Chances are, you’ve heard of those too-good-to-be-true miracle cures. But you know what’s interesting? The men’s health community has been buzzing about one treatment that few people have even heard of, and the researchers at the University of Virginia recently released long-term data on it.
This is not your traditional erectile dysfunction treatment. It’s called Low Intensity Shock Wave Therapy, or LISWT for short. No pills to remember. No injections to worry about. Nothing but a few sound waves applied in specific locations to stimulate your body’s own repair systems.
What Exactly is LISWT?
It is most likely comparable to someone trying some physiotherapy on your blood vessels. This machine uses low-intensity acoustic waves, akin to decades-old technology that has been proven in bone-healing research to stimulate faster repair, on soft and delicate tissue.
What most people really don’t get though, are the “shock waves” are not in the least bit shocking. At Guelph Vitality Dr. Eric Hirshberg (our urologist) likes to say it feels more like gentle tapping. Our Duolith device is also one we use which provides low-energy, precise-level pulses that virtually all men find comfortable.
It is an interesting concept in science. These sound waves cause what are known as micro-traumas – small, controlled injuries to tissue that activate your body’s natural healing responses. This is the same way your body knows how to heal a paper cut: it just sends the workers where they need to go.
How Does the Treatment Work?
When the acoustic waves encounter erectile tissue, this leads to the release of growth factors, specifically a substance called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). That might sound complex, but this is simply what your body does to try and tell you that you need better blood flow there.
The result? An increase in the formation of new blood vessels, or ‘neovascularization. Unlike medication, which essentially provides a short-term enhancement of blood circulation only, the concept behind LISWT is to correct the underlying vascular architecture.
Who Benefits Most from LISWT?
Dr. Hirshberg determines candidacy for erectile dysfunction LISWT on a patient-to-patient basis because the underlying causes of ED can vary widely, from vascular issues to hormonal or psychological factors. Not every patient will benefit equally from the therapy, so a thorough evaluation of medical history, current health status, and prior treatment response is essential. This individualized approach ensures the treatment is recommended only when it is safe, appropriate, and most likely to deliver meaningful improvement.
Here’s what the data shows. Several studies suggest vascular ED derived the most improvement in erections scores for men. The treatment works less well for ED caused by nerve impingement or significant psychological triggers.
This is something Dr. Hirshberg always mentions to patients when going over options in the Guelph office. Each patient receives a comprehensive assessment to determine if they qualify for LISWT. No need to seek treatment that will not further your specific conditions.
What Should You Expect?
The typical LISWT protocol is completed over multiple short sessions over the course of a few weeks. While you relax, targeted pulses are delivered via the Duolith device.The treatment is remarkably straightforward. No anesthesia needed. No downtime afterward. Patients drive themselves home, and get back to their normal life right away.
LISWT is still considered an emerging therapy, and researchers continue to study the best protocols, ideal patient profiles, and long-term outcomes. What is clear so far is that the treatment is safe, well-tolerated, and shows meaningful improvements in clinical studies. The ongoing research is exciting because it means the field is evolving quickly, with the potential for even greater results as understanding grows.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
LISWT devices must be used under medical supervision. With Dr. Hirshberg having over 20 years of urology experience, of which part was specialized fellowship training in erectile dysfunction at the University of Toronto.
He is the Chief of Urology at Guelph General Hospital, giving him a good perspective on men being managed for male sexual health. It is more than just applying sound waves, it requires a detailed algorithm that involves proper patient selection and appropriate expectations.
The Bottom Line
For those men with ED who are looking for drug-free options in treatment, LISWT presents an interesting option. The treatment is safe, as no major studies have reported serious adverse events.
Is it right for you? It is different for everyone and depends on your individual circumstances, medical history and treatment goals. That said, at Guelph Vitality Clinic; we are straightforward about what you can expect from new treatments, the good and the bad.
If you are wondering about LISWT, the first step is a full evaluation with Dr. Hirshberg. With this innovative method you can decide together if it is matching your way forward.
- Cardiovascular Health and Erectile Function: The Vital Connection - October 10, 2025
- What is Low Intensity Shock Wave Therapy and How Does It Work? - September 3, 2025
- In-Depth Look at Viagra: How it Works and What to Expect - July 29, 2025
