Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for patients with diabetes and erectile dysfunction.

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) for patients with diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED). The data showed that Li-ESWT was safe and effective in improving the symptoms of ED in these patients.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) consists of the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Around 50% of men suffering from diabetes usually experience ED. This has a negative impact on the quality of life of men. The standard primary treatment is with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitor such as tadalafil (Cialis) has been shown to improve ED symptoms by increasing the blood flow to the penis and helping to maintain an erection. However, a significant number of these patients still do not manage to have satisfactory intercourse despite treatment with these medications.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) has recently been introduced as a new therapeutic approach for treating ED. LSWT allows for an increase in penile blood flow by delivering low-intensity (non-harmful) shock waves to the penis. These are believed to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, which is important in achieving an erection. However, there are few studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of LSWT for patients with diabetes and ED.

This study analyzed 9 studies clinical studies with 996 patients with ED. Of these, 550 men had diabetes. All patients received treatment with Li-ESWT. Erectile function was evaluated through a standardized International Index of Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF) questionnaire.

In clinical studies, Li-ESWT was a safe and effective treatment in men with well-controlled DM and moderate or better ED. However, the benefit is less durable in diabetic men than in nondiabetic men.

This study concluded that LSWT was safe and effective in improving the symptoms of ED in patients with diabetes.

The sample size was very small. Larger studies with long-term follow-ups are needed to validate the effectiveness of Li-ESWT in the treatment of diabetic men with ED.