A technique using shock waves, which have been used for nearly two decades to treat kidney stones, has now being applied to men with erectile dysfunction or ED. Two treatment arms were used to test the technology of shock waves. One arm received low intensity shock waves and the other received a sham or placebo treatment where no shock waves were administered to the penis. The results, which included a small group of only 58 men showed that there was minimal improvement in hardness in the treatment group and the ability to engage in successful sexual intercourse was modestly improved in the group who received shock waves.
Bottom Line : The application of shock waves for the treatment of ED has demonstrated a modest improvement in sexual performance in men who have trouble obtaining and maintaining an erection adequate for sexual intimacy.
Dr. Neil Baum's Urology Blog 