Low Intensity Shock Wave Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction-How Long Does the Effect Last?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects a significant number of men.
• Low intensity shock wave treatment (Li-SWT) has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for ED.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy of penile low intensity shock wave treatment (Li-SWT) up to two years post-treatment.
• To identify factors influencing the sustained effectiveness of Li-SWT in patients with erectile dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Prospective follow-up of 156 patients who initially responded successfully to Li-SWT.
• Efficacy assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) questionnaire at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
• Failure defined as IIEF-EF dropping below the minimal clinically important difference.

Main Results:

• Initial treatment success was achieved in 63.5% of patients (99/156).
• After two years, only 53.5% of initially successful patients (53/99) maintained the beneficial effect.
• Patients with severe ED and diabetes showed complete loss of efficacy, while non-diabetic patients with milder ED had a 76% chance of sustained benefit.

Conclusions:

• Li-SWT provides short-term effectiveness for erectile dysfunction.
• Long-term efficacy (2 years) is maintained in approximately half of the patients.
• Milder forms of ED and absence of diabetes are associated with better preservation of Li-SWT benefits.