Penile Shockwave Therapy | ED Treatment in New York
Penile shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, in-office erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment that stimulates tissue repair. For New York residents suffering from ED, Dr. Alfred Shtainer offers the latest Swiss high-energy focused shock wave technology in his Brooklyn and Rego Park, Queens, offices and explains what it is.
What Is Penile Shockwave Therapy?
Penile Shockwave Therapy is also known as acoustic wave therapy or GAINSWave. It consists of high-energy sound waves to the penis to stimulate growth factors and address erectile dysfunction without medication or surgery. It differs from pills like Viagra or Cialis because it treats the underlying pathophysiology rather than just the symptoms. The waves are emitted by a machine and delivered by a handpiece directly on the site and the sessions last around 10 minutes.
Does It Work?
Multiple randomized, double-blind clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of the penile shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction. Studies show that patients undergoing low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiST) report positive results after an average of 3 months, proving that LiST is highly effective and safe for treating patients with moderate ED.
How Does It Work?
Penile shockwave therapy is non-surgical and non-invasive. Erectile dysfunction is treated by stimulating blood flow to the penis. A compressor box transmits pressure waves through a handpiece to the target area and encourages blood flow, which is essential for erections. Only licensed medical providers can administer it.Â
About Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence
Approximately 20% of men suffer from ED, whose incidence is likely to increase over time. ED is described as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory intimate performance. If it persists for at least 3 months, it can be considered a major health issue. Causes can be psychological or organic, such as:
- Vascular issues.
- Neurological problems.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Anatomical issues.
- Drug-induced.
ED can also be the result of a combination of psychological and biological factors.Â
Although it is a common sexual dysfunction, it often goes undiagnosed, given that patients seldom report their symptoms to healthcare providers. For those who do, the usual first line of treatment is oral therapies that produce rigidity, but do not correct the underlying pathologies responsible for ED. In that sense, penile shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in addressing vasculogenic or vascular causes.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of ED, book an appointment with a urology specialist to get the right diagnosis and a personalized plan.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative to consult with a kidney stone specialist, as they are not only painful, but pose a threat to the urinary tract and can also represent a bigger underlying issue like genetic disorders or chronic diseases. Leading board certified Dr. Alfred Shtainer is backed by a career spanning 30 years and offers comprehensive kidney stones examination and treatment at his offices in New York.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Penile Shockwave Therapy?
Good candidates might include men who can experience an erection with oral medication and are looking to get off it. Conversely, men who are not responsive to pills or penile injections but are not ready for an implant are also good candidates for the treatment.
About Dr. Alfred Shtainer
With a career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Alfred Shtainer is one of New York’s foremost urological specialists. A Board Certified Urologist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he holds a faculty appointment as Clinical Instructor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and serves as an attending urologist at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center.
FAQ
How many sessions are required?
Depending on the severity of the ED, 6 to 12 sessions are recommended. They are normally scheduled twice per week for a period of up to 3 weeks. This is an in-office procedure, so for those in the Brooklyn and Queens area, you may book an appointment with Dr. Shtainer to receive treatment at his offices.
How long does each penile shockwave therapy session last?
Each session lasts about 10 minutes.
Is it painful?
Patients can experience pain during the session. However, they are provided with lidocaine cream so as to minimize discomfort.
How long do the results last for?
Studies show that it can last up to 1 to 2 years.
Does penile shockwave therapy have side effects?
No long-term side effects have been reported for this therapy.
Who is NOT a good candidate for this treatment?
Men suffering from Peyronie’s Disease are not good candidates, as the waves do not have an important impact on reducing the curvature of the penis. Also, men who have undergone prostatectomy for prostate cancer, whose ED is the result of injury to the nerve going to the penis during the prostate removal procedure, are not good candidates.