Sexual Wellness
Shockwave Therapy for Sexual Health in Raleigh, NC
Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) is a non-invasive protocol that delivers acoustic pressure waves to targeted tissue. In the context of sexual health, it is applied to penile tissue in men and vulvovaginal tissue in women with the goal of supporting tissue remodeling and improved circulation through neovascularization. At RegenesisMD, the Duo protocol refers to the combined application of shockwave therapy for both men and women in the context of sexual wellness.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bhavna Vaidya, MD, Board-Certified Family Practice and Anti-Aging Medicine
The Research on Shockwave for Sexual Health
Low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction has the most substantial clinical evidence base. A systematic review published in the International Brazilian Journal of Urology (Vieiralves et al., 2023) reviewed clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on LI-ESWT for erectile dysfunction, noting that the literature presents encouraging results with the use of LI-ESWT for ED while calling for larger high-quality studies to standardize protocols and patient selection.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine (Poulios et al., 2021) documented improvements in erectile function scores with intracavernosal PRP when combined with shockwave protocols.
The application of shockwave therapy to female sexual health has a smaller but developing evidence base. Dr. Vaidya reviews the current research at consultation for each patient.
FDA Status
Shockwave therapy devices used for musculoskeletal conditions are FDA-cleared. Their application to sexual health is considered off-label. Dr. Vaidya reviews the device's cleared uses and the off-label application evidence at consultation.
What the Protocol Involves
Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia. Sessions are typically brief and performed in-office. Protocol specifics, including number of sessions, frequency, and intensity, are determined by a RegenesisMD provider based on individual assessment.
What Patients Under This Protocol Report
Patients under physician-supervised protocols at RegenesisMD have reported the following observations:
- Changes in sexual function
- Changes in sensation
Individual results vary. Results are not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is shockwave therapy for sexual health?
- Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) delivers acoustic pressure waves to targeted tissue with the goal of supporting tissue remodeling and improved circulation. It is non-invasive, performed in-office, and does not require anesthesia.
- Is shockwave therapy FDA approved for sexual health?
- Shockwave devices are FDA-cleared for musculoskeletal use. Their application to sexual health is off-label. Dr. Vaidya reviews the cleared indications and the off-label application evidence at consultation.
- Is the Duo protocol available for both partners?
- Yes. The Duo protocol refers to combined shockwave therapy for both men and women in the context of sexual wellness. Each partner is evaluated individually before any protocol is recommended.
- How many sessions are needed?
- Protocol specifics are determined individually at consultation based on goals, baseline assessment, and clinical response. There is no single protocol that fits every patient.
Schedule a Consultation with one of our RegenesisMD providers
A consultation includes a full health history review before any protocol is initiated. This content is for educational purposes only.
References
- Vieiralves RR, et al. Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a narrative review. Int Braz J Urol. 2023. Source