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Shockwave therapy for ED?

Posted by animate @animate, Jan 12 4:36pm

Hi,

Would anyone have any experience with Penile Shockwave Therapy, or Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (LI-ESWT) for treating ED after RALP?

I read that this is a recommended therapy but with mixed results as for post-RALP cases there are mentions of this not being appropriate when nerve damage has occurred. Still, some arguments support that it is appropriate.

I would be interested to know if anyone here has had any experience with this or knows about its effectiveness in post-RALP cases.

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animate | @animate | Jan 15 2:20pm
In reply to @rbtsch1951 "After SBRT and ADT my libido is zilch and erectile function moderately compromised. I was recently..." + (show)
Profile picture for rbtsch1951 @rbtsch1951

After SBRT and ADT my libido is zilch and erectile function moderately compromised.

I was recently evaluated at UCLA Men’s Health Center and LiSWT was suggested as potentially beneficial theoretically due to stimulation of increased blood vessel supply to the erectile tissues of the penis. The lack of double blind controlled studies was emphasized, though the literature “suggests” better outcomes with mild-moderate ED with LiSWT compared to a sham procedure.

At my initial visit (last week) tadalafil was increased from 5 mg to 10 mg daily. I do think my erections are slightly improved (I was able to masturbate to an orgasm [dry of course] recently.)

I am still thinking about LiSWT so I know this doesn’t directly answer your question, but UCLA is an academic institution of distinction which lends some credibility to the recommendation.

I understand that protocols and equipment vary widely as current standards are still being defined and evaluated.

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@rbtsch1951

Thank you for your comment on UCLA's clinic suggesting LiSWT. I agree that this is a good supporting argument for the therapy's possible validity. However, I am not sure if they would also recommend it in post-RALP cases, as well as in cases such as yours.

From my research, I also agree that this therapy seems to be in an experimental phase, with no protocols clearly established and no formal study results published.

Just the fact that nobody in this forum has replied yet to this post with a personal experience is a strong signal about the therapy's low recognition or acceptance for PC patients.

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peterj116 | @peterj116 | Jan 15 3:20pm
In reply to @topf "@peterj116 I was offered it at twice that price, $2,400 for the whole treatment." + (show)
Profile picture for topf @topf

@peterj116 I was offered it at twice that price, $2,400 for the whole treatment.

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@topf Worth a shot, I guess.

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rbtsch1951 | @rbtsch1951 | Jan 15 10:10pm
In reply to @animate "@rbtsch1951 Thank you for your comment on UCLA's clinic suggesting LiSWT. I agree that this is..." + (show)
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@rbtsch1951

Thank you for your comment on UCLA's clinic suggesting LiSWT. I agree that this is a good supporting argument for the therapy's possible validity. However, I am not sure if they would also recommend it in post-RALP cases, as well as in cases such as yours.

From my research, I also agree that this therapy seems to be in an experimental phase, with no protocols clearly established and no formal study results published.

Just the fact that nobody in this forum has replied yet to this post with a personal experience is a strong signal about the therapy's low recognition or acceptance for PC patients.

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@animate Yes, they told me they have been using it in post surgical patients with anecdotal improvement (not blinded/controlled study)

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tk192 | @tk192 | Jan 16 8:53am

You can buy a SWT machine online for about $1200. There are plenty of studies, articles etc. that tell you how to use it. Here in SC it’s about $400 per treatment and it takes 5-6. They also say the effects last 2 years at most so owning the machine is much less expensive. Some articles also recommend maintenance treatments every 6 months or so.

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jdt | @jdt | Jan 17 8:00am

Yes, but gas anyone tried it??!!!

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billybwbf2 | @billybwbf2 | Jan 17 10:56am
In reply to @peterj116 "Interesting idea. Kinda like shocking Frankenstein's monster to life. Dunno if it works. "Treatment outcomes are..." + (show)
Profile picture for peterj116 @peterj116

Interesting idea.
Kinda like shocking Frankenstein's monster to life.

Dunno if it works. "Treatment outcomes are exempt from being advertised."
OK.........

6 sessions at 200 bucks a session.

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@peterj116 I like your sense of humor! Gotta keep that!

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peterj116 | @peterj116 | Jan 17 12:32pm
In reply to @billybwbf2 "@peterj116 I like your sense of humor! Gotta keep that!" + (show)
Profile picture for billybwbf2 @billybwbf2

@peterj116 I like your sense of humor! Gotta keep that!

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@billybwbf2 It's what keeps us going, as we battle this thing.

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