Truths and Myths of Low Intensity Shock Wave Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Be cautious about unproven treatments for erectile dysfunction [ED] and make sure you research the studies or any publications about claims of new treatments, as many can be unfounded.

There have been claims in the news that shock wave lithotripsy [a common treatment for kidney stones] may also be effective in helping with ED, but it is important to understand that not all shock wave treatments are the same and the effectiveness can depend on your level of erectile dysfunction.

Lithotripsy for ED involves a series of “shocks” or treatments to the penis for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is usually done about three times per week over a two-week period for a total of six treatments. Currently, there is no consensus on the ideal number of shocks to give or the number of treatments necessary to get a good result, or whether this needs to be repeated on a regular basis. Side effects are typically minimal and the treatment does not hurt.

Radial waves give much lower energy than low intensity shock waves and have not been shown in scientific studies to improve erectile dysfunction. However, low intensity electromechanical shock wave lithotripsy has some strong data showing benefits to patients with mild ED. It seems to work by causing a “regeneration” of healthy blood vessels to the penis.

What is mild erectile dysfunction? Patients who have erections nearly good enough to have intimate relations with a partner or those that respond nicely to medications like Viagra or Cialis have MILD erectile dysfunction. Again, for this group, low intensity shock wave lithotripsy has shown some benefit. Studies indicate about 65 to 70% of patients will still have sustained good erections six months after treatment. Those same studies suggest about 40 to 50% will still have good erections at two years after treatment.

Patients who have MODERATE to SEVERE erectile dysfunction will not be good candidates for this treatment. These are patients who generally have extremely weak erections and do not respond to ED medications.

It is also important to keep in mind that this treatment is not usually covered by insurance so it will be an out-of-pocket expense for most patients.

In summary, let the buyer beware.

Stay away from radial shock wave procedures and other treatments that have not been shown to work in patients with erectile dysfunction. Low intensity shock wave lithotripsy is indicated for patients who have mild ED. You can rate your degree of erectile dysfunction by answering five simple questions and scoring your answers. The simple survey is available in a free, downloadable app [ED Survey for Android; ED Survey for Apple products]. If you have a total score of 17 or above, you would be a good candidate for treatment. If you are below that number, I recommend you save your money for standard treatments that have been proven to work well for moderate to severe ED.