For those who suffer with erectile dysfunction, there’s a plethora of treatments on hand. Some, like Viagra, are globally known and widely used, while others, like laser treatments or the scary-sounding penis shockwave therapy are less common. But are they more effective?
A (NSFW) tweet did the rounds on Twitter last week, showing a video of shockwave therapy in action. The procedure was done by Chris Bustamante, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and the founder of New York-based clinic Lushful Aesthetics, and came with high praise. “The results have been wild,” the tweet read. “I didn’t think sex could get any better, but there has been such a major increase in sensation (and honestly size a bit). Highly recommend, 10/10.”
Penis shockwave therapy is a procedure that involves delivering pulses, or shocks, to the penis, with, as Lushful Aesthetics says, the aim of stimulating “growth factors that rejuvenate old capillaries” and promoting “new capillary growth to further aid blood flow to the penis for harder and fuller erections.” Bustamante calls it “a form of regenerative medicine,” explaining that the shockwaves “strategically cause micro injuries in the penile tissue” to stimulate the capillary growth.
Those who undergo the procedure typically have multiple sessions spread over several weeks — at Lushful Aesthetics, that’s six treatments over six weeks. Each session takes 15 minutes and — despite its name — the procedure is apparently painless.
Unfortunately for those with severe erectile dysfunction, shockwave therapy might not be the (reasonably) quick fix they need. “Anyone with minor to moderate ED, or just looking to get harder and fuller erections is eligible for shockwave therapy,” says Bustamante. “Patients with severe ED are unlikely to experience optimal results. Although this treatment won’t be harmful for someone with severe ED, it will unlikely meet the patient’s expectations.”
Although the procedure isn’t FDA approved — Healthline does report that several studies have turned up “encouraging results” — Bustamante says it’s one of the top three treatments his practice performs. At Lushful Aesthetics, shockwave therapy is also combined with a Priapus Shot — more commonly known as a P-Shot — a procedure in which plasma from your own blood is injected into the shaft and head of the penis. It allegedly enhances sexual prowess and pleasure, as well as penis length and girth.
One redditor, who had both treatments done at once, said he started to feel the effects after just three sessions. While another reported that after three to four months of treatments, his “success rate is up near 100 percent.” The latter — who started suffering with ED in his 50s after he got high blood pressure — explained that he still takes two erectile dysfunction medications (Tadasoft and Vilitra) before sex, as well as prepping with a pump and various masturbators.
Laser treatments appear to be less commonly talked about, though Illinois-based clinic, Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness, says they “improve circulation and the structural integrity of the penis for improved erectile function.” The clinic’s so-called penis rejuvenation treatment allegedly also enlarges the dick, as well as helping with sensitivity and texture. Laser treatment appears to be used as a therapy for penis cancer, with a small 2004 study reporting that it “preserves the penis and generally provides satisfactory sexual function and cosmetic results.”
It’s unclear how much laser treatment costs, but shockwave therapy will likely set you back a few thousand dollars — so, sadly, it’s not a viable option for everyone. But, thanks to science, there’s plenty of other ways you can try and prevent erectile dysfunction, like 3D-printed Viagra, hypnotherapy and — for those who want something free — olive oil.
Brit Dawson
Brit Dawson is a London-based journalist who mostly writes about sex, women's rights and sex work. She is also the staff writer at Dazed.
