In a nutshell
This article investigated the safety and efficacy of low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT) in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (VED).
The authors concluded that LISWT was a safe and effective treatment option for these men.
Some background
VED is the inability to get and maintain an erection due to damage to the blood vessels supplying the penis. The current treatment option includes lifestyle changes and medication. However, only 80% of patients respond to this therapy.
An alternative treatment option is LISWT. It is believed to work by restoring blood flow to the penis and hence restoring erectile function. The effectiveness of LISWT in patients with VED remains under investigation.
Methods & findings
The study involved 799 male patients in 11 studies. All patients had VED. Patients received LISWT, placebo treatment or a different treatment option of VED. They were followed up for at least 6 months.
At 6 month follow up, 9 studies found a significant improvement in erectile function. At 1 year follow up, there was no further improvement compared to 6 months. Moreover, 3 studies found a slight worsening of erectile function and 2 found no change after 6 months. However, in all the studies the sexual function was better than it was before the LISWT. Higher age was associated with a reduced effectiveness of LISWT.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that LISWT may be a safe and effective treatment option for men with VED.
The fine print
This study included 11 trials with different protocols. This may have influenced the results. Further studies are needed.
Published By :
International urology and nephrology
Date :
Mar 22, 2019
