Cost of Shockwave Therapy for ED (Erectile Dysfunction) Strong Erection

The genitalia are a place of high sensitivity in the human body. This fact prompts many men to start thinking about “low-intensity” shockwave therapy as a possible treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Shock waves have long been used in urology to disintegrate kidney stones. Additionally, they are frequently used in the management of certain orthopedic conditions.

For ED, shockwave therapy is currently regarded as an “experimental” route. However, there is some evidence to support its effectiveness, but further study is needed to find out how effectively it functions over the long term.

Although shockwave therapy is not currently an FDA-approved treatment for erectile dysfunction, research has shown that it could improve erectile function.

What is Shockwave Therapy for ED?

One of the newest treatments for ED is shockwave therapy, which is also commonly referred to as “pulsewave” therapy. The treatment is supposed to stimulate vascular tissue with low-intensity pulsed radio waves to improve blood flow. Since blood is the body's healing substance, boosting blood flow to the penis should help, theoretically at least, in the reconstruction of the vascular tissue.

High-frequency waves are sent through the skin during shockwave treatment, which originally has been used to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries in veterinary medicine, podiatry, sports medicine, orthopedics, physiotherapy, and urology.

Its primary advantages are the capacity to repair musculoskeletal system tissues, the alleviation of chronic pain, and the restoration of function and movement. Some ED patients who get shockwave therapy can achieve and sustain an erection without the need for medicine.

In contrast, some people might discover that even with improved outcomes, they still need to take the tiny blue tablet. In addition to stimulating nerve endings, shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction can also increase the penis' sensitivity to physical touch during sexual activity, which helps in getting and keeping an erection.

The precise mechanism of action is still up for debate. Thus far, it seems that treating a small number of men with ED may be both safe and quite successful in the short term.

Reputable medical publications have published a limited number of studies endorsing this therapy and demonstrating its value for certain men experiencing erection issues.

According to recent research, the number of studies that have reported complications after the procedure is very low, which tells us something positive about the safety of the procedure. However, these men are likely to be the only ones whose underlying erection issue stems from inadequate blood supply to the penis.

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Shockwave Therapy for ED Cost

The cost of shockwave therapy for treating ED patients ranges from 1000 to 2000 USD in total. Insurance may only cover the cost of a penile Doppler ultrasound and blood tests.

The precise expenses, which average 500 USD a session, may differ depending on the service and the region.

Treatment regimens for ED using shockwave therapy begin with five to six sessions spread over three months, with 1 or 2 yearly treatments required to maintain improvements.

There are no reimbursements available for this therapy through Medicare or private health funds. Sometimes, the treatment may be offered to patients for little or no cost if it was a part of a research project, but they could ask patients to complete several questionnaires, etc.

Medical insurance probably won't pay for shockwave therapy because it is an off-label, FDA-approved ED technique.

Therefore, if a physician prescribes a twice-weekly schedule for three weeks, the expenses can potentially reach around 3000 USD. However, you might be able to find different methods to lower the cost of your treatment by working with your provider.  Monthly payment arrangements or reduced bundle prices are just some examples of potential choices.

In sum, shockwave therapy for ED is offered by a limited number of clinics as a package that costs 3000 USD and may include six sessions, prescription drugs, and supportive erection equipment.

Procedure of Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction

The therapy lasts for fifteen minutes in most cases, and doctors often administer it once or twice a week. To get the best results, you need to undergo a minimum of six sessions, and anesthesia is not required.

Your doctor places a probe directly on your penis to deliver shockwaves. The device resembles a wand that can provide shockwave treatment to various parts of the penis as it gently pulses.

Technically, the treatment is given within two frameworks or protocols. The focused shockwaves (from a class 2 device) and radial waves (from a class 1 device).

There is disagreement among doctors on a treatment plan including the number of shocks, number of required treatments, and duration of therapy. According to many experts, men with mild to moderate ED unrelated to diabetes seem to benefit the most.

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Shockwave Therapy at Home?

At-home devices have invaded the market because of the growing interest in shockwave treatment for ED. The fact that these machines are far less expensive than clinical treatments is a major selling factor.

However, doctors warn against the temptation to use this kind of device to solve ED at home. After all, these devices use “radial waves”, which in fact are ineffective for treating ED as previously noted.

Thus, speaking with a healthcare provider is extremely important before trying to treat erectile dysfunction at home. In addition to being a warning sign of a potential heart attack, ED can also be an indicator of more serious health issues including cardiovascular disease.

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