Andrew Siegel MD 8/18/2018
Shockwaves—acoustic vibrations that carry energy—have been used for many years to pulverize kidney stones, revolutionizing their treatment. A much tamer form of shockwaves — “low intensity shockwave therapy” (L.I.S.T.)— is an exciting new treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
Thank you Storz Medical and Robert Remington (RemingtonMedical.com) for above image of a shock wave unit used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction; note treatment of both the external (left side of image) and internal aspects of the penis (right side of image)
Erections occur when there is sufficient penile inflow of blood at high enough pressures to create rigidity, coupled with a functioning blood trapping mechanism to promote durability. Most men with ED have blood flow issues (vascular ED), resulting in compromised erectile rigidity and durability.
Erectile health is based upon obtaining erections on a regular basis. “Use it or lose it” applies to the penis as it does to so many tissues of the body. When ED occurs, disuse of the penis perpetuates the loss of function and deterioration of erectile tissues, so the earlier in the course of ED that treatment is initiated the better.
The majority of treatments for ED — pills, suppositories, injections, penile implants, etc. — function as “Band-Aids,” as they do not treat the root cause of the problem, which most commonly has to do with compromised blood flow. Penile shockwave therapy uniquely is capable of modifying the underlying cause of the ED, improving the penile circulation that is responsible for erections. When applied to the penis, shock waves cause micro-trauma and mechanical stress, stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and nerve fibers and structural changes that can regenerate and remodel damaged erectile tissues, ultimately improving penile blood flow and erectile function.
Acoustic therapy works best for those with vascular ED, commonly seen with diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, etc. It works best for those men with mild to moderate ED that has responded reasonably well to the oral ED medications, including Viagra, Cialis, etc. Acoustic therapy is advantageous in that it is a restorative and regenerative therapy that treats the cause and not just the symptoms, triggering natural repair mechanisms by increasing penile blood flow. It is safe, non-invasive, virtually painless and has a success rate of about 70% in improving or resolving ED, restoring firmer and more durable erections.
The new treatment is now available in our office. It takes 15 minutes or so per session and is typically done once weekly for 6 weeks. It is well tolerated, causing only a slight pricking or vibrating sensation. Many men notice an improvement within three weeks of initiating the course of therapy. Unfortunately, it is not yet approved by the FDA, although it is highly likely that it will be in the near future.
Wishing you the best of health,
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Dr. Andrew Siegel is a physician and urological surgeon who is board-certified in urology as well as in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School and is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor New York Metro Area, Inside Jersey Top Doctor and Inside Jersey Top Doctor for Women’s Health. His mission is to “bridge the gap” between the public and the medical community.
Dr. Siegel has authored the following books that are available on Amazon, iBooks, Nook and Kobo:
MALE PELVIC FITNESS: Optimizing Sexual & Urinary Health
THE KEGEL FIX: Recharging Female Pelvic, Sexual and Urinary Health
PROMISCUOUS EATING: Understanding and Ending Our Self-Destructive Relationship with Food
These books are written for educated and discerning men and women who care about health, well-being, fitness and nutrition and enjoy feeling confident and strong.
Dr. Siegel is co-creator of the male pelvic floor exercise instructional DVD (female version is in the works): PelvicRx
New video on female pelvic floor exercises: Learn about your pelvic floor
Tags: acoustic therapy, Andrew Siegel MD, erectile dysfunction, low intensity shock wave therapy, vascular ED
Our Greatest Wealth Is Health 
August 19, 2018 at 3:35 PM |
Cost?
I’ve been quoted between $3,000 and $6,000 for these shockwave treatments…..and are NOT covered by insurance.
Is this treatment accepted by Urologist (medical doctors), and not just the “new male: type fake doctor clinics?
Please forgive my skepticism, but I’ve seen a lot of “stuff” since 1996
October 5, 2018 at 8:00 PM |
Yes, this treatment is accepted by urologists, although the long-term results will take years to accrue.
September 15, 2018 at 10:49 PM |
Thank you, Dr. Siegel. I’ve used extracorporeal shockwave as part of holistic treatment for ED (focusing on underlying causes and male sexual dysfunction) for about 2 years now. ECSW is effective when other contributing factors are addressed. I’ve explored your website and am impressed with your thoroughness and I appreciate that your posts are well-written, referenced, and clinically relevant. Thank you for your effort and generosity in sharing your knowledge.
October 5, 2018 at 7:57 PM |
Thank you for your kind words!