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A Rambam researcher has used shock waves to treat men suffering from impotence. In a breakthrough of international scale, Prof Yoram Vardi, Director of Rambam’s Neuro-Urology Unit successfully treated 75% of subjects who have Erectile Disorder (ED) as a result of high blood pressure, cardiac disease or diabetes. No drugs were used, no side effects noted and no pain reported.
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Prof Yoram Vardi |
In 12 treatments , the men were subjected to low energy shockwaves -- similar to ultrasound waves – to speed up blood flow to the area of the penis . The results were impressive: 15 of 20 subjects reported significant improvement in sexual function. Now, half a year later, the participants’ sexual function is still normal. the research has stimulated great interest worldwide.
According to Prof Vardi, this technology previously proved effective in speeding blood flow to damaged areas of the body. It has been used, for example, to revitalize blood vessels in those with heart disease. By the same token, the main beneficiaries of this treatment will be patients whose ED stems from reduced blood flow to their penises. However, this will not be a cure for everyone, warned Prof Vardi, as it may not help those whose problem is due to nerve, muscle or other issues.
While not life-threatening, ED can be emotionally devastating. “Sexual dysfunction affects every aspect of life,” says Prof Vardi. “In many cases, it can damage relationships between couples and even destroy family units". For young men, the problem can be most acute, causing sufferers to turn inward and avoid intimate relationships. “Some men with this problem feel they’ve lost their masculinity,” says Prof Vardi, adding that the greatest problem in treating impotence is coping with the patient’s sense of shame. “Medicine today offers solutions to many types of impotence. Unfortunately, most men are still afraid to admit they have this problem, and are unwilling to reveal it to anyone, even to their doctors. “
In the near future, Prof Vardi will enter Phase 2 of this research with 60 patients from Israel and abroad. If everything goes according to plan, he will next year undertake the third phase, which will involve 200 patients of different ages.
Despite his initial success, Prof Vardi says it is important to remember that research is only in the initial stage. Important questions must be answered, like how long the treatment will last, and if patients will need additional therapy as time goes by.
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