Is shockwave therapy suitable for my erectile dysfunction?
Shockwave therapy may help selected men whose erectile dysfunction is related to reduced blood flow. An assessment helps establish whether it is a reasonable option and whether another treatment should be considered.
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre offers focused shockwave therapy and an ED assessment pathway at 73 Baker Street, London.
Explore MDC’s ED assessmentBefore you book: your questions answered
What is shockwave therapy for ED?
Low-intensity shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves externally to penile tissue. It is a non-surgical treatment intended to support erectile function in selected men with blood-flow-related ED.
It does not involve electrical shocks.
Does shockwave therapy actually work?
Some men improve, but results vary. European guidelines describe a mild benefit for blood-flow-related ED and give a weak recommendation for selected patients.
It is not a guaranteed cure. Read our guide to the evidence .
Who may benefit most?
Evidence is strongest for selected men with mild vasculogenic ED, meaning blood-flow-related erectile difficulties. Some men who respond poorly to ED tablets may also be considered after assessment.
Why have an assessment first?
ED can involve physical health, medicines, stress or several factors together. It can also be associated with diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Understanding the likely cause helps guide treatment. A questionnaire alone does not establish the diagnosis.
What should I bring to my assessment?
Bring a medication list, relevant blood results and details of any previous ED treatment. Explain when the problem began, whether it varies and what you hope treatment will improve.
Mention any penile pain, curvature or previous pelvic surgery.
Will I need blood tests?
Your clinician may consider glucose or HbA1c, cholesterol and morning testosterone, depending on your history and recent results.
Tests support assessment; they do not guarantee that shockwave will work.
Does shockwave replace sildenafil or tadalafil?
Not necessarily. Oral ED medicines remain established first-line treatments when suitable. A clinician may discuss combined treatment or alternatives. Do not change prescribed medicines without advice.
Are focused and radial treatments the same?
No. Most ED shockwave studies use focused devices. Evidence should not automatically be transferred to radial pressure-wave treatments.
MDC describes its ED service as focused shockwave therapy. Ask about the device and proposed protocol.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no universally agreed best schedule. Agree the course, review point and total cost before starting. More sessions do not automatically mean a better outcome.
Will the results be immediate or permanent?
Neither is guaranteed. Improvement may develop over weeks or months, and benefit can decline. Agree how your response will be assessed before committing to further treatment.
Is shockwave treatment painful?
Patients may feel tapping or pulsation; comfort varies. Tell the treating clinician about discomfort.
Ask about possible side effects, your medical history and what to do if symptoms develop after treatment. No treatment should be described as risk-free.
What if shockwave is not suitable?
Other options include lifestyle support, medicines, psychosexual therapy, vacuum devices and specialist treatments.
The aim is a treatment plan suited to you. Ask how the alternatives compare in benefit, risk and cost.
Specialist assessment with Mr Giulio Garaffa
Mr Giulio Garaffa, Consultant Urological Surgeon, specialises in conditions including erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease and male infertility.
If you would like a specialist opinion, ask MDC about arranging a consultation with Mr Garaffa. This provides an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, previous treatments and available options.
Confirm the appointment fee and what is included when booking. A shockwave booking should not be assumed to include a consultation with Mr Garaffa.
Explore specialist ED care at MDCYour next steps at MDC
- 1. Start with assessment Explore the ED assessment and questionnaire options. Share your concerns and treatment goals.
- 2. Discuss suitability Ask whether shockwave, specialist review or another approach is appropriate.
- 3. Agree follow-up Confirm how progress will be reviewed and what happens if treatment does not help.
Take the first step towards understanding your ED
Explore assessment and focused shockwave therapy at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, or ask about a specialist consultation with Mr Giulio Garaffa.
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Explore ED assessment View shockwave therapy
