The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the electromagnetic-type low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).
The randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind prospective study was performed at two referral hospitals. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive sham or Li-ESWT for 6 weeks. ED was evaluated at screening and at 4 and 7 weeks after treatment. Participants were asked to complete the international index of erectile function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain questionnaire, erection hardness scale (EHS), and sexual encounter profile questionnaire (SEPQ 2 and 3). The development of complications was investigated.
Eighty-one of 96 patients completed the study. The median change in the IIEF-EF score in the Li-ESWT and sham groups was 5.1 and -2.2 (p<0.001), respectively, at the 7-week follow-up; 47.4% (18/38) patients had EHS <3, of which 77.8% (14/18) showed significant improvement in virtue of Li-ESWT treatment (p=0.001). A significant improvement was observed in the percentage of "Yes" responses to SEPQ2 and 3 in the Li-ESWT group vs. sham group from baseline to 7-week follow-up (91.3% vs. 69.4%; p=0.008 and 50.0% vs. 14.3%; p=0.002, respectively). No patients reported pain or other adverse events during treatment or follow-up.
Thus, Li-ESWT could have a role in improving erectile function. Furthermore, it is safe. We believe that Li-ESWT is an attractive new treatment modality for patients with ED.
The world journal of men's health. 2019 Nov 19 [Epub ahead of print]
Kang Sup Kim, Hyun Cheol Jeong, Sae Woong Choi, Yong Sun Choi, Hyuk Jin Cho, U Syn Ha, Sung Hoo Hong, Ji Youl Lee, Seung Wook Lee, Sun Tae Ahn, Du Geon Moon, Woong Jin Bae, Sae Woong Kim
Department of Urology, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea., Department of Urology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea., Department of Urology, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea., Department of Urology, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea., Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea., Department of Urology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea., Department of Urology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.