Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome and erectile dysfunction.

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LSWT) for patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The data showed that LSWT was safe and effective in improving the symptoms of these patients.

CPPS is lower abdominal pain usually in the pelvis or groin region. It is caused by inflammation in the prostate. The standard treatment options for CPPS include anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and antibiotics. Patients suffering from CPPS usually experience ED. ED consists of the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. This has a negative impact on the quality of life of men.

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LSWT) 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 CPPS and ED.

This study involved 50 patients with CPPS and ED. All men received treatment with LSWT. The LSWT was administered in 10 sessions over the course of 5 weeks at 3,000 pulses with .25 mJ/mm² energy flow and 5 Hz frequency. CPPS and ED were evaluated using 4 standard questionnaires measuring pain, symptoms, and quality of life.

LSWT significantly reduced the symptoms of CPPS, including pain/discomfort in the genitalia, urinary symptoms, and ED, It also improved the overall QoL of the patients.

No significant side effects were observed with LSWT treatment.

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

The sample size was very small. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to fully validate the effectiveness of LSWT treatment on CPPS.