A “magic wand” is giving men their erections back with treatment sessions of just 15 minutes, experts say.
The device for erectile dysfunction (ED) gives out shockwaves that help blood flow to the penis, while also repairing damaged tissue.
AlamyMen with erection problems caused by lack of blood flow could benefit from shockwave therapy[/caption]
It’s a relatively new way of tackling the common problem, adding to various pills, hacks and tech.
A clinic in Surrey, Men’s Health Clinic Kingston, is finding huge success with shockwave therapy, which usually requires around six sessions for six weeks.
Dr Peter Holy said: “Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can be done in just 15 minutes and without anaesthesia.
“It has proven to be an effective procedure for our patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction.
“But shockwave therapy has also got a huge range of other benefits too.
“Other conditions that can be treated by shockwave therapy are chronic pelvic pain conditions, chronic prostatitis and penile pain.”
Shockwave therapy is best for patients who have vascular ED, when blood flow to the penis is restricted.
This could be due to atherosclerosis – when the arteries become clogged or narrowed, often due to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity.
After applying a numbing gel, sound waves of a high-frequency are applied to the penis through a wand which strengthens blood vessels.
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The pulses stimulate the growth of new blood vessels while also breaking down plaque built-up in existing vessels.
According to Men’s Health Clinic, 50 per cent of men with mild to severe ED could benefit from it.
It claims after six sessions, 50 to 80 per cent of patients will report an improvement in their erections.
One study suggested the effects last around a year, Healthline reports.
Dr Holy said: “Advances in tech in recent years means treating erectile dysfunction has never been easier or more effective.”
ED, also called impotence, is very common, the NHS says.
Its causes include depression, alcohol abuse or hormone problems, which are not known to benefit from shockwave therapy.
Treatments for ED sometimes target the root problem, such as therapy for a psychological cause or lifestyle changes.
ED is more often a problem in men over the age of 40, and is also a common side-effect of prostate cancer, with an estimated 47,500 British men diagnosed with the disease each year.
Dr Holy’s clinic works closely with leading prostate cancer facility Proton Therapy Center Prague in taking a holistic approach to treating the deadly disease.
“Thankfully, there are some incredibly effective treatments available today and the effects of prostate cancer can be treated better than ever before,” he said.
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