At-Home Shockwave Therapy for ED - Is It Effective? A Review of The Phoenix
Research shows that 40 percent of men in their forties have reported some changes in erectile function - and the incidence and the decline in quality of erections increases with age. Because it’s such a widespread challenge, erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments are proliferating at an accelerated rate. Men are being barraged with solutions, from pills to penis pumps, to address ED, 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 performed in the office by a medical professional using a device that delivers low-intensity shocks to improve vascular function and blood flow in the penis. Because of its popularity and efficacy, several 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 to determine if this at-home approach, instead 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, stimulate angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels), repair aged 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.
We employ two kinds of medical-grade shockwave devices at our clinic that the medical literature validates as producing effective 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). Because a certain amount of energy is necessary to cause a biological response in the tissue of the penis, we use only specific, professional devices from manufacturers that are highly regarded in the medical industry. With a professional medical device and sufficient energy output, microscopic trauma is caused in the corpus cavernosum (erectile tissue of the penis), which creates a stem cell response and nerve tissue formation as well as encourages neovascularization and the 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 use 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
Many companies are marketing 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 homes. While cost, convenience, and comfort are understandably key factors to consider, patients need 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 not have an adequate energy capacity to mimic real shockwave treatments. The concern is these home shockwave devices cannot 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 like those we employ in our clinic. 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 unique evidence and may not provide immediate or lasting benefits.
These 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 medical providers using a medical-grade device can offer stronger and more tailored treatments. A consumer needs to weigh the cost benefits of the privacy and convenience of being at home against the possibility that this home device may not provide sufficient results.
THE PHOENIX VS. THE PHOENIX PRO
Men investigating at-home shockwave therapy may be considering The Phoenix as well as the PhoenixPro. From a technological standpoint, these devices are essentially identical - the only exception is that the PhoenixPro 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, men looking at the PhoenixPro should consider the same questions and concerns that we raised regarding the Phoenix - namely one must evaluate the device’s lack of supporting research and its energy output. The research referenced on the GetMyPhoenix website are all studies employing professional, in-office shockwave devices only available to registered clinicians. 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
Q. How Effective is Shockwave Therapy for ED?
There are more than 40 studies published on radial and focused shockwave devices for ED. The majority of these studies show significant benefits for men experiencing mild to severe erectile dysfunction. 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 the 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.
Q. Does Shockwave Therapy for ED Work?
Clinical (i.e. in-office) shockwave therapy is a proven treatment for ED. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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 devices will result in stronger erections or a lasting improvement in sexual performance.
Q. 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.
Q. How Much Does The Phoenix Cost Versus In-Office Shockwave Therapy?
The Phoenix costs approximately $900. Depending on the number of treatments needed, in-office shockwave therapy costs between $1,500 - $3,000 for an initial series of treatments.
Q. 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.
Q. What Are the Risks of At-Home Shockwave Therapy?
Because there are no clinical studies on devices like The Phoenix, risks are unknown.
Q. 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 from a trained medical professional using clinically evidenced devices and protocols. Unlike at-home ED shockwave devices, these professional devices use advanced technology that treats 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 matter!
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR ED OR ANY OTHER SEXUAL HEALTH CONCERNS - JUST GIVE THE OFFICE A CALL AT 425-598-0113.
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