Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Guide

Meet Dr. Fabio Castiglione, a renowned Andrologist and Urologist, who has dedicated his career to addressing male sexual health issues. Dr. Castiglione completed his medical degree and further specialized in Urology at the Vita Salute San Raffaele University in Milan. He furthered his research on stem cells and erectile dysfunction at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. He is a member of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine (FECSM), the European Urology Board (FEBU), and the scientific committee of the Andrological Guidelines of the International Sexual Medicine Society (ISSM), the European Urology Society (EAU), and the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM). He has also obtained the qualification of Full Professor in Urology in Italy and is an Associate Professor at UCL in London and Consultant Urologist at King's College Hospital in London. To schedule a private appointment, please call +447830398165 or send your inquiries to info@holisticandrology.com.

Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction

Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction has been gaining attention in recent years. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Let's explore this innovative treatment approach with Dr. Fabio Castiglione, who operates from his erectile dysfunction clinic in London.

Shockwave therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), was initially introduced about 40 years ago to break down kidney stones. However, its application has expanded to various medical fields, including Urology and Andrology, with regenerative purposes. The therapy involves exposing the body's tissues to short-term, high-amplitude, low-frequency acoustic pulses (1-25 Hz). In Uro-Andrology, it's primarily used for erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease (also known as Induratio Penis Plastica or IPP), and chronic prostatitis (also referred to as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome or CPPS). Since 2010, shockwave therapy has also been used in Andrology for treating Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and erectile dysfunction.

Shockwave therapy has shown promising results in treating erectile dysfunction. The therapy has been successfully used for over 30 years to break down urinary tract stones and more recently to treat musculoskeletal disorders, male disorders, and even coronary diseases. The therapy is now regularly offered as an option for patients suffering from erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, and prostatitis due to its promising results. Although shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction is still considered an experimental treatment option, recent studies support its effectiveness. Research is ongoing to determine its long-term efficacy and whether it can replace or be offered alongside other proven treatments for erectile dysfunction.

The effectiveness of shockwave therapy

The effectiveness of shockwave therapy is attributed to its angiogenic effect. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can have many root causes, but in 90% of men with ED, it's an indication of an underlying medical issue, most commonly cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. Disorders like these often limit blood flow to the penis, which is what drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) aim to correct.

Unlike Viagra, shockwave therapy has no limitations, and it's suitable for everyone. Some people cannot take these drugs due to contraindications with ongoing conditions such as hypertension, past heart attack, liver problems, Peyronie's disease, etc. Moreover, using such drugs does not treat the primary cause and could lead to a worsening of the underlying conditions in many cases. The pressure waves generated by the devices targeted for shockwave therapy improve blood flow by dissolving plaque buildup in the penisand promoting the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), helping to treat the primary cause and providing lasting effects in 75% of patients. If lifestyle causes of the condition, such as diet and exercise, are addressed, the effects can even be permanent.

The treatment is performed in a medical office, requires no anesthesia, and there's no need to prepare anything in advance for the appointment. During the procedure, the Urologist will move a device, similar to an ultrasound probe, around various areas of the penis. The device emits gentle pulses that trigger an increase in blood flow. The entire treatment lasts about 15-20 minutes. Once the treatment is completed, the patient can return home without any particular restrictions. They will be able to safely drive home. If there's any pain, the doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to alleviate the discomfort. Most people can return to their normal activities the day after shockwave therapy. However, the Urologist will discuss if and how to moderate some activities, depending on the patient.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, if you're seeking a clear and scientific diagnosis for your erectile dysfunction and reassurance about the recognized methods and approaches to treat this discomfort, Dr. Fabio Castiglione is the right professional to consult. His goal is to investigate and reach a certain diagnosis, based on which he can restore the patient's normal sexual functionality, identifying the correct methodology for them to return to a life full of intense emotions.

If you wish to schedule a visit with Dr. Fabio Castiglione, you can contact us by phone at +447830398165. You can also forward your inquiries to https://www.urologistlondon.net/shockwavesforerectiledysfunction. Dr. Castiglione's clinic is located in London, providing easy access for those seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction in the city.