SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF FOCUSED LINEAR LOW-INTENSITY EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVES FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of focused Li-ESWT in the treatment of vasculogenic ED compared to medical managment over 12 weeks.

In this prospective clinical STUDY, 50 participants diagnosed with vasculogenic ED were allocated into two groups: 25 patients received Li-ESWT (Group A) and 25 patients were treated with medical management alone (Group B). Both groups were followed for 12 weeks, and treatment outcomes were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Erection Hardness Score (EHS), and Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire.

The study revealed no significant differences between groups in demographic or baseline characteristics (P > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvements in IIEF-5 and EHS scores compared to baseline at 6 and 12 weeks (P < 0.05); however, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). SEAR scores also improved significantly for both groups, with Li-ESWT showing a statistically significant advantage at 6 and 12 weeks (P = 0.02). Regarding safety outcomes, Li-ESWT was associated with minimal adverse effects (8% mild penile pain, 4% bruising), while the medical management group reported a higher incidence of side effects (44%), including muscle pain (20%), headache (16%), and nausea (8%) (P < 0.05).

Li-ESWT demonstrated safety and efficacy comparable to medical management for the treatment of vasculogenic ED. Its non-invasive nature and lower incidence of side effects make it a promising alternative for patients seeking treatment beyond pharmacological approaches. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and assess the cost-effectiveness of Li-ESWT.

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