Electromagnetic Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: A Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Prospective Study

• Published in: The world journal of men's health Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. 236 - 242
• Main Authors: Kim, Kang Sup, Jeong, Hyun Cheol, Choi, Sae Woong, Choi, Yong Sun, Cho, Hyuk Jin, Ha, U Syn, Hong, Sung Hoo, Lee, Ji Youl, Lee, Seung Wook, Ahn, Sun Tae, Moon, Du Geon, Bae, Woong Jin, Kim, Sae Woong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology 01.04.2020; 대한남성과학회
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Cardiovascular disease; Consent; Double-blind studies; electromagnetic; Erectile dysfunction; humans; Lithotripsy; low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Original; Patients; Penis; Shock waves; 비뇨기과학; Electromagnetic; Erectile dysfunction; Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Humans
• ISSN: 2287-4208; 2287-4690
• DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.190130

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 SEPQ 2 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.