Low-intensity Shockwave Treatment (LiSWT) for Erectile Dysfunction

At Henry Ford Men’s Health Center, we understand that discussing sexual health issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) can be difficult. Our board-certified urologists focus on delivering personalized, compassionate care, and we use the latest treatments to return you to a full and satisfying sexual life. This includes low-intensity shockwave treatment (LiSWT).

What is low-intensity shockwave treatment?

• LiSWT is an innovative ED treatment that harnesses the power of low-energy, targeted shockwaves to improve penile blood flow.
• It stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms, promoting the repair of existing blood vessels and the growth of new ones.
• The increased blood flow resulting from these changes helps achieve strong, natural erections.

What can I expect during treatment?

• Number of visits: Typically, treatment consists of six short visits that are about a week apart.
• During each session: we apply a handheld device that emits gentle shockwaves along various parts of the penis.
• Noninvasive and painless: When people hear the word “shock,” they often think about electric shocks, but LiSWT uses sound waves and is painless. Most people only experience some tingling. You can also resume your daily activities immediately afterward with no downtime.

Results can take time, given that you need to wait for your body to heal from the mild tissue damage caused by the shock therapy. Following treatment, you’ll return in a few months for an evaluation to assess the amount of improvement in your penile blood flow.

Am I a good candidate for LiSWT?

In general, low-intensity shockwave treatment is ideal for men who have moderate ED, or mild problems with erections. This includes people who have:

• The ability to get an erection, but it’s not as good as you would like
• Had good results with drugs such as Viagra or Cialis
• Had good results with drugs like this in the past, but now they are not working
• Not been able to use or tolerate drugs such as Viagra or Cialis — even in these cases, you may still be a good candidate

You may not be a good candidate if you have had any of the following:

• A radical prostatectomy
• Bladder removal
• Spinal cord injuries
• The inability to get an erection for years
• Longstanding diabetes

How do I get started?

If you are considering LiSWT, the first step is to schedule a consultation at Henry Ford Men’s Health Center. Our team will conduct a personalized evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction, assess your eligibility for the treatment and discuss what you can expect in terms of outcomes. Our goal is to restore your sexual health and confidence.