Erectile Dysfunction: Common Causes & New Non-Invasive Treatments for ED
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, affects a significant number of middle-aged men. What physical and emotional factors may cause ED, and how can innovative new treatments help men in the UK?
6 minute readErectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a very common condition that is estimated to affect around 50-55% of men between 40 and 70 years of age.
The actual figure may be much higher, as ED often goes unreported and untreated. Many men remain reluctant to seek treatment for ED because of embarrassment, stigma, and misinformation about the condition. In fact, the average man waits around three years before seeking treatment.
Vigore™ is an innovative new treatment for erectile dysfunction that has recently become available in the UK. The painless, non-invasive treatment could provide a long-term solution for many men with ED, eliminating or reducing the need for medication.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man cannot get or keep an erection long enough to have penetrative sex. The condition becomes more common with age but can affect men at any age.
In order to achieve an erection, erectile tissue inside the penis fills with blood. Damage to the blood vessels can mean not enough blood gets to the penis, resulting in an inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex.
Erectile dysfunction can lead to serious issues, such as low self-esteem, depression, and problems within your relationship. It can also be a sign of an underlying health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure.
What causes ED?
ED can have several causes and may be due to physical or emotional factors, including:
Medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
Hormonal problems such as low testosterone
Smoking, alcohol, or substance abuse
Obesity
Injury or surgery to the pelvic area or spinal cord
A side effect of some medications
Psychological issues like anxiety and depression
Relationship problems
How is erectile dysfunction traditionally treated?
Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the cause, but the condition is usually treated with a type of medication called a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
These drugs work by boosting chemicals called nitrates, which cause the muscles in the penis to relax, increasing blood flow to the penis. They also block the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which makes erections go away, meaning your erection should last long enough for sex.
The most well-known medication for erectile dysfunction is Viagra (sildenafil), but other similar drugs are available.
Other treatments for erectile dysfunction include counselling, devices such as penis pumps, topical creams, and injections.
What is the new treatment for erectile dysfunction?
Vigore™ is a new treatment that uses low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) to encourage the growth and regeneration of new blood vessels — a process known as angiogenesis.
While traditional treatments like Viagra have focused on treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, Vigore™ is the first treatment to address the cause. It works by stimulating the growth and regeneration of new blood vessels, effectively reversing the effects of ageing and blood vessel damage (vascular deterioration).
What is low-intensity shockwave therapy?
Low-intensity shockwave therapy is a type of regenerative therapy that uses shockwaves to encourage blood vessel and nerve regeneration. During the treatment, your practitioner will apply a set amount of shocks per minute for a set amount of time. The energy from shock wave therapy stimulates new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), increasing blood flow to the penis and making erections easier.
Research has found that low-intensity shock wave therapy may also make ED drugs more effective.
Low-intensity shock wave therapy is also used to treat ischaemic heart disease, musculoskeletal injuries, kidney stones and non-healing wounds.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
Vigore™ may be suitable for anyone experiencing erectile dysfunction, but may be of particular benefit if your ED is caused by problems with the blood supply to your penis (vasculogenic ED).
The treatment can also benefit those not experiencing ED, but who would like firmer, longer lasting and more reliable erections and an improved sex life.
Vigore™ may be a suitable treatment for you if you:
Find your erections are less reliable than before, or are less firm than you would like
Sometimes have difficulty staying firm
Would like sex to be more spontaneous
Are taking ED pills frequently and would rather not
Have less of an effect from ED pills
Have diabetes and your condition has affected your sex life
Would like a more youthful performance in your sex-life
Have had prostate surgery (prostatectomy) and would like to know if Vigore™ is worth a try
What happens during the treatment?
During the treatment, a healthcare professional places a small wand-like device on four areas around your penis. The device emits gentle pulses (sound waves) to stimulate penile tissue, increase blood flow, and encourage the growth of new blood vessels.
The procedure is painless, and no anaesthetic is required. One treatment session normally takes around 20 minutes.
How effective is Vigore™?
On the Vigore™ website, leading Harley Street specialist Dr.Sherif Wakil states that:
“Studies show that Vigore™ is successful for up to 84% of patients, including those whose ED problem is associated with diabetes. In one specific study, around 50% of those treated were able to perform sexually (without using medication) in the first month after the shockwave treatment.”
In a small study of 25 men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, 68% reported success a month after treatment.
However, results are not guaranteed and may vary from individual to individual. In severe cases of ED, medications may be needed in combination with Vigore™ treatment.
Vigore™: Testimonials
So what are people saying about Vigore™?
The most high profile endorsement so far comes from former cricketer Lord Ian Botham, who had treatment to help prevent ED after turning 60. Read what Lord Botham had to say here.
Journalist Piers Hernu, who also underwent treatment with Vigore™ said:
“For the first time in five years I am complimented on my performance and, am soon snoring the contented snore of a man restored. Having now had a couple of months to experience its effects I can honestly say that Vigore works.”
Read his full testimonial here.
Erectile dysfunction shockwave therapy FAQs
Is Vigore™ painful?
Vigore™ is a non-invasive treatment that is completely pain free, though you may feel some mild tingling during the procedure.
Is Vigore™ suitable for everyone?
At your initial consultation, your doctor will ask you some questions to assess whether Vigore™ may be suitable for you. The treatment may not be recommended if you have had severe erectile dysfunction for ten years or more.
Is Vigore™ safe?
As a non-invasive, drug-free treatment for erectile dysfunction, Vigore™ is considered safe and no side effects have been reported.
When will I see results?
You can expect to see results within six weeks of starting treatment.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
Vigore™ recommend a minimum of 4 treatment sessions, or 6 if you have diabetes. If Vigore™ is a suitable treatment for you, your doctor will devise a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Treatments can be spread over a period of 1 to 4 weeks and sessions can be daily, or once or twice a week.
Where is Vigore™ available?
Currently, Vigore™ is only available in private practices in London’s Harley Street but is likely to become available in other areas soon.
How much does treatment with Vigore™ cost?
Vigore™ currently costs £499 per treatment. A minimum of 4 treatments is recommended, or 6 if you have diabetes.
How does the process work?
If you are interested in learning more about the new treatment, contact Vigore™ by phone 0800 999 2662, or email enquiries@vigore.co.uk.
The team will put you in contact with one of their clinics.
The next step is a face-to-face consultation with a doctor specialising in Vigore™ treatment. They will ask you some questions about your symptoms, general health, and medical history to determine whether Vigore™ is a suitable treatment for you. If you are a suitable candidate for Vigore™, your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan.
How long do the results last?
Studies have shown that the results of treatment with Vigore may last 3 years or more.
Summary of ED & alternative treatments
ED is a common, yet little talked about a condition that may affect more than half of men over the age of 40. Current treatment is normally with medications like Viagra, which may have side effects and can mean sex has to be planned in advance — removing spontaneity.
Vigore™ is a safe and painless treatment for ED that could help many men enjoy a fulfilling and rejuvenated sex life without medication.
