Pill-Free Ways to Treat ED

By: Courtney McCracken, M.S.N., R.N., F.N.P.-C.

Patients have a lot of different reasons for not wanting to take a pill to treat ED. Some fear it will impact the spontaneity in their love life, waiting for a pill to kick in. Others are concerned about side effects or take medications that can pose an interaction.

Luckily, pills are not the only option when it comes to treating erectile dysfunction. And men, you need to know that you are not alone. ED is very common, with an estimated 30 million men affected in the U.S.

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) is an alternate treatment for men who experience occasional or permanent erectile dysfunction. The DUOLITH wand used at MIU is a treatment for men whose ED is caused by vascular issues that prevent adequate blood flow to the penis.

Another option that can be used with DUOLITH or as a stand-alone option is the P-Shot, which uses the body’s own blood-derived growth factors to rejuvenate tissue in the penis.

What to Know About DUOLITH

The DUOLITH device is designed to address the lack of blood flow that can cause erectile dysfunction, remove anxiety, and restore spontaneity to one’s sex life. If you are thinking about DUOLITH for yourself or a loved one, here are some basics to help you decide if you should take the next step toward a consultation.

• The treatment is painless. DUOLITH feels like a light tapping. The wand delivers low-intensity shock waves to various locations on the outside of the penis that travel through the skin into the tissue. There are no needles or surgery; topical anesthesia isn’t required.
• No “wait” time.DUOLITH does not require a 60-minute “build” time, as many medications do. The treatment only takes six weeks – once weekly, with six total therapies recommended.
• There’s no invasion. Each treatment session takes just 30 minutes. There is no need to rest or recover afterward, so the patient can return to his routine immediately. Theoretically, a treatment can be done during a lunch break.
• It’s budget-friendly. While DUOLITH is not covered by insurance, a health savings account (HSA) reimbursement may be available.

What to Know About the P-Shot

P-Shot or Priapus Shot is a non-surgical treatment that promotes the formation of new blood vessels and nerve endings in the penis using blood-derived growth factors.

The procedure starts with a simple blood draw from the arm. Plasma that contains a high concentration of growth factors and protein is separated from the blood. These growth factors are injected into the penile area to repair damaged cells, stimulate blood flow, and increase collagen and elastin.

Here are some of the basic facts about the P-Shot:

• The treatment is virtually painless. The injection site is numbed with cream. Patients may feel a slight pinch or warm sensation, but that’s it. Most clients experience only minor discomfort and no downtime after the procedure.
• Next steps. After the treatment, patients use a penis pump (supplied at the visit) for 10 minutes twice a day for six weeks. Patients can resume sexual activity on the same day.
• The results. About 60% of men see improved erection quality after the first P-Shot and about 85% after their second. It typically takes about 12 weeks to enjoy the full effects of this treatment.

Restored Intimacy Restores Health

The desire for intimacy doesn’t stop at a certain age or with conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease. Men and women enjoy sexual intimacy well into their 70s and beyond. The approach and preferences may change, but the act of sexual intimacy remains a practical prescription for pleasure, happiness, and health.

To find out if you might be a candidate for DUOLITH, click here. To learn more about the P-Shot, click here. 

To learn more about the causes and symptoms of erectile dysfunction, click here.