Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient to initiate or maintain sexual activity. It is the most common condition among men seeking treatment for sexual problems. It affects 10-20% of the adult male population.
The causes of erectile dysfunction are divided into organic and psychogenic.
Psychogenic causes are classified as developmental, interactional, non-psychiatric, and psychiatric.
- Developmental causes most commonly include a lack of sexual knowledge.
- Interactional causes include marital problems.
- Psychiatric causes most commonly include performance anxiety.
When diagnosing erectile dysfunction, it is important to distinguish between organic and psychogenic causes. If the problem has an acute onset, its frequency varies depending on the situation, erections are adequate outside of intercourse, marital problems, or psychiatric causes are primary, it is psychogenic erectile dysfunction. The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction should be made after laboratory and imaging studies, as well as a psychological evaluation. Treatment includes medical treatment, psychological treatment, noninvasive therapies (ESWT), and surgical treatments.
ESWT, a noninvasive treatment, is performed at our institution. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) involves the application of shock waves sent from outside the body.
How Does ESWT Treatment Work?
Low-Intensity Shock Wave Therapy increases blood flow by inducing new blood vessel formation and even the activation of stem cells. By increasing blood flow by inducing new blood vessel formation in the penis and activating penile stem cells, it has created a new alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It also promotes healing by regenerating damaged tendons and tissues.
How is ESWT Applied?
The duration of ESWT treatment for soft tissue sessions is approximately 10-20 minutes. 5-10 sessions are performed.
What are the Advantages of ESWT Treatment?
ESWT is painless and does not require anesthesia. Patients are treated as outpatients, and results are rapid and positive. ESWT treatment has no significant side effects other than mild redness and swelling. Patients can return to their daily routines after treatment sessions. It is the latest technologically advanced method used today, requiring no anesthesia, no medication, and achieving permanent recovery rates of 80-90 percent in a short time.
Reliability of ESWT
No permanent side effects have been reported with ESWT to date. There may be minimal pain during treatment.