Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Singapore

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for Erectile Dysfunction in Men

Are you currently experiencing performance-related problems in bed? Chances are you're not alone - about 40% of sexually active males suffer from some form of erectile dysfunction in their lifetime. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects a man’s ability to get and/or sustain a satisfactory erection. In recent years, the number of younger men suffering from ED have also increased. 

Even though the symptoms of ED might not be life threatening, the possible underlying causes of ED could potentially be detrimental. 

Thankfully, more treatments for ED are now available, and due to increased awareness of this condition, more men are coming forward to ensure they receive the help they deserve. 

What are my options for treating Erectile Dysfunction instead of depending on pills?

Lifestyle changes, as well as nutrition, have been recognized as central factors that influence testosterone levels and erectile function. In clinical trials, lifestyle modifications were to some extent effective in alleviating erectile function symptoms in people suffering from metabolic syndrome or obesity.

Oral medications and injectables are also traditionally used to treat ED, but they do not treat the root of the issue and require dependency. 

A more natural, painless, long-standing improvement for erectile dysfunction is ESWT. 

What is extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT is an effective treatment for male-related health issues, including erectile dysfunction. Recently more low-dose ESWT has been used to improve Men’s Health in Singapore. We discuss Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in detail below to give you a clear understanding of this treatment’s potential.

Shockwave therapy is not new, it has been used by doctors to treat musculoskeletal conditions and kidney stones, as well as in sports medicine to treat rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow for many years. Lately, its effectiveness in treating other conditions is becoming more recognized in Singapore and worldwide.

It is believed that shockwaves work by prompting a proinflammatory response. This causes the body to increase metabolism and blood flow to the affected area accelerating recovery.

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How does extracorporeal shockwave therapy(ESWT) treat erectile dysfunction in men?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) treatment has been used to treat Erectile Dysfunction with great success.

Poor erections can be caused by the following conditions such as:

• High cholesterol
• Lack of physical activity
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

The above conditions usually cause the narrowing of the blood vessels in the penis. This negatively affects blood flow to the penis.

ESWT works by triggering inflammation, which causes the body to send blood and white blood cells, to repair damaged penile tissue and blood vessels. Inevitably, more blood to the penis means better erections.

ESWT works best in conjunction with exercise, managed hypertension and diabetes, and medication.

While it is widely accepted that ED medications have positively impacted erectile dysfunction, they are merely short-term solutions and do not allow for spontaneity in bed.

ESWT is a more sustainable solution as it works by improving blood flow and stimulating the repair of the penile tissue and blood vessels in men. It can also increase a patient’s responsiveness to medication that they have been prescribed for the condition. The effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction in men are reported to last several months to years after a treatment cycle.

What can I expect from shockwave therapy?

The ESWT probe is placed on various parts of the penis for approximately 15-minute intervals. Depending on an individual’s pain threshold, this is normally a painless procedure.

Fret not as your doctor will be present during the entire treatment cycle!

No advance preparation is required before ESWT. A patient can continue with daily activity after treatment. A session requires a 30-minute time slot.

Are there any side effects from shockwave therapy?

There are no side effects from ESWT since it is a non-invasive procedure. People often opt for Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy when they are trying to avoid side effects from medication.

What else is shockwave therapy used for?

ESWT for Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease can be classified as an abnormal curving of the penis that results in painful erections.

When scar tissue accumulates in a particular area of the penis, a noticeable curvature occurs. Compared to penile tissue, scar tissue is not as elastic. So as the penis grows during an erection, the scar tissue remains immobile. The scar tissue is at the start of the abnormal curvature in the penis.

The shock waves are able to break up the scar tissue thereby allowing the patient’s entire penis to expand during an erection. It usually takes a few sessions of extracorporeal shockwave therapy to achieve this result.

ESWT for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

ESWT has also proved to be an effective treatment of CPPS, also referred to as chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. CPPS patients experience chronic pelvic pain and urinary difficulty such as painful urination.

It can be caused by a bacterial infection, but this is not always the case. Approximately 6% of men suffer from this condition.

The shockwaves work by interrupting nerve impulses and stimulating pain receptors. Patients have reported relief in both urinary symptoms and pain levels.

ESWT for Orthopaedic Conditions (An alternative to surgery)

ESWT has been shown to be a good non-invasive treatment option for orthopaedic conditions, and is an alternative worth undertaking for many patients who wish to avoid invasive treatments such as steroid injections or surgery.

In many orthopedics condition, it works by:

• Dispersing of calcium deposits
• Stimulation of the healing mechanisms of the body (e.g. in the case of tennis elbow)
• Stimulation of bone growth (in the case of pseudarthrosis)

As mentioned, in sports medicine EWST can be used to treat shoulder injuries, tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.

Does extracorporeal shockwave therapy really treat erectile dysfunction?

While results depend on the cause and severity of the erectile dysfunction, it is largely reported that the positive effects of ESWT lasts several months or years. For optimum results, we recommend doing a couple of sessions over a course of a few weeks, and maintenance sessions thereafter. Your maintenance sessions can be scheduled after the completion of the initial sessions.

For busy individuals, don’t worry. There is some flexibility regarding the rostering of treatments to suit your personal schedule.

The frustration that comes with this condition is understandable. ESWT can help you achieve a spontaneous strong lasting erection. Whether it is by itself or with medication, the treatment has proven effective in the fight against Erectile Dysfunction!

Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?

This depends on your insurance plan. Please check with your insurance provider.