Low Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (LESWT) for Erectile Function and Chronic Prostatitis.

(Principle of Shockwave)

The principle of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is to use a shockwave device to instantly focus specific frequencies and energies of pressure sound waves on the parts of the body that are to be treated. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy was first applied to treat urinary stones in Germany as early as 1980. At the beginning of the 21st century, scientists discovered that the stimulation of shock waves had the effect of promoting cell regeneration if the energy was lowered. Orthopedic surgeons began to use low-energy shock waves to treat tendonitis, hard-to-heal fractures, tennis elbow, etc...... Cardiologists have also found that low energy shockwaves can increase blood vessel growth in the heart. Because the anatomy of the penis is a sponge body with a white membrane covering a network of blood vessels, urologists have also begun to use low-energy shock waves to treat erectile dysfunction. Repeated animal and human experiments have shown that low-energy shock waves (energy less than 0.08 mJ/mm2) can safely treat a variety of tissues, with wound repair, soft tissue regeneration, treatment of peripheral neuropathy and promotion of vascular proliferation.

Low-energy shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction

In 2015, the European Society of Urology (ESU) included Low Energy Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (LESWT) in its guidelines for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Basic research has shown that low-energy shockwave therapy can promote neovascularization of penile sponges, summon primitive cells and peripheral stem cells, improve tissue microcirculation, increase nitric oxide that enables penile vasodilatation, reduce penile sponge tissue fibrosis, and promote nerve regeneration. Clinical studies have shown that low-energy shockwaves can increase voluntary erections, reduce the amount of medication used, or make the penis more responsive to medication, with an average patient satisfaction rate of about 75% after treatment.

Low-energy shockwave therapy for chronic prostatitis

More than 50% of men over the age of 50 have enlarged prostate problems. Symptoms include a slowing down of the urine stream, the need to wait for some time before urinating, frequent trips to the toilet, frequent urination, nocturia, or the urge to urinate, which can lead to leakage of urine. These annoying symptoms are reminding us that the enlarged prostate gland has already compressed the urethra, making the bladder overloaded; if left unattended for a long period of time, it will cause the smooth muscle of the bladder to be deprived of oxygen and damaged, which will in turn lead to abnormal discharges or bladder weakness and other lesions. If mature men begin to show symptoms of slow urination, it is best to seek early medical treatment, follow the doctor's instructions to adjust diet and exercise habits from life, with the appropriate medication, and if the medication can not be controlled, then use endoscopic or laser surgery of the prostate.

However, prostate problems are not limited to mature men. Acute and chronic prostatitis can also occur in young men due to insufficient water intake, urinary holding habits, unprotected sex, stress or fatigue. The main symptoms of acute vaginitis include painful urination, difficulty in urinating, fever, bloody semen, anal and perineal pain. Acute vaginitis is caused by a bacterial infection and is treated with antibiotics for three to four weeks.

The causes and symptoms of chronic vaginitis are more complex, and patients may experience a combination of pain points (lower abdomen, perineum, testicles, penis), dysuria, painful ejaculation, bloody semen, and erectile dysfunction. Treatment options include antibiotic therapy, regimen smooth muscle relaxants (alpha sympathetic blockers), anti-inflammatory pain medications, and antidepressants ...... Chronic prostatitis is a problem that requires long term treatment. In addition to medication, pelvic muscle exercises and low energy shockwave can also reduce symptoms and relieve pain.

How does the Low Energy Shockwave program work?

In the field of urology, Low Energy Shockwave Therapy can be used for erectile function improvement and chronic prostatitis. Low energy shockwave therapy for erectile function requires six to twelve sessions of fifteen to twenty minutes each, one or three times a week. Due to the low energy of the waves, there is no pain and no anesthesia is required. As the vibrations are applied evenly to both sides of the penile sponge, the root of the sponge and the perineum, it is recommended to wear loose and comfortable clothing and to avoid sexual activity and bathing on the day of treatment. During the course of treatment, you can discuss with your urologist about the combined use of relevant medications, and maintain regular sexual stimulation, so that the penis maintains sufficient oxygenation, in order to achieve a better therapeutic effect. If used for the treatment of chronic prostatitis, to alleviate the symptoms of pain, four treatments are required, mainly the vibration wave will be applied to the perineum.

In ancient times, kings and emperors summoned magicians to make elixirs to seek immortality and the Golden Gun. In modern times, we live longer, and there are more scientific ways to maintain our health and improve our quality of life that we need to understand and practice together.