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Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
A non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses focused sound waves to improve blood flow and encourage tissue repair — aiming to restore natural erections rather than produce one on demand.
How shockwave therapy treats ED
Most erectile dysfunction is a blood flow problem. An erection depends on arteries widening and the tissue of the penis filling with blood; when those vessels are narrowed or damaged, the response weakens. Tablets work on that mechanism each time you take one, but they do not change the tissue underneath.
Shockwave therapy takes a different approach. A handheld applicator delivers focused acoustic pulses into the erectile tissue. These are not electric shocks, and they are not the high-energy waves used to break up kidney stones — the energy is a fraction of that. The pulses create controlled microstress, which is thought to prompt the body’s own repair response: new small blood vessels forming, existing ones working better, and improved circulation over the weeks that follow.
Because the aim is to improve the tissue itself, results build across a course of treatment rather than appearing after one visit — and they can persist once the course ends.
Find a clinic near youWhat the research shows
Shockwave therapy for ED has been tested in randomised, sham-controlled trials and pooled into systematic reviews. The pattern across them is a measurable improvement in erectile function for men with mild to moderate, blood-flow-related ED, lasting a year or more in follow-up. The evidence is not uniform: protocols differ, trials are often small, and results are weaker in severe ED and in men with diabetes.
Published studies
- Low-intensity shockwave therapy improves baseline erectile function: a randomized sham-controlled crossover trial Read the paper (PDF)
- Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment improves erectile function: a systematic review and meta-analysis Read the paper (PDF)
- Evaluation of long-term clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction following low-intensity shockwave therapy in men with erectile dysfunction: a minimum 5-year follow-up Read the paper (PDF)
- Low-intensity shockwave treatment for erectile dysfunction: how long does the effect last? Read the paper (PDF)
- Comparison of the efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus on-demand sildenafil for erectile dysfunction Read the paper (PDF)
- Reviewing the evidence for shockwave- and cell-based regenerative therapies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction Read the paper (PDF)
- Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Peyronie’s disease: an Indian experience Read the paper (PDF)
Why men choose shockwave therapy
Men usually arrive at this treatment for one of two reasons: medication has stopped working well enough, or they would rather not take it at all.
Non-invasive and drug-free
No pills, needles or surgery. For men who cannot take ED medication because of other conditions or the drugs they are already on, that matters a great deal.
Aims at the cause, not the episode
Medication helps you get an erection on the day you take it. This is intended to improve the blood flow underneath, so function improves on its own.
Very few side effects
No anaesthetic is needed, and reported side effects are mild and short-lived — some redness or tenderness in the days after a session.
No downtime
Sessions are short and nothing is required of you afterwards. Men go back to work, exercise or anything else the same day.
Results that can last
Follow-up studies report improvement persisting for months to years after a completed course, with some men returning for a top-up later.
Works alongside other treatment
It does not rule out medication, a vacuum erection device or anything else your doctor recommends; for many men it is used with them.
What a session is actually like
Clinics differ in the device they use and the exact protocol they follow, but the shape of a visit is consistent. If you have never had the treatment, this is what to expect.
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You lie down, fully awake
No preparation, fasting or sedation. You stay clothed except for the treatment area, and you are awake and talking throughout.
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The applicator is moved over the treatment area
The provider applies gel and moves a handheld applicator across several points, delivering pulses at each. Most men describe a light tapping or pulsing; some find it briefly uncomfortable, but it is not usually painful.
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The session takes 15 to 20 minutes
A typical course runs to 6–12 sessions over several weeks, with your provider setting the schedule. Improvement builds across the course rather than after any single visit.
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You leave and carry on with your day
No recovery period and no restriction on activity, driving or exercise. You can go straight back to work from the appointment.
Other conditions it is used for
Shockwave therapy is best known for ED, but the same technology is used elsewhere in urology, and many clinics that offer it for ED also treat these.
Peyronie's disease
Scar tissue inside the penis causes a bend, an indent and often pain with erections. Shockwave therapy is applied to the plaque to reduce pain and improve comfort. The evidence is strongest for pain relief; effects on curvature itself are more modest, which is why it is often combined with traction therapy.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
Men with chronic pelvic pain or chronic prostatitis may be offered shockwave therapy to reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the pelvic floor. Studies report better pain scores and urinary symptoms, though CPPS usually needs a broader plan including pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Common questions
How many sessions will I need?
Most plans run to between 6 and 12 sessions over several weeks. Your provider sets the schedule based on your symptoms and how you respond.
Is the treatment painful?
It is generally well tolerated and needs no anaesthetic. Most men describe a tapping or pulsing sensation and some mild discomfort during the session, which settles quickly. A few notice slight redness or tenderness for a day or two.
Is it safe?
Low-intensity shockwave therapy has been used in urology and orthopaedics for many years and has a good safety record when delivered by a trained provider. Serious side effects are rare.
How long do the results last?
Reported durability ranges from several months to a few years, depending on age, general health and how severe the ED was to begin with. Follow-up studies have found benefit persisting at one and two years in many men. Some return for a maintenance course later.
My ED is severe. Will it help?
Results are strongest in mild to moderate ED caused by reduced blood flow. In severe ED, and particularly with long-standing diabetes or nerve damage, the response is less reliable and other treatments may be a better starting point. A urologist can tell you which group you fall into.
Is it suitable for every man?
No. It is generally avoided in men with severe vascular disease, blood clotting disorders or active infection in the area, among others. Go through your health history and current medication with your doctor before booking.
Is it covered by provincial health insurance?
Shockwave therapy for ED is not covered by provincial health plans in Canada and is paid for privately. Costs vary by clinic and by the number of sessions, so ask for the price of a full course rather than a per-session rate when you call.
Find a clinic near you
These Canadian clinics offer shockwave therapy and other men’s health treatments. Search by postal code or city to see the closest ones. We are not affiliated with them and take no referral fee — contact the clinic directly to ask about the treatment, the device they use and the cost of a full course.
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This map is a convenience listing, not a referral or an endorsement. Please confirm services, fees and availability with the clinic directly. It does not replace advice from your doctor or a urologist. See all pelvic health and urology clinics
Are you a clinician offering shockwave therapy for ED? We would be glad to add your clinic to this map. Get in touch and we will send you the details we need.
