In a nutshell
This study investigated if low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LIEST) is a good treatment for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers suggested that LIEST is a good and safe treatment for these patients.
Some background
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. The standard primary treatment is medication. However, a significant number of these patients still do not manage to have satisfactory intercourse despite treatment.
LIEST consists of delivering small shock waves to injured tissue/organs to reduce pain and help to heal. Prior studies suggested that LIEST improved ED in male patients. However, the studies investigating LIEST only report on short-term outcomes. Moreover, studies on predictive factors for the success of LIEST treatment are scarce.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 425 male patients with ED who received LIEST. Patients with improved symptoms after LIEST were followed for 30 months.
After 6 months from treatment, 220 (51.8%) patients reported being able to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. Patients with more advanced age, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity were more likely not to report a good response to LIEST.
After 30 months, 168 (76.3%) of the 220 patients that responded to treatment reported still having improved sexual satisfaction. The other 52 patients who responded were using tadalafil (Cialis) before intercourse and reported good response.
The bottom line
This study concluded that LIEST is a good and safe treatment for mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction.
The fine print
This study did not investigate the cause of the ED in each patient. Therefore, the results may not apply to different types of ED.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Dec 26, 2020
