If you suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), you are part of a brotherhood that goes back centuries. Even the Old Testament describes an aging and ailing King David’s bout with a lack of heat. Scholars and interpreters pretty much agree it’s a reference to David’s erectile dysfunction.
The ancient Egyptians concocted an ointment from baby crocodile hearts and wood oil to treat ED. The ancient Hindus believed eating the testes of a goat could cure the problem.
Over time, modern man put his own unique spin its treatment. In the 1920s, a Kansas physician named John R. Brinkley advertised goat-gland implants and “mercurochrome” injections as ways treat erectile dysfunction—until the Kansas State Medical Board revoked his license.
In the 1970s, inflatable penile implants were introduced, but the early models were awkward. Then things changed dramatically in 1983. A British physiologist, Giles Brindley, shocked the audience at an American Urological Association conference. Live, on stage in front of thousands, Brindley dropped his pants and injected his flaccid penis with a vasodilator, alpha-blocking agent. Minutes later, the crowd witnessed a physical transformation that eventually led to the creation of Viagra, Cialis and other prescription pills used to treat ED today.
The Newest Wâve in ED Treatment
Decades later, ED still complicates the sex lives of many men—millions, in fact. Yes, ED is frustrating and embarrassing. It can even be depressing. But there’s one thing it’s not—inevitable.
For years, men have had a roster of treatment options. Along with medications, vacuum erection devices, urethral suppositories, penile injections and very much improved penile implants have been reliable go-to options for countless men.
Now there’s a new way men can firm up their guy. It’s called firmaWâve.
It’s All About Healing Wâves
firmaWâve is an innovative, non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction. The simple in-office procedure doesn’t require shots, incisions or medications. It uses a form of low-intensity shock wave therapy. The waves have been shown to help naturally repair damaged blood vessels and create new ones in the corpora cavernosa—the area of the penis that fills with blood during an erection.
Okay, we know what you may be thinking. Shock waves?!
“Don’t worry. Despite the name, firmaWâve doesn’t use electrical shocks,” Dr. Andrew Sun, an erectile dysfunction specialist at Urology Partners of North Texas (UPNT), assures us. “No actual shocking is involved!”
firmaWâve actually uses a milder form of ultrasound waves often used to treat kidney stones and joint inflammation. The waves increase blood flow in the penis, which improves erectile function.
“Men may feel a slight tingling or tapping sensation during treatment, but none of the men we’ve treated have experienced any pain or discomfort,” Dr. Sun adds. “The treatment doesn’t even require numbing medication.”
Unlike ED drugs that only mask or temporarily address symptoms, firmaWâve works to restore normal function. By treating the underlying cause of ED, it improves or eliminates erectile problems. Men will also be glad to know there are no side effects with treatment.
Only the Right Wâves Work
firmaWâve’s healing shockwaves are created by a generator. There is only one generator available in the United States that produces the precise, focused ultrasonic waves capable of penetrating deep into erectile tissues—the Storz Duolith SD1.
Waves created by the Storz Duolith SD1 are delivered using a hand piece and travel through a gel applied to the penis. The painless waves penetrate deep into erectile tissues to promote better blood flow and erections.
“It’s important that men aren’t fooled by pretenders,” Dr. Sun warns.
firmaWâve uses a specific type of energy delivery called low-intensity, linear-focused shockwave therapy. In clinical studies, only this type of energy has been shown to penetrate the tissues of the penis and generate a pro-erectile effect.
In fact, the Storz Duolith SD1 generator used during firmaWâve treatment is classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a class III medical device—the same class that pacemakers and other medical devices fall under. Many other “men’s health clinics” and “at- home devices” use “acoustic wave” or “radial wave” technology. These devices are much cheaper, and have absolutely no evidence to support their efficacy claims. Radial-wave devices actually fall under FDA Class I—a classification that includes electric toothbrushes.
“Radial waves can’t penetrate deep enough into penile tissue,” Dr. Sun emphasizes. “They can’t repair damaged blood vessels or create new ones to improve blood flow needed for strong erections like firmaWâve.”
Six Wâve Sessions Can Change Everything
firmaWâve consists of six weekly treatments. Each treatment takes less than 30 minutes and is done right in UPNT’s Arlington clinic.
“Men can relax in our private treatment room and watch an episode of their favorite television program during their firmaWâve therapy,” says Dr. Sun.
Who Responds Best to firmaWâve?
firmaWâve therapy works well in men whose ED is caused by vascular issues created by high blood pressure, diabetes or natural aging. It’s best in men with mild to moderate ED who still respond to oral medications like Viagra or Cialis.
During an initial consultation with Dr. Sun, men can learn if they are a good candidate for firmaWâve. “I take their medical history, ask about medications they take, and we discuss ED treatments they may have tried before. I try to give men a very realistic idea of what they can expect to make sure we are treating men who can really benefit from this treatment,” he explains.
“For example, if a man gets erections that say, are about a 7 out of 10 in terms of erectile strength, then takes a Viagra and it boosts his erections to 10 out of 10, there is a very good chance firmaWâve can help him achieve 10 out of 10 erections without Viagra.
“But if the individual is achieving very minimal erectile strength, let’s say two out of 10, firmaWâve alone probably won’t be able to help him get where he wants to go. Men who don’t respond to Viagra at all probably aren’t the best candidates for this treatment. Still, if firmaWâve isn’t right for them, we talk about other good treatment options or a combination of therapies that we can use together.”
Firm Proof firmaWâve Works
In men who are good candidates for firmaWâve, they usually start seeing benefits after three or four treatments. “Generally, around the mid-way point in their series of six treatments they notice the return of morning erections,” Dr. Sun says