ED is not “normal” at any age. There is no reason that getting older should prohibit an active sex life. Men interested in better erections and sexual performance may see improvement with one of the newest treatments for ED
Shockwave Therapy for ED
Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction uses sound waves. These waves increase blood flow in the penis. Hence you are able to avoid surgery, drugs, or invasive procedures.
What is Shockwave Therapy for ED?
Studies have shown that low energy shock wave therapy can improve the response to oral medicines for erectile dysfunction. It may also provide some return of spontaneous erections by increasing blood flow to the penis.
How does Shockwave Therapy for ED work?
High-frequency sound waves are applied to the penis to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and possibly break down plaque build-up in existing vessels. Low blood flow is the root cause of ED, and increasing blood flow using shockwave therapy may produce better erections and sexual performance.
Who can benefit from Shockwave Therapy for ED?
Anyone with mild to severe ED can likely benefit from shockwave therapy. This includes the nearly 50% of men that struggle with getting or maintaining an erection.
It may be a good option for men who…
• Desire a treatment to reverse the underlying cause of ED
• Are looking for a better response to the oral medicines used to treat ED
• Want a non-invasive treatment for their ED before moving on to other options
The typical treatment course is 6 treatments over 6 weeks, and 50-80% of patients will report an improvement in their erections 30 days after they have completed the full treatment cycle.
Any of our urologists can advise you on whether shockwave therapy may be right for you.
How long does Shockwave Therapy for ED last?
Individual results will vary, however, some studies have shown that a positive response can last up to two years.
What does Shockwave Therapy for ED feel like?
Prior to treatment patients will apply a numbing gel to the penis. Most patients say it feels like a light tapping or tingling sensation and do not experience pain.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
After patients apply the numbing gel and it takes effect, shockwaves will be directed to various areas around the shaft and base of the penis. Typically, treatment sessions will last about 15 to 20 minutes.
The Priapus Shot or P-Shot Procedure.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Penile Injection.
Most men will tell you that their penis is the most important organ in his body. Of course, while this is not exactly true for everyday physiologic survival, proper and reliable function of the penis plays a large role in intimate relationships. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection and/or concerns about penile size, shape and curvature, with or without pain, can affect one’s self-esteem and create significant stress between partners.
Our bodies have a remarkable capacity to heal themselves. Regeneration of new tissue is accomplished by the natural production of stem cells. PRP involves concentrated platelets, rich in bioactive proteins, which release growth factors to stimulate cellular regeneration and accelerate tissue repair. The benefits of PRP were initially used in wound healing, dentistry and the treatment of sports injuries, but now have evolved to address aesthetic concerns and sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease for men). PRP is one of the most advanced, effective natural treatments for cellular repair AND rejuvenation throughout the body.
What Does PRP Stand For?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma.
What Is PRP?
PRP is in the category of regenerative autologous treatments, which means it comes from your own blood and can stimulate cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Platelets are one of the cells in our blood and when activated, they can release growth factors and other proteins.
Where Did the Name P-Shot® Come From?
The name P-Shot® is actually a shortened version for the Priapus Shot®. It was coined by Dr. Charles Runels after he first injected his own penis. He felt that Priapus, the Greek god of male regenerative power, perfectly represented what he was trying to achieve.
What Benefits Can a Man Have from the P-Shot®?
Stronger, firmer erections
Easier to achieve and maintain erections (i.e., improved sexual stamina)
Increased penile length and girth
Improvement in or resolution of penile curvature from Peyronie’s Disease
Resolution of penile pain with erection
Increased sensitivity in the penis
Better overall blood flow to the penis
Is the P-Shot® the Same Thing as Trimix Injections?
No. TriMix is a shot to produce an erection for a brief period of time and must be given every time you wish to have an erection; however, the P-Shot® is a treatment that revives and enhances your natural erections.
How Does the P-Shot® Work?
The growth factors & proteins released by the high concentration of platelets in PRP in turn activate stems cells and stimulate cellular repair and regeneration wherever they are applied in the body. In addition, collagen production and the formation of new blood vessels occurs and further aids in tissue repair.
How Is PRP for the P-Shot® Acquired?
A small amount of blood is drawn in the office at the time of the procedure. Your blood is then spun in a specially designed centrifuge, which separates the platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood. The platelets are isolated and then injected back into the body wherever their benefits are needed. Along with numbing cream on the skin, a block is performed on the penis, so there is no pain.
How Long Does the P-Shot® Procedure Take to Perform?
The PRP injection is performed in our office. It should take about 60 minutes from start to finish but we do usually allow a little extra time. You may drive yourself home after the procedure.
Is There Anything Else That I Will Need to Do After the Procedure?
Yes. Using a VED, or Vacuum Erection Device, is essential for achieving optimal success from the procedure. This is usually done twice daily. It requires only a few minutes of your time and without it, success rates are usually lower. We will walk you through it the first time.
