Shockwave Therapy for ED at Home - Does It Work?
A Review of The Phoenix
Many men struggle with ED, with research showing up to 40 percent of men in their forties reporting some changes in erectile function - and incidence and the decline in quality of erections increases with age. Because it’s such a widespread challenge, ED treatments are proliferating at an accelerated rate. Men are being barraged with solutions - from pills to penis pumps - to address erectile dysfunction, some more evidence-based than others.
One increasingly popular treatment is low-intensity shockwave therapy. It’s popular for a reason - studies show that, when performed properly, shockwave therapy can be highly effective at stimulating stronger erections. Shockwave therapy is typically a treatment performed in the office by a medical professional that delivers low-intensity shocks to improve blood flow and vascular function in the penis. Because of its popularity and efficacy,, a number of companies are marketing “at home” devices to men looking to enhance their sexual function and “cure” ED. While some men report anecdotal benefits using these devices, it is important to understand how shockwave therapy works and investigate the efficacy of home devices like The Phoenix in order to determine if this at-home approach, in lieu of an office procedure, is right for you.
Clinically-Based Shockwave Therapy for ED - An Overview
Low-intensity shockwave therapy, also marketed as GAINSWave, utilizes low-intensity sound waves to increase blood flow to the penis, repair aged blood vessels, stimulate angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels) and remove micro-plaques in vessels of the penis. More than 40 published medical studies confirm the efficacy of shockwave treatment. You can learn more here.
At our clinic, we employ two kinds of medical-grade shockwave devices that are referenced in the medical literature validating shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction. Both “radial” and “focused” shockwave devices are used off-label for ED (these devices are FDA-approved for musculoskeletal issues). We use specific, professional devices from manufacturers that are highly regarded in the medical industry because a certain amount of energy is necessary to cause a biological response in the tissue of the penis. With a professional medical device and sufficient energy output, a microscopic trauma is caused in the corpus cavernosum (erectile tissue of the penis), which creates a stem cell response, nerve tissue formation, encouraging neovascularization and stimulation of nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is the chemical naturally produced by the body that causes blood vessels to dilate - resulting in a firmer, stronger erection. Another benefit of using full-strength, in-office radial or focused shockwave devices is that clinicians can appropriate specific protocols referenced in placebo-controlled studies. This established protocol ensures we are providing optimal, evidence-based treatments.
At-Home Shockwave Therapy - A Review of The Phoenix
Several companies are producing shockwave devices such as The Phoenix for men to use at home - suggesting that men will appreciate the benefits of shockwave therapy at a lower cost, in the privacy of their own home. And while cost, convenience and comfort are understandably key factors to consider, it is important for patients to take into account the efficacy of this form of treatment before spending substantial money on a device and putting in the time to try it at home.
Specifically, home “shockwave technology” may have inadequate energy capacity to mimic real shockwave. The concern is these home shockwave devices lack the ability to stimulate the necessary biological processes that lead to better erections. Companies selling these devices, such as The Phoenix from getmyphoenix.com, do not provide any scientific evidence to support their claims or they reference studies that use medical, in-office shockwave devices. These at-home shockwave devices do not appear to be harmful, however it’s important to understand that these expensive devices simply do not have their own unique evidence and may not provide immediate or lasting benefits.
Additionally, at-home devices are self-guided so the user has the benefit of privacy. However, these devices have only one setting and one protocol. In-office treatments are customizable and in the hands of a medical provider using a medical-grade device are simply stronger and more tailored treatments. It’s important for a consumer to weigh the cost benefits of the privacy and convenience of being at home against the possibility that this home device may not work.
The Phoenix vs. The PhoenixPro
Men investigating at-home shockwave therapy may be considering The Phoenix as well as the PhoenixPro. From a technological standpoint, this device is identical to the standard Phoenix - the only exception is that it emits more pulses per treatment. The PhoenixPro is marketed as being only available for purchase from a licensed physician and “is intended to be used under medical guidance and supervision.” While these attributes may sound promising, it is advisable that men looking at the PhoenixPro consider the same questions and concerns that we raised regarding the Phoenix - namely one must evaluate the device’s energy output and lack of supporting studies. The research referenced on the GetMyPhoenix website are all studies employing professional, in-office shockwave devices only available to registered clinicians (which is what we use in our office). What is interesting is that many of the research studies referenced on their site, like this study, used Storz devices, both radial and focused, which are the professional devices we employ in our office. Our clinic has considered offering the PhoenixPro and only orders this device if a patient is committed to experimenting at home and fully understands that this product might not produce lasting effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shockwave Therapy for ED Work?
