What is Erectile Dysfunction?

There’s no reason to feel shame around ED. While difficult to talk about, it is common for men to encounter some form of impotence at some point in their lives, and the likelihood of experiencing symptoms rises with age and deteriorating health. Fortunately, there are many potential treatments that are both safe and effective. Find out more about our new observational study combining Botox Penile Injections with Shockwave Therapy: Schedule Your Appointment Today

What are the Causes of ED?

The penis is a vascular organ—that means it requires optimal blood flow in order to create and maintain an erection. Since all of our blood vessels are connected throughout the body, your overall cardiovascular health is a major factor in determining what is causing ED. A licensed urologist will conduct an exam, including blood work and scans, to see if there are localized reasons for decreased blood flow.

ED Treatment research is ongoing, and it’s possible that the nerve endings in the penis can also play a factor in having an erection.

Mental stress can interrupt the mood for sex. Chronic stress and anxiety prompt the brain to release stress hormones such as cortisol, which may play a role in becoming ready for sex. Being in a relaxed mental state is necessary for any pleasurable experience, including sexual intercourse, so finding ways to relieve the pressure in your life can help.

As men grow older, various health-related problems, including diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and prostate issues, may start to manifest. These conditions can all impact blood flow, meaning they may also impact a man’s ability to achieve an erection.

What are the Symptoms of ED?

Most the most common, or main symptom of ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual activity. Related symptoms include a reduced sexual desire or libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, and delayed ejaculation.

Men with ED may also experience feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. These secondary symptoms may also increase the difficulty of getting or keeping an erection during masturbation or sexual activity with a partner.

It is important to note that occasional difficulties with achieving an erection are common. The occasional difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may not necessarily indicate ED. If it occurs regularly, and/or begins to negatively impact self-esteem or your relationship, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.

What are the Diseases that can Contribute to ED?

Any conditions or diseases that impact blood flow, the flow of semen, or are related to large amounts of mental stress, can cause or worsen ED. These conditions include:

• Diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Obesity

• High cholesterol

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson's disease

• Peyronie's disease

• Alcoholism and drug abuse

• Sleep disorders

• Kidney disease

• Prostate cancer

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, thyroid disorders)

• Depression and anxiety disorders.

Of these, diabetes and heart disease are the most common. ED is closely linked with diabetes since an excess amount of sugar in the blood can damage nerves and blood vessels, which play a vital role in achieving an erection. This high sugar concentration decreases nerve activity, leading to poor signaling and less activation of nerves responsible for blood supply and erection size.

In men with heart disease and high cholesterol, the buildup of fat and calcification hardens the arteries, restricting blood flow. This leads to a variety of issues, such as difficulty achieving an erection, difficulty experiencing pleasurable orgasms, decreased sensitivity, longer refractory period, and softer, flaccid erections.

What Other Factors Can Contribute to ED?

Age is a major factor in the development of erectile dysfunction. The incidence of ED begins to rise at age 40. The percentage of men experiencing ED increases with each decade of age into their 80's and 90's. Other factors include:

• Medications that affect blood flow

• Emotional stress, anxiety disorders, and clinical depression

• Traumatic experiences in the past

• Overeating and weight gain

• Limited physical activity or immobility

• Diabetes

• Cigarette smoking

• Substance abuse or addiction to alcohol and drugs.

How Shockwave Therapy Can Help Men with Erectile Dysfunction?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Pulsewave Therapy, is the latest ED treatment. It uses pulsed low intensity radio waves to stimulate vascular tissue to increase blood flow. Blood is the healing element of the body, so increasing blood flow to the penis helps to rebuild the vascular tissue. Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction can also stimulate nerve endings, making the penis more sensitive to physical contact during sexual intercourse–which, in turn, helps with achieving and maintaining the erection.

Are there Clinical Trials for Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction?