When Can I Resume Sexual Activity After the P-Shot®Procedure?
You may resume sexual activity about 4 hours after procedure on the same day.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of the P-Shot®?
Since PRP is extracted from your own blood, there are few and only minor potential side effects. These include minor bleeding or bruising, swelling, and very rarely infection.
Are All Centrifuges the Same? Which One Do You Use?
We use the Emcyte Pure PRP® system. It extracts the highest concentrations of platelets on the market while simultaneously removing 99% of red blood cells (RBC’s), which can hinder the regenerative process. Many other PRP systems fall short of delivering a final injectable that can be considered platelet-rich. Unlike many other systems, Emcyte is a completely closed system throughout all steps of the processing that meets the highest sterility standards. So, if you are going to have a PRP injection, start with the best equipment to give you the highest quality product and maximize your success.
Non-invasive treatments are often tried first.
Most of the best-known treatments for ED work well and are safe. Still, it helps to ask your health care provider about side effects that could result from each option:
• Oral drugs or pills known as phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors are most often prescribed in the U.S. for ED (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra)
• Testosterone Therapy (when low testosterone is detected in blood testing)
• Penile Injections (ICI, intracavernosal Alprostadil)
• Intraurethral medication (IU, Alprostadil)
• Vacuum Erection Devices
• Penile Implants
• Surgery to bypass penile artery damage for some younger men with a history of severe pelvic trauma. Penile vascular surgery is not recommended for older men with hardened arteries.
Oral Drugs (PDE5 inhibitors)
Drugs known as PDE type-5 inhibitors increase penile blood flow. These are the only oral agents approved in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ED.
• Viagra® (sildenafil citrate)
• Levitra® (vardenafil HCl)
• Cialis® (tadalafil)
• Stendra® (avanafil)
For best results, men with ED take these pills about an hour or two before having sex. The drugs require normal nerve function to the penis. PDE5 inhibitors improve on normal erectile responses helping blood flow into the penis. Use these drugs as directed. About 7 out of 10 men do well and have better erections. Response rates are lower for Diabetics and cancer patients.
If you are taking nitrates for your heart, you SHOULD NOT take any PDE5 inhibitors. Always speak with your health care provider before using a PDE5 inhibitor to learn how it might affect your health.
Most often, the side effects of PDE5 inhibitors are mild and often last just a short time. The most common side effects are:
• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Facial flushing
• Muscle aches
• Indigestion
In rare cases, the drug Viagra ® can cause blue-green shading to vision that lasts for a short time. In rare cases, the drug Cialis® can cause or increase back pain or aching muscles in the back. In most cases, the side effects are linked to PDE5 inhibitor effects on other tissues in the body, meaning they are working to increase blood flow to your penis and at the same time impacting other vascular tissues in your body. These are not ‘allergic reactions'.
Testosterone Therapy
In those rare cases where a low sex drive and low blood levels of Testosterone are at fault for ED, Testosterone Therapy may fix normal erections or help when combined with ED drugs (PDE type 5 inhibitors).
Supplements
Supplements are popular and often cheaper than prescription drugs for ED. However, supplements have not been tested to see how well they work or if they are a safe treatment for ED. Patients should know that many over-the-counter drugs have been found on drug testing to have ‘bootlegged' PDE 5 Inhibitors as their main ingredient. The amount of Viagra, Cialis, Levitra or Stendra that may be in these supplements is not under quality control and may differ from pill to pill. The FDA has issued consumer warnings and alerts.
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my ED is physical and not mental?
It's hard to know. Health providers now realize that most men have an underlying physical cause of ED. For most patients, there are both physical and emotional factors that lead to ED. It is impossible to prove that there is no psychological part to a man's ED.
If I worry about being able to get an erection, can I make a bad condition worse?
Nothing happens in the body without the brain. Worrying about your ability to get an erection can make it difficult to get one. This is called performance anxiety and can be overcome with education and treatment.
Can I combine treatment options?
Yes, this is often done. However, only combine treatments after talking with your health care provider about this.
I was fine until I began taking this new drug, what should I do?
Never stop or change a prescription medication without first talking with your health care provider. Many drugs can cause ED, but some cannot be changed because the drug's benefits are too important for you. If you feel sure that a specific drug has caused the ED problem, ask your health care provider if you can change drugs. If you must stay on the drug that is causing the problem, there are ED treatments that can help.
Dr. Zamudio has more than 16 years of experience provideng effective treatment for Erectile Disfunction such us Shockwave and PRP shots. To know more about this treatment options or to schedule an appointment give us a call:
928-287-2429 (WhatsApp or text)
(928) 554-7830 (Phone or WhatsApp)
(928)-246-2771 (WhatsApp or text)
Thanks for the helpful article. I would like to give you the opportunity to learn more about such a disease as erectile dysfunction.