Facts About Shock Wave Therapy
Duration: | Approx. 30 minutes per Session |
Anesthesia: | Not required |
Aftercare: | Not required |
Social compatibility: | Immediately |
Price: | 4-pack subscription, including 1 free G-Shot: |
Men are often reluctant to discuss erectile dysfunction, even with their own doctor. Yet an open conversation about these symptoms could often shorten what is frequently a long and difficult journey. Erectile dysfunction is neither a sign of weakness nor a lack of masculinity. In most cases, it results from impaired blood flow to the penis—a condition that is often easily treatable. A method that has been well-proven over many years and is both painless and low-risk—which we offer at KALEIDOSCOP aesthetic in Zurich—is extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT).
The principle of shock waves is already used in many other fields—for example, to break up kidney stones or in orthopedics to loosen tendons. When applied to the erectile tissue of the penis, this procedure improves blood flow, thereby helping to restore better erections during sexual stimulation. A session lasts only 30 minutes, and some clients see initial positive results after just a few treatments.
Dr. Köhler and Pract. med. Zgraggen would be happy to welcome you in a discreet setting for a consultation, where you can discuss together whether shock wave therapy in Zurich is the right method for you. You are free to choose whether you’d prefer to have the treatment performed by a male or female doctor—whichever makes you feel more comfortable.
Information on Shock Wave Therapy
Definition of shock wave therapy
Shockwave therapy is a procedure that has been established in medicine for many years and is used in a wide variety of fields. One treatment most people are familiar with is the breaking up of kidney stones. At a significantly lower intensity, the procedure is also used to treat erectile dysfunction and shows good results, particularly when there is reduced blood flow in the penile corpora cavernosa, which are responsible for erections.
In this procedure, low-energy sound waves are targeted at various areas of the penis. They are so weak that they pose no risk to the tissue. Nevertheless, within the erectile tissue, they stimulate a series of repair and regeneration processes:
- improved blood flow and vascular function
- the formation of new, fine blood vessels, known as angiogenesis
- the release of the body’s own Growth factors for tissue regeneration
The therapy can serve as an alternative to medications that provide only short-term relief and has now been firmly established in the guidelines of the European Association of Urology (EAU).
Reasons for Shock Wave Therapy
Possible reasons for undergoing shock wave therapy include:
- erectile dysfunction due to impaired vascular function
- insufficient or diminishing effect of medications (PDE-5 inhibitors)
- a general refusal to take or an intolerance to medications
- Symptoms caused by penile curvature
From the patient’s perspective, the reasons for seeking Therapy are often:
- the search for a Non-invasive therapy
- the desire for greater sexual spontaneity and satisfaction
Whichever reason is most important to you personally is irrelevant when taking the first step. Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Köhler or Pract. Zgraggen to find out whether this Therapy is right for you.
The Goal of Shock Wave Therapy in Zurich
The stated goal of the treatment is, of course, to improve your penis’s ability to achieve an erection and thus enable you to enjoy a fulfilling sex life again—ideally without having to rely on additional aids such as a vacuum pump or medications like PDE-5 inhibitors. In many cases, this can be achieved with shock wave therapy.
The Shockwave Therapy Process
Preparation for Treatment
Before treatment, we invite you to an initial consultation at our practice in Zurich. In a discreet setting, you can discuss your symptoms with either Dr. Köhler or Pract. med. Zgraggen. This allows you to decide for yourself whether you feel more comfortable with a male or female doctor. During the consultation, you will be asked, among other things, when you first noticed signs of erectile dysfunction. It is also important to find out whether you have already tried other treatments and are taking any medications (e.g., PDE-5 inhibitors).
Special attention is paid during the preliminary consultation to any pre-existing conditions. Do you have high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery calcification, or other relevant medical conditions? If so, do you take medication for them regularly? Based on the information you provide, the treating physician can determine whether shock wave therapy is likely to be effective in your case.