Dr. Kia Michel at Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is the principal investigator of new studies using shockwave treatment to treat erectile dysfunction in combination with two forms of injections. Two current studies include:

Clinical Study 1: The PRP - Shockwave Therapy Treatment

This option is a three-week combination of Shockwave Therapy with a series of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections to maximize blood flow and repair of the vascular tissue. Initial results have been outstanding for those looking for relief from vasculogenic erectile dysfunction.

Clinical Study 2: Botox Penile Injection - Shockwave Therapy Treatment

Believe it or not, the same Botox that is used to restore the youthful appearance in people's faces has also been shown to rejuvenate the sexual health of your penis. This study involves administering a combination of two injections of Botox with a series of shockwave therapy treatment.

Why Should Patients Consider Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy offers various advantages that are not commonly found in other ED treatments. These benefits include:

• Faster, harder erections

• Extended sexual performance

• Rise in unassisted (spontaneous) erections

• Increased sensitivity in the penis and higher quality of orgasms

Shockwave therapy is also less invasive than some alternative treatments, such as surgery and implantations, meaning less downtime and les risk of complications.

How Much Does Shockwave Therapy Cost in Los Angeles, CA?

Shockwave therapy cost varies based on the quality of the equipment, location, and the experience of the provider. Low-cost equipment delivers little to no results. A high-end pulsewave therapy machine, in the hands of an experienced practitioner, is essential to seeing results.

Given these factors, the price is customized depending on the severity of your condition. A more severe case will require more treatments. If you’re considering Shockwave Therapy, you may contact different providers in your area for an estimate. You may also contact your insurance provider to check on coverage.

Does Shockwave Therapy Really Work for ED?

Yes! Shockwave Therapy is an effective intervention for ED. While it’s still considered an off-label, experimental approach for ED, Shockwave therapy has been around for a long time, and shows a lot of promise. For example, a 2019 study showed significant improvement in erectile function after Shockwave Therapy—especially for men with vasculogenic ED.

Most patients will start seeing results a few weeks after treatments begin. Typically, six treatments are given over a series of weeks to rejuvenate the vascular tissue. Some patients begin to experience stronger erections after just a few days after treatment.

What are the Side Effects of Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction? 

The vast majority of patients don't report adverse effects from shockwave therapy and are cleared to have same-day sex after treatment. A small number of patients experience mild sensitivity or bruising in the treated areas for a day or so. Some mild pain may occur, but typically resolves in just a few days. Rarely, some men notice blood in the urine. To minimize the risk of side effects, it’s always best to follow your physician’s after-treatment orders.

Can Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy be used for other conditions?

Other conditions that have seen positive results from low intensity shockwave therapy include:

• Peyronie's disease (curved penis disease)

• BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia)

• Prostatitis (inflammation or the prostate)

• Pelvic Pain

Peyronie's disease causes scar tissue to form under the skin of the penis, causing it to bend or curve during an erection. This may cause pain or difficulty having sex. Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-intensity shockwaves to break up the scar tissue and promote the growth of new blood vessels in the penis. This can reduce curvature and pain, and can also improve overall sexual function.

Prostatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland, which can lead to painful urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, and discomfort in the pelvic area. Shockwave therapy can be used to treat prostatitis. By targeting the affected area with low-intensity shockwaves, Shockwave Therapy can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

During shockwave therapy for prostatitis, a wand-like device is placed against the skin of the perineum, which is the area between the scrotum and the anus. The device then delivers low-intensity shockwave therapy to the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. These shockwaves can help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. This, in turn, can lead to a reduction in symptoms such as pain and discomfort, as well as improved urinary function. Low Intensity shockwave therapy may be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as antibiotics, to help manage the symptoms of prostatitis.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

You can start to take back control today when you schedule your appointment. During your initial consultation, we will begin working on a plan for diagnosis and treatment. Every step of the way, we provide you with complete information. Call us today to learn more about erectile dysfunction treatment.

Read the free Complete Guide to Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Symptoms and Treatment:

Free Complete Guide to Erectile Dysfunction