ESWT shockwave therapy has a wide range of applications in the field of andrology. Being non-surgical and side-effect-free, many patients inquire whether this treatment is suitable for them. In this context, addressing who is eligible for ESWT according to scientific guidelines ensures patients are guided to the correct treatment.
Main Patient Groups for ESWT Treatment
In andrology, ESWT provides excellent results particularly in the following three main pathologies:
- Men with Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Men experiencing mild to moderate erectile loss due to reduced penile blood flow caused by diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or smoking.
- Peyronie's Disease Patients: Patients with palpable hard plaques (calcifications) in the penis who experience pain or curvature during erection due to these plaques. ESWT breaks down plaques and relieves pain.
- Chronic Prostatitis and Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Patients who do not respond to antibiotic therapy and experience chronic burning and pain in the perineum and testicles.
Who is Not Suitable for ESWT?
In patients with suspected active penile cancer, severe bleeding disorders (hemophilia), or those taking blood thinners, ESWT application should be carefully evaluated or postponed. In erectile dysfunction caused by neurological conditions (such as spinal cord injury), the success of ESWT is limited.