How Technology is Changing Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Most treatments for erectile dysfunction involve medications… but technology has made possible new treatment options that show a great deal of promise.
Vacuum Pumps
One of the leading causes of Erectile Dysfunction is a vascular or circulatory problem. Poor blood flow to the penis can make erections impossible. Furthermore, poor blood flow can actually cause tissues in the penis to atrophy.
Regular use of a vacuum pump (20 minutes per day, three days a week) can maintain and even restore the health of the penis.
Shockwave Therapy
Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (LI-ESWT), commonly called shockwave therapy, also addresses blood flow to the penis. Shockwaves are used to break up plaque in the blood vessels of the penis. The shockwaves also cause micro-trauma in the tissues – the body’s own healing mechanisms them create new blood vessels through a process called angiogenesis.
Clinical studies have shown the treatment to be for men with vasculogenic ED. It is non-invasive, safe, and painless.
Shockwave therapy is administered in a series of six to twelve treatments in a clinical setting. There are also home shockwave devices that are considerably less expensive. Note that shockwave therapy is often combined with vacuum pump therapy as part of an overall treatment plan.
Electrical Pelvic Floor Muscle Stimulation
Studies have shown that preforming Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles (PFM) can be an effective treatment for urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Therapists now use electrical stimulate to trigger PFM contractions. There are also moderately priced home devices available.
Penile Implants
Inflatable penile implants have been available since the mid-1980’s. Inflatable chambers are inserted in the penis. A reservoir of liquid is implanted in the abdomen, and a small pump is implanted in the scrotum.
Penile implants allow a man to have an erection at any time. They have the highest satisfaction rating of any form of ED treatment.