Keeping it Together: Erection shockwave therapy and its benefits

A couple years ago, J.G. noticed a significant dip in his libido and a weak erection that, according to societal norms, was uncharacteristic of young, healthy men like himself. Last year he sought a doctor’s help and learned that his testosterone levels were much lower than they should be for a man in his 30s.

The diagnosis led him to pursue a somewhat unconventional treatment: erection shockwave therapy.

Hi, I'm Katie Camero, a health and wellness reporter with Paste BN. This week I wrote about a potentially helpful yet underutilized treatment for erectile dysfunction that doctors hope more people will take advantage of — that is, if they can overcome the shame that typically surrounds such sexual health problems.

Erection shockwave therapy involves the use of an ultrasound-type probe that sends shock waves through penile tissue to stimulate the growth of new cells and vessels for better blood flow to the area, and thus a stronger erection. The therapy can benefit people with erectile dysfunction or those who simply want to boost their sex lives.

Treatment plans typically involve one session per week for six months, with about one to two follow-ups each year for tune ups. Results can last anywhere from months to years, depending on a person’s age and health status. 

J.G. has completed three sessions so far, all of which were painless thanks to a numbing cream, and each took about 20 minutes.

“I engage more now and I can have sex multiple times a day. Overall, it just changed everything” J.G. said. “I feel like how I should have felt for many years, like how I was when I was in college.” 

J.G. said he understands that sexual health is nothing to be ashamed of, yet research shows that embarrassment prevents many men from discussing ED with their doctors. “If you can take control of your ego and allow yourself to show weakness, vulnerability and imperfections, you tend to solve things a lot quicker,” he said.

Continue reading to learn more about the therapy and how erectile dysfunction can reveal many details about a person's physical and mental health.

Meanwhile, enjoy some of the other content my team worked on this week!