ShockWave Therapy

It is generally accepted that lack of blood flow related to blood vessel (endothelial) disease and nerve dysfunction are the causative factors leading to erectile dysfunction. Low intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LIESWT) has been shown to significantly improve penile hemodynamics and induce structural changes that regenerate penile tissue. These shock waves induce the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is an important mediator in the new growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis) which improves blood flow in the penis. There is also good evidence that these shock waves improve nerve regeneration in the penis which is another very important factor in erectile dysfunction.

In addition, there have been studies regarding the use of LIESWT for the treatment of ED. These studies reveal how the shock waves break down plaque in the blood vessels to increase blood flow as well as break down plaque in the penis. These studies present very encouraging results utilizing this treatment modality. However, the ShockWave study for Erectile Dysfunction in Urology 149, 2021 Adeldaeim, et al. noted that “Age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and degree of erectile dysfunction were all factors affecting success” and found “success in [only] 39.5% of patients treated”. Other studies have found shockwave treatments completely ineffective for any patient with diabetes or post-radical prostatectomy. So patient selection is very important to success rates.

Most importantly, the device used is the most important reason for patient success rates.  Non-Focal devices such as the Radial Pressure Units, by far the most common, do not penetrate the tissues deep enough to create tissue healing or significant symptom improvement.  These units are typically less expensive to the provider and do not require medical supervision when used.  Clinics charge up to $500 per treatment and recommend 6-12 treatments.  So that is $3,000 – $6,000 for an ineffective treatment.  Focal devices such as Electromagnetic and Piezoelectric Units provide improved symptom relief over the Radial Units.  Electromagnetic Units have been the most studied and have shown to provide the best improvement in Erectile Dysfunction.

It is important to ask your provider what type of device they are using!  Dr. Wierschem sees patients daily that have failed shockwave treatments at these local facilities using radial devices. They are frustrated and looking for a “real” treatment from a “real” expert. These clinics do not tell their patients that they are not good candidates and will likely have poor if any results. Dr. Wierschem utilizes the Storz TM Duolith Ultra shockwave system which is the strongest and most current focused electromagnetic shockwave system available.

We educate our patients and discuss who is a good candidate and who is not.  If they are not an appropriate candidate, we do not treat them.  We discuss their options and move forward with the next best treatment option for that individual.  

Dr. Wierschem meets regularly with his internationally acclaimed colleagues to ensure that he is providing the highest quality available.  He is an active member of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America and the International Society for Sexual Medicine.  He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. It is for these reasons that he believes you should put your trust in him and his highly trained staff.  Do you really want someone else handling one of your most precious assets?  Doctors not only refer to him for all Men’s Health issues but are also treated by Dr. Wierschem themselves.

***Dr. Wierschem consults and treats every patient himself in a private room with no other assistants in the room.  You will NEVER be treated by an Aesthetician, a Nurse, a Medical Assistant, a Physician’s Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner.***