Treatment Overview
Shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s disease is an adaptation of a technology that has been used for many years in various medical fields. In urology, high-intensity devices are used to fragment kidney stones. In orthopedics, lower-intensity devices are used to break down calcifications in certain tendons.
How Do Shockwaves Work?
Shockwaves are acoustic pulses—energy vibrations—that penetrate the tissues of the corpora cavernosa in the penis. These microtraumas trigger repair mechanisms and the formation of new blood vessels. As a result, the plaque becomes less painful due to improved vascularization and an anti-inflammatory effect.
How Is Shockwave Therapy Performed?
The medical goal of this treatment for men with Peyronie’s disease is to provide analgesic relief from painful penile plaques, allowing for a return to spontaneous sexual activity in a normal intimate setting.
Shockwave therapy involves applying a probe that emits low-intensity shockwaves over multiple sessions directly to the palpable plaque in the corpora cavernosa. The treatment is painless, brief, and does not require analgesia.
How to Prepare for Shockwave Therapy?
The treatment is performed in-office and requires no special preparation. Side effects are minimal, with the most common being skin bruising. The procedure is carried out by a nurse. The first appointment includes an evaluation and explanation of the procedure with Dr. Marois, the initial shockwave treatment, and home care advice.
How Many Treatments Are Required?
A series of four shockwave sessions is performed, once per week. Each session lasts about 30 minutes. Afterward, a second evaluation is conducted by Dr. Marois to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Who Are the Candidates for This Treatment?
Shockwave therapy is particularly suitable for patients with Peyronie’s disease who have a palpable and painful plaque. However, shockwaves have limited effect on penile curvature during erection.
This treatment is also recommended in combination with daily 5 mg Tadalafil to support penile recovery and rehabilitation of erections, enhancing the effectiveness of the therapy.
Which Devices Are Used for Shockwave Therapy?
The Duolith SD1 by Storz Medical and the Zimmer by Clarion are devices specifically designed for this treatment.
Studies
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in Urology: A Systematic Review of Outcome in Peyronie's Disease, Erectile Dysfunction and Chronic Pelvic Pain.
World J Urol. 2017 Jan; 35(1).
Effects of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
J Sex Med. 2017 Jan; 14(1):27–35.