New Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Non-Surgical Treatment for ED in East Berlin, CT

Many men struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives. This condition can be confusing, embarrassing, and frustrating – especially if you aren’t sure how to move forward.

Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to men with ED, including medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra), injections, and mechanical pumps. 

A relatively new, effective, and non-invasive treatment option is Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (Li-ESWT) or SoftWave® Therapy.

SoftWave®, is a patented Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave technology (Li-ESWT) that is now being offered as an innovative treatment for millions of men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED).

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile Dysfunction, commonly called ED, is a condition in which men are unable to achieve or maintain an adequate erection. The condition was previously known more commonly as impotence. Some studies suggest that more than half of men have experienced some form of occasional erectile dysfunction, with 5-15% of men ages 40-70 experiencing total ED.

What Causes ED?

ED is often caused by a reduced blood flow to the penis, which may result from many underlying medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, heart disease), certain medications (i.e. antidepressants), or psychological conditions.

A majority of ED cases lead back to an issue of poor circulation. This may be caused by an identified vascular condition, or the blood vessels may simply not work as well as they used to.  Age can also be a significant factor in the onset of ED.

A key component to SoftWave® Therapy is that it treats a natural condition in a way that allows for an equally natural outcome. Once the treatment course is complete, the goal is for men to achieve firm, long-lasting erections, which allow them to engage in spontaneous sexual encounters in ways that medications would otherwise not.

How is Softwave® different from other shockwave devices used to treat ED?

SoftWave® is the only patented unfocused shockwave device that produces a “true” shockwave.  Most devices used today offer a focused ballistic style pressure wave that is not a “true” shockwave.  This is important, because the fast high amplitude shockwaves produced by SoftWave® can be performed without a topical anesthetic or numbing cream, and offer a more effective and comfortable experience for the patient. 

One small study demonstrated that unfocused shockwave treatment was approximately 30% more effective than focused shockwaves in the treatment for ED (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13685538.2019.1610377)

How Does Softwave® Treatment Work for ED?

SoftWave® treatment is designed to increase blood flow to the penis, so that men can naturally achieve erections, without the need for medication or invasive injection procedures.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee with any medical procedure, however, treatment for ED with SoftWave® has been shown to be a remarkable 65% to 70% effective. 

Patients are expected to begin a series of six SoftWave® treatments over the course of several weeks.  Depending on several factors, including age of the patient, as well as other medical conditions, some patients may require additional treatments.

SoftWave® is a great option for men suffering with ED who don’t want to take medications or undergo more invasive injection procedures.

How is the Softwave® Treatment for ED performed?

Each SoftWave® treatment takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.  Treatments are performed in our outpatient office and don’t require any anesthesia. 

One of our skilled physicians will apply a small wand-like device that uses targeted sound waves to stimulate penile tissue and encourage blood flow.  Low-intensity shockwaves have also been shown to grow new blood vessels and improve blood flow to penis, which is essential for erections.

Most patients report feeling no discomfort during SoftWave® treatment, but may experience a gentle warming or tingling sensation following each treatment.  

Treatment plans are individualized, but patients can generally expect to complete a series of 6 treatments, spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart.  Additional treatments may be required to achieve desired results, depending on the patient’s age and previous medical history. 

Is Low-Intensity Shockwave Treatment approved by the FDA for the treatment of ED?

The FDA has cleared extracorporeal shockwave therapy for several medical conditions, however the FDA has not approved extracorporeal shockwave therapy for ED at this time.

Shockwave Therapy Cost

Since shockwave therapy is a fairly new ED treatment, it is not a service covered by health insurance plans at this time. The cost for a series of 6 treatments is $2399.  Our physicians will discuss care plan options and provide you with the best course of treatment.

Candidates for Shockwave Therapy in East Berlin, CT

This procedure works best for men who are not adequately responding to ED medications, not interested in taking ED medications, not interested in undergoing invasive injection procedures, or men interested in applying a more natural regenerative therapy to potentially reverse some of the causes of ED.

Benefits of Softwave® Shockwave Therapy for ED

Low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction is a cutting-edge therapy with excellent results for most men. Benefits of shockwave therapy for ED include:

• Improved ability to achieve and maintain erections
• No recovery time
• Non-invasive
• Non-surgical
• In-office treatment
• No Medication

How Long Does Softwave® Shockwave Therapy Take to Work?

Most patients who receive shockwave therapy for ED will often see benefits within one to three months. Patients will often see initial results in approximately one month.

There is still not enough long-term clinical research to say how long the benefits of treatment might last.  Patients could require a “tune up” treatment every 3 to 12 months in order to maintain desired results. 

Softwave® Treatment for ED at Multicare

Interested in learning more about shockwave therapy for ED, and whether or not you may be a candidate for treatment? 

To schedule an initial consultation, call Multicare today at 860-570-3400.