or having penile implants or any injections. Radial Wave Therapy uses sound waves to improve blood flow through the penis. The FDA has not approved this method of treatment, although it has shown to have positive results in helping to treat Erectile Dysfunction in the patients who use it.
-How Does It Work?
A doctor will use a radial wave wand device to deliver low-intensity energy sound waves to the shaft of the penis. During the treatment session, there are five points of contact with the wand to deliver the sound waves. Three on the top of the shaft and an additional two below the shaft. The sound waves pass through the skin and into the tissue to promote blood vessels to grow and increase blood flow, which will in turn increase erectile projections. This treatment is not a one time appointment option. Generally, Radial Wave Therapy is done over a period of six weeks at twenty minute increments for a total of six treatments.
-Are There Side Effects?
Since there is no pain associated with this treatment option, normal life can resume after the session. There are no proven adverse side effects as yet seen by research.
-Is There Recovery Time?
Since Radial Wave Therapy is a non-invasive procedure, there is no recovery time needed. Sexual life and activities can resume as normal as soon as possible.
–How Long Does The Effects Last?
More research needs to be completed to know the average time that treatment effects last.
Focused Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
-What is Shockwave Therapy for ED?
Shockwave Therapy is a treatment option for Erectile Dysfunction in men, and it has become popular in recent years. There are numerous studies that show a positive result. This form of therapy has been shown to work best with men who have Vasculogenic ED since this form affects the blood flow to the penis.
-How Does It work?
Shockwave Therapy will use high energy sound waves to quicken tissue repair and boost cell growth. As a treatment for ED, Shockwave therapy helps to improve the blood flow to the penis and strengthens blood vessels in the process. For this procedure, you do not need any anesthesia. Your specialist will use a wand shaped device and place it on different areas of the penis alternating around 15 minutes each. The wand emits small pulsing vibrations that help trigger blood flow and boost tissue remodeling. There is currently no set protocol for recurring treatments. The most common treatment plan is two times a week for a period of three weeks, followed by no treatments for the next three weeks, and then repeating treatments twice a week for the next three weeks.
-Are There Side Effects?
Most research has shown no side effects after completing the procedure for men with ED. There is also shown to be no pain associated with the treatment that has been recorded. Since this is a relatively new procedure, there is a need for more extensive research to reveal any lasting effects from Shockwave Therapy for ED. This procedure is usually an out of pocket cost since insurance won’t offer coverage for it, but it is a worthwhile investment that helps men reclaim their confidence.
-Is There Recovery Time?
Since previous research has shown there is no pain that would be experienced during the procedure, there is little to no recovery time.
-How Long Does The Effects Last?
After full completion of the Shockwave Therapy, research has shown results to last up to one year.
Visit Genesys Men’s Health to Treat Your ED
At Genesys Men’s Health, we offer state-of-the-art treatment options for Erectile Dysfunction, such as Shock Wave Therapy. If you are experiencing symptoms that could be associated with Erectile Dysfunction, feel free to take our Erectile Dysfunction Self Test. You will answer a series of five questions and then submit your answers and get results. We are now accepting new patients and offering in-person office visits, as well as virtual visits via phone and video conferencing. You can visit our office in Sandy, Utah, or give us a call at (801)-671-7456. Contact us today with any questions you may have.