ED is broadly defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or activity. Current treatment for ED consists of oral medications, intracavernosal injections and surgically placed penile prosthetics. In the literature this has been described as a Stepwise Approach, offering therapy beginning with the least invasive treatment option.
The goal of LISWT is to restore natural erections and / or improve responses to oral medications (first line therapy).
LISWT for ED is under evaluation in the USA. The European Association of Urology Guidelines on ED were recently updated to include LISWT for men with mild to moderate ED. The energy/pulse used in this application is approximately 10% of the energy used for disintegrating kidney stones; no serious side effects have been reported. Shock wave therapy for diabetic ulcers has recently been approved by the FDA.
