ArticleTranslational andrology and urology2021
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus on-demand sildenafil for erectile dysfunction.
Article in Translational andrology and urology, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 9 citations in OpenAlex.
- Low-intensity shockwave therapy in men's health: Insights from a systematic review on erectile dysfunction and CP/CPPS in the Middle East.Arab journal of urology · 2026Review
- Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction: Myths and realities.Investigative and clinical urology · 2023Review
- The Treatment Satisfaction in Patients and Their Partners Treated with Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Sildenafil: A Prospective Non-Randomized Controlled Study.Patient preference and adherence · 2023Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundLow-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is an effective therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) but is not widely recognized and applied. This prospective nonrandomized study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Li-ESWT.
methodsAfter a 4-week washout period of past ED treatment, patients entered one of 2 active treatment groups, either 9-week Li-ESWT or 100 mg on-demand sildenafil. Patients were evaluated in the first- and third-month following initiation of treatment. The Li-ESWT protocol comprised 2 sessions per week for 3 weeks, which were repeated after a 3-week interval. Patients in the drug group took self-administered sildenafil at a dose of 100 mg before intercourse. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of Li-ESWT measured by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores. Other measurements included erection hardness score (EHS) and Self-Esteem And Relationship (SEAR).
resultsA total of 78 participants completed the study (46 in the Li-ESWT group and 32 in the sildenafil group). Overall, 26.9% of the participants (21/78) included were psychogenic. In the third month, the outcome measured by IIEF-5 was 21.52 in the Li-ESWT group and 21.26 in the sildenafil group (P>0.05). Proportion of improvement defined by minimal clinically important difference (MCID) criteria was 52.2% in the Li-ESWT group and 59.4% in the sildenafil group (P>0.05). The EHS and SEAR improvement was similar in the 2 groups (P>0.05 at baseline and third month). Transient and mild adverse events were observed in both groups.
conclusionsIn our study, a similar treatment efficacy and safety was shown by the application of Li-ESWT as on demand sildenafil.
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