We love future predictions….although not every prediction doing the rounds is music to our ears.

Medical researchers estimate that 322 million men will experience erectile dysfunction (ED) in the next three years. It seems the ED is on the rise - at an alarming rate. The prediction, based on two studies in the last 20 years, estimates an increase of 170 million men experiencing ED in the last 25 years.

You might think that ED only affects aging men - but it’s a growing concern for men of all ages. In the last quarter century, the number of men under 40 that experienced ED increased from 10% to 26%.

Complications will naturally occur with the male sex organ as we get older. Statistics show that by the time men hit 40, the likelihood of experiencing ED grows by 22% and by 49% before you hit 70. 

As men age, the production of testosterone levels - the hormone that helps create erections - slows down. It can be fairly easy, therefore, to diagnose the cause of ED in older men.

But the increase in younger men should be a concern. Although ED can occur for a variety of reasons such as smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, and excess alcohol, there could be a more serious condition lurking underneath.

Key Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

The most likely cause of ED is probably stress. However, men that struggle to get or maintain an erection could also be impaired by certain medications and various chronic diseases that impair the flow of blood to the penis.

If you recently experience erectile dysfunction, or you’ve been struggling with the issue for some time now, you should consult your doctor. ED could be an early warning sign of an underlying condition. 

Some of the more serious conditions associated with ED include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and prostate cancer. 

If your condition is purely due to low blood flow because of stress, there are several treatments you could pursue. Interventions range from prescription pills, over-the-counter stay-hard pills, surgery, and, more recently, NeoWave acoustic shock wave therapy (ASWT).

Most prescription and over the counter ED pills are quick-fix solutions. They are only ideal when you’re in the embrace of a planned sexual encounter. However, pills do not address the biological or psychological issue that lies behind your inability to get or maintain an erection. 

Surgery could be a more promising option for individuals looking for a long-term solution. However, operations, including penile injections or penile implants, can be painful and cause bleeding and scar tissue.

The latest treatments, like NeoWave, use acoustic shockwaves to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the penis. ASWT is a non-intrusive male sexual performance procedure that doesn’t have any side effects like traditional treatments. 

But the question is, does ASWT work?  

What is Acoustic Shock Wave Therapy? 

Traditional treatments for ED have not proven to be entirely successful or ideal. Disappointing results have led urologists to pursue new and innovative ways that will effectively cure ED. 

Inspired by shockwave therapies that break up kidney stones, it was discovered that acoustic waves can also trigger the formation of new cells and nerve tissue. This triggers a process called neurogenesis which returns sensitivity to the penis. 

In addition, shockwave therapies involve stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and enhancing collagen synthesis in the penis by using low-intensity sound waves. 

The mechanical pulse breaks up the formation of plaque and soft-tissue calcification that restricts blood flow. By targeting vibrations, clinicians can release growth factors that revitalize cells and promote the body’s natural healing process. 

ASWT has proven to be successful in treating erectile dysfunction although. In 2013, it was officially accepted as the gold standard for treating male sexual dysfunction by the European Association of Urology (EAU). 

In America, trials are ongoing for acoustic wave treatments. Whilst ASWT is FDA-approved for treating sports injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, stress fractures, and other overuse injuries, the governing agency has delayed signing off ASWT as a treatment for ED due to “the absence of clinical trials showing its long-term effectiveness.” [Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott]

To date, only 25% of urologists in the United States provide ASWT treatments. However, with studies showing a 76% improvement rate over a three-month period, the number of clinics adopting NeoWave acoustic therapy to treat ED is expected to explode.

What is NeoWave Erectile Dysfunction Therapy?

The interest in ASWT and other regenerative therapies is growing. Urologists want to advance beyond “treatments” for ED and find a cure. Revolutionary sound wave therapies like NeoWave, so far, look the most promising breakthrough. 

There are two reasons for urologists to be optimistic; sound waves are scientifically shown to aid cell regeneration and secondly, ASWT is safe. There are no known side effects or risk of injury like existing medical interventions.

A leading brand for treating ED with ASWT is NeoWave. The mechanistic shockwave treatment is designed from the results of numerous scientific research studies that have been published by The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 

NeoWave erectile dysfunction therapy is a non-intrusive procedure that involves massaging the penis with a pulsating rod that projects low-intensity should waves. The procedure is sometimes called Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (LiST)

Sound waves have been shown to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, build new capillaries and increase cell growth. By repairing worn blood vessels, the regenerative process in the penis allows blood to flow more easily, cause an erection and optimize sexual performance. 

With millions of men likely to be looking for effective long-term solutions to cure erectile dysfunction in the coming years, NeoWave and other AWST interventions could provide the answer.  

Whilst AWST is more expensive than existing treatments, they are safer and, from preliminary research, appears to work. As the FDA note, time will tell. But if your sex life is in tatters right now, acoustic shockwave therapy could prove to be the best $700 you spend this year.