Clinical, i.e. in-office, shockwave therapy is a proven treatment for erectile dysfunction. A large majority of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction see enhanced sexual performance following in-office shockwave therapy treatments, and clinical trials confirm these results.
How Effective is Shockwave Therapy for ED?
There are more than 40 studies published on radial and focused shockwave devices for erectile dysfunction. The majority of these studies show significant benefits for men experiencing mild to severe ED. The Journal of Urology conducted a placebo-controlled study on 58 subjects who were unable to achieve an erection substantial enough for penetrative sex. The study concluded that approximately half of subjects who received a series of shockwave therapy were then able to achieve erections hard enough to penetrate during sex. They also found that these men became more responsive to medications such as Viagra or Cialis. Researchers concluded that shockwave therapy is even effective for men with severe erectile dysfunction.
How Long Does It Take For Shock Wave Therapy To Work For ED?
While the process of enhancing vascular function can take 3 - 4 months, some men receiving in-office shockwave therapy recognize some improvements immediately. In fact, many patients receiving shockwave therapy can notice morning or nocturnal erections within 24 hours, due to the nitric oxide (a vasodilator) released in the bloodstream during the procedure. Research ranged in the number and duration of treatments. On average, patients typically need 6 -24 treatments, usually 1-2 treatments per week over the span of 3-12 weeks, depending on their goals and health status. There is no evidence for at-home devices, however men anecdotally report improved blood flow after initial treatment.
Can Shockwave Therapy Be Done at Home?
There are shockwave therapy devices like The Phoenix available for purchase that men can use at home. While using a shockwave device at home may be attractive as it’s more private and some may see it as more affordable, as stated above, these devices vary dramatically from FDA-approved shockwave technology that is used in a doctor’s office. These at-home devices are not supported by clinical studies.
Does At Home ED Shockwave Work?
Though companies producing at home ED shockwave devices purport that men benefit from their use, the efficacy of these devices has not been clinically proven. For instance, The Phoenix references clinical studies using medical focused and radial devices - which are not equitable in power or efficacy to the devices they are selling. In doing so, their claims are a bit deceiving. These devices don’t appear to be harmful, but it’s difficult to say definitively that the use of at-home shockwave will result in stronger erections or a lasting improvement in sexual performance.
How Much Does The Phoenix Cost Versus In-Office Shockwave Therapy?
The Phoenix costs around $900. Depending on the number of treatments needed, in-office shockwave therapy costs between $1,500 - $3,000 for an initial series of treatments.
What Are the Drawbacks of At Home Shockwave Therapy?
At home shockwave therapy has several drawbacks. The technology offered is not likely able to deliver adequate energy to address the root causes of erectile dysfunction. Additionally, at home shockwave therapy relies on the user to manage their treatment - men using this approach are not afforded the benefits that a professional medical practitioner who is trained on how to optimize shockwave therapy protocols and is using much more powerful, clinically-proven devices.
What Are the Risks of At Home Shockwave Therapy?
Because there are no clinical studies on devices like The Phoenix, risks are unknown.
What Are the Benefits of Getting ED Shockwave Therapy at a Clinic?
The benefits of getting ED shockwave therapy at a clinic include receiving treatment by a trained medical professional using clinically-evidenced devices and protocols. These devices use advanced technology not available in at home ED shockwave devices that treat the root cause of erectile dysfunction. Multiple studies reveal that men with mild to moderate ED who are treated with shockwave therapy using a radial or focused device experience improved quality and firmness of erection, improved ability to maintain erections, and improved responsiveness to medication. (You can read more about this technological advantage here or dive into more research here.). Evidence and experience matters!