Shock wave therapy in urological pain treatment and against erectile dysfunction

Our practice uses acoustic shock wave therapy to treat organic erectile dysfunction (ED), Peyronie’s disease (IPP, Induratio Penis Plastica), and the Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS). Scientific studies have verified the effectiveness of focused shock waves in the treatment of these indications.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a wide-spread sexual disorder. Men who suffer from are over a longer period unable to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse despite being sexually aroused. Erectile dysfunction may significantly affect the quality of life for those affected by it and their partners.

Causes and treatment

This disorder can be caused by physical as well as mental conditions. A particularly frequent cause for it is insufficient perfusion of the penis – there is not enough blood in the erectile tissue to get a firm erection. Such cases are also referred to as a vascular dysfunction.

The treatment frequently relies on drugs. However, they often do not lead to the expected results. So-called extracorporeal shock wave therapy – briefly: ESWT – is an alternative.

Shock Wave Therapy as treatment for erectile dysfunction

Since 2010, extracorporeal shock wave therapy is also used to treat vascular erectile dysfunction. Shock waves of low intensity are applied to various spots in the penis. The treatment is fuss-free – anaesthesia is not required.

Improving the blood flow

The treatment stimulates the tissue and thus promotes the formation of new blood vessels in the erectile tissue. The result is a better perfusion of the penis, which may lead to improved erectility. One treatment session usually takes about 15 minutes time. Depending on the severity and the patient’s response to the therapy, 6 to 10 treatment sessions will be required.

What are shock waves?

Shock waves are high-energy, audible sound waves. Medicine has been using them successfully since 1980 to treat numerous conditions, e.g. in pain treatment. These shock waves are generated “extracorporeal” – which means outside the body – and then introduced to the body through a therapeutic device to take effect. That’s why this method is also referred to as “extracorporeal shock wave therapy”. Depending on the respective condition, high- or low-energy shock waves are being applied. A great advantage of this innovative treatment option is that in most cases it does not bear any risk or adverse side effects and does not cause any pain.

The first step towards better quality of life

If you suffer from erectile dysfunction you are not an exception – millions of men are affected by it. The good news is: depending on the respective cause, effective treatment options are available these days. Mr. Dr. Ledermann will gladly advise you.

Other indications:

Peyronie’s disease

Peyronie’s disease (Induratio penis plastica, IPP) is a penis disorder frequently related to painful erection or an abnormal curvature of the penis. The condition of yet unknown pathogenesis is particularly frequent among middle-aged men. Even though it has no serious consequences, IPP often drastically affects the quality of those men’s lives who suffer from this disease. This applies even more because it might lead to erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms of IPP

Aching penis
Plaque in the Tunica albuginea
Penis deformation
Erectile dysfunction

IPP-treatment with extracorporeal shock waves

The scars caused by IPP can systematically be “softened” through the application of extracorporeal shock waves. At the same time, the bent erectile tissue is being stretched. The condition should improve after a few treatment sessions and treatment should start as early as possible. We recommend complementing the treatment by specific drugs.

Prostatitis (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome)

»Prostatitis« is one of the most frequent disorders to be diagnosed in urological outpatient practices. The majority of patients do not suffer from bacterial diseases but from »chronic-non-bacterial prostatitis. Prostatitis is characterized by symptoms related to the prostate and the surrounding areas of perineum, anus, rectum, testicles and groin. The quality of the lives of those affected by this condition can be reduced drastically. Patients who suffer from chronic prostatitis are frequently exposed to massive psychological stress, too.

Symptoms of CPPS

Pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic base, buttocks, anus, testicles, bladder complaints (frequent urinary urgency, voiding disorders)
Sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, loss of libido)
Reduced quality of life

Chronic prostatitis treatment with shock waves

Chronic-non-bacterial prostatitis can well be treated with shock waves. This therapy is a comparatively new approach which also explains why there are no long-time results on the respective treatment success available yet. However, according to current studies shock wave therapy seems to be a good treatment for prostatitis. As a benefit, ESWT is a non-invasive treatment that does not require any hospital admission, is simple and trouble-free. It does not cause any pain or adverse side effects and can generally be re-applied as often as necessary. Moreover, this treatment does not require any anaesthesia.