If you’re interested in receiving shockwave therapy to treat erectile dysfunction, you might wonder how the treatment will affect your daily life. As a non-invasive treatment option for ED, shockwave therapy allows men to live their life the way they want immediately after receiving treatment. Learn more about why ED shockwave therapy treatment usually doesn’t require downtime and when you can expect positive results to kick in.
What Is Shockwave Therapy Treatment for ED?
Also known as Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, ED shockwave therapy uses low-intensity sound waves to target the main causes of erectile dysfunction in men. Shockwave therapy has proven effective at treating ED, with more than 75% of men seeing positive results.
During treatment, a clinician will move a wand-like device on the patient’s penis, with this device directing acoustic waves at the penis. These sound waves then stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the penis and break up plaque formation. As a result, blood can flow more easily into the penis, which addresses the root cause of ED in many men. The procedure can also stimulate the growth of new nerve tissue in the penis, which can repair scarring.
What Activities Should I Avoid After Receiving Shockwave Therapy for ED?
While you should always listen to your healthcare provider’s recommendations after receiving shockwave therapy for ED, most men can safely return to normal daily activities once they’ve completed treatment. Unlike more invasive treatments that require surgery and a long recovery time, shockwave therapy for ED allows men to get back to their lives immediately.
Due to shockwave therapy’s natural, non-invasive nature, your penis should be ready to go after receiving the painless treatment. Though you might think you’re expected to wait a little while before you have sex, most men who receive shockwave therapy treatment can safely have sex on the day of their appointment. As a result, you can give your penis a test drive as soon as you get home, with or without a partner. This lack of downtime makes shockwave therapy an incredibly popular option for many men.
Are There Any Lifestyle Changes I Should Make After Receiving Shockwave Therapy for ED?
Though you probably can go back to your regular life without any restrictions after receiving shockwave therapy for ED, you may want to make some lifestyle changes to see the best results. Here are the top lifestyle changes you can make to potentially boost your erectile strength and complement your shockwave therapy treatment:
- Start exercising and eat healthy food: Obesity and a lack of physical activity are two common causes of ED in many men. Since too much fat in the body can result in lower active testosterone and being overweight can cause cardiovascular problems, it’s a good idea to start exercising and eating healthier foods. By engaging in a more active lifestyle and eating healthier foods, you can better manage your weight and curb any negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
- Stop smoking: When you smoke cigarettes, the tobacco can harden your arteries and reduce blood flow to the penis. It can also cause oxidate stress, which raises the risk of ED. While quitting smoking can be difficult, it’s been shown to relieve many ED symptoms, making it well worth it for many men.
- Reduce alcohol consumption: If you drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day, you’re at risk of ED. Excessive alcohol consumption can be a main driver of ED, as it decreases blood flow to the penis, causes hormonal and nerve imbalances, and lowers testosterone levels and libido. As you receive shockwave therapy, taking steps to reduce your alcohol consumption can give you a better chance of seeing the most positive results possible.
- Lower your cholesterol: High cholesterol levels damage blood vessel linings throughout the body, with blood vessels in the penis being impacted as well. Elevated cholesterol levels can also cause blockages in your vessels, reducing the amount of blood flowing to your penis. If you have high cholesterol levels, it’s best to consult with your doctor for possible medication and focus on living a healthier lifestyle.
How Long Will It Take for Shockwave Therapy to Work?
Since most men can take their penis on a test drive immediately after receiving treatment, you might be wondering when the positive effects of shockwave therapy will start kicking in. Besides not requiring downtime, shockwave therapy has been shown to give some patients spontaneous erections within 24 hours.
While some see positive results within a day, it’s important to note that it usually takes one to three months to see maximum positive results. Additionally, the positive effects of shockwave therapy typically last around two years, meaning it provides much longer-lasting relief from ED than most other options, such as ED pills.
Choose GAINSWave® for Shockwave Therapy Near You
As the leader in sexual wellness, GAINSWave is dedicated to helping men live their best life possible. We’re especially proud to provide high-quality shockwave therapy to men struggling with ED or Peyronie’s disease. When you turn to us, you can trust that our GAINSWave-certified providers have met rigorous standards for equipment and care.
Learn more about shockwave therapy for ED. If you’re interested in receiving shockwave therapy, take our short candidate questionnaire to see if you qualify. Once your candidacy is determined, use our provider locator to find a GAINSWave-certified shockwave therapy provider near you.