Conducting Shock Wave Therapy
We perform shock wave therapy on an outpatient basis at our KALEIDOSCOP aesthetic practice in Zurich. You’ll come to us at your scheduled appointment and make yourself comfortable on the treatment table. There’s nothing else you need to do beforehand. To begin, we’ll apply a contact gel to the treatment area. This ensures comfortable contact between the handpiece and your skin and improves the transmission of the sound waves into the penile tissue.
We then activate the device and direct the low-energy shock waves at the areas of the corpus cavernosum that were identified beforehand. Anesthesia is not necessary for this procedure. During the treatment, you will only feel a slight tapping or pulsing sensation, which, based on our experience, is generally well tolerated. Of course, you can let us know at any time if something feels uncomfortable. We will then pause the treatment immediately.
Aftercare
No special aftercare is required following the treatment. You do not need to plan for any Downtime and can resume normal social activities immediately after leaving our office. You also do not need to refrain from sports or sexual activity. However, you should be aware that the effect does not become apparent immediately after the first treatment. Multiple treatments are required for the positive effect on erections to build up gradually.
Reviewed by Dr. Christian Köhler
Dr. Christian Köhler, general practitioner, MBA, and certified expert in Zurich, has more than 22 years of operational experience in aesthetic medicine. The information presented on this page has been personally reviewed by him and meets the highest medical standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shock Wave Therapy
Who is shock wave therapy suitable for?
We recommend shock wave therapy for men who suffer from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction and who want a more stable erection and greater stamina. Good results can be achieved especially when erectile dysfunction is attributable to vascular changes and reduced blood flow to the penile corpora cavernosa. The treatment may also be suitable for penile curvature. We would be happy to advise you personally on this matter.
For which causes of erectile dysfunction can shock wave therapy be beneficial?
Primarily in cases of vascular changes and circulatory disorders. These are often triggered by atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, or diabetes mellitus. An unhealthy lifestyle—including poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking—also frequently plays a role. In these cases, shock wave therapy can stimulate local blood flow, allowing the penis to receive better blood flow again during sexual stimulation. The therapy may also be a viable option for age-related changes in the erectile tissue or penile curvature.
When is shock wave therapy not appropriate?
In cases where the erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological or hormonal factors. In such cases, other measures are more effective, such as hormone therapy or psychotherapy and sex therapy. We recommend that our clients consult a urologist for further evaluation, who can then take over further treatment or, if necessary, refer them to the appropriate specialist.
How often does the Treatment need to be repeated?
This varies from man to man; there is no set number of sessions. At our KALEIDOSCOP aesthetic practice in Zurich, we’ve found that four to eight sessions spaced a few days apart—that is, once or twice a week—lead to good results. We can provide more specific information after a personal consultation.
How long does a treatment session last?
Usually about 30 minutes, including preparation.
How long do the results of shock wave therapy last?
It’s impossible to say exactly in advance. Once the effect on erections has fully developed after a few weeks, the results can certainly last several months—and for some clients, even years. However, we cannot guarantee such a long duration of effect. We usually recommend a follow-up session as soon as the first signs of the effect wearing off appear.
Is shock wave therapy painful?
No, the treatment is virtually painless. Most of our clients report a slight tapping or pulsing sensation in the penis, which is, however, easily tolerable. Anesthesia is therefore not necessary.
Is shock wave therapy really safe?
Yes, the Therapy has been well-tested over many years and is well-tolerated. When used correctly, there are virtually no risks. At KALEIDOSCOP aesthetic in Zurich, we use only modern devices from leading manufacturers that are specifically approved for this application when conducting erectile dysfunction therapy. In some cases, mild skin irritation or temporary sensitivity to pressure may occur after treatment. However, both subside quickly.
Is there a follow-up visit?
Yes. Eight weeks after the start of therapy, your treating physician will assess how well the treatment has worked and whether further Sessions are necessary.
How much does shock wave therapy cost in Zurich?
That depends on the scope of treatment and the number of Sessions. Therefore, it is not possible to give a flat rate. However, after the consultation, your treating physician will draw up a personalized treatment plan for you, which will clearly outline the costs.
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