Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of men to consistently obtain and maintain sufficient penile erections to complete a satisfactory sex activity, significantly affecting men's quality of life. In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) may improve erectile function by inducing angiogenesis and reversing the pathological process of the erectile tissue, and is a safe, effective and tolerable method for the treatment of vascular ED. This article reviews the pathophysiological mechanism and clinical application of Li-ESWT in the treatment of ED.
Keywords: erectile dysfunction; low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy; neoangiogenesis; nerve regeneration.