But a credible theory alone is hardly a sufficient basis for marketing a novel treatment such as shock wave therapy. Sound evidence of its viability must be produced from testing with human subjects. As previously noted, shock wave therapy has been found to be effective in animal models of ED, but clinical trials have been somewhat inconclusive.
European Research
Georgios Hatzichristodoulou, M.D., an associate professor of urology at the Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg in Germany, has been a leader in European research into the use of shock waves as a treatment for ED.
In an interview with UrologyTimes.com, the urologist said that European research conducted over the last six years has produced findings that “are very promising, especially with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction.”
However, looking at the full body of evidence produced by studies into shock wave therapy as an ED treatment, he sees some shortcomings. He points out that essential differences in these studies’ treatment protocols, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and goals make it virtually impossible for one study to be compared with another.
Yet, based on the scant and questionable evidence produced by such studies, practitioners in Europe and elsewhere are promoting shock wave therapy as a proven ED treatment and charging hefty fees for it, he noted. By contrast, Hatzichristodoulou himself continues to conduct shock wave therapy on men with ED but only in the research setting and without charge.
Of those medical practitioners already marketing this procedure for ED, he said: “They are saying that shock wave therapy is the new treatment and should be the new standard of care.” However, he added, “We cannot say that,” based on the scientific literature.
Not Yet Ready for Prime Time
Despite its availability in clinics throughout the United States, shock wave therapy as a treatment for ED has not yet won approval from the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Founded in 1994, SMSNA is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards in the treatment of human sexual function and dysfunction.
In a position statement issued in March 2019, the group made clear that it supports the development of “novel erectogenic therapies, given that many men with ED either fail currently available treatments or find them unpalatable.” However, it pointed out that there is “an absence of robust clinical trial data” to support the efficacy and safety of Li-ESWT.
It echoed that sentiment as regards both stem cell therapy and the injection of platelet-rich plasma as restorative therapies for ED. While acknowledging that early testing for these treatment modalities shows promise, much more remains to be done before they can be deemed ready for prime time, according to SMSNA.
Viagra’s the Best Bet for Now
While research continues on shock wave treatment and other restorative therapies for ED, Viagra and the other oral ED drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors remain the best treatment option for most men. These medications are designed to optimize blood flow to the penis, thus allowing impotent men to temporarily regain near-normal erectile function so that they can participate in sexual activity.
If you think that Viagra or one of the other PDE5 inhibitors is your best option, you might very well find that you can save both time and money by ordering these medications online from eDrugstore.com.
In business since the late 1990s, eDrugstore is an online facilitator based in Tempe, Arizona. It offers a full line of ED medications, as well as a limited selection of other lifestyle drugs. By ordering from eDrugstore, you’ll skip the bothersome travel to and from the local pharmacy to pick up your drugs.
Don’t yet have a prescription? No worries, because eDrugstore can set up a complimentary online consultation with a licensed U.S. physician who can authorize a prescription if necessary. And that, alone, can save you lots of time and money. To learn more, visit eDrugstore’s Erectile Dysfunction page.
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