Erectile Dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory intercourse, effects 52 percent of men ages 40 to 70 years old. ED can stress a loving relationship because it affects the psychological and emotional well-being of the man. Common treatments for ED include pills, injections and pumps, but they only help if taken or utilized for each sexual encounter.

There is, however, a way to treat ED more naturally, and with lasting results—pulse wave therapy, otherwise known as low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Pulse wave therapy has been shown to have angiogenic properties, which means creating new blood vessels. Because 90 percent of all ED is caused by vascular issues, pulse wave therapy can be applied to generate new blood supply. Improving existing blood flow and creating new blood flow can have a significant positive impact on erectile function.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is often combined with pulse wave therapy for further improvement. The PRP also helps create new blood, flow thereby enhancing the effects of the pulse wave therapy. Combining these modalities has had a high rate of success for improving ED.

Even though this technology is new in the U.S., it has been used in Europe for this purpose for more than 10 years. It has recently been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the U.S. It is not necessary to continue to take pills that can have adverse side effects or use injections for every sexual encounter when we have an all-natural treatment with lasting results.

Dr. Jeffrey Backenstoes DO, a member of the American Board of Anti-Aging /Regenerative Medicine, a fellow of the Academy of Anti-Aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine, board certified in internal medicine, anti-aging, regenerative and functional medicine, is the owner of Capstone Medical Associates, 101 W. Cherry St., in Palmyra. For more information, call 717-838-0900 or visit CapstoneMedicalAssociates.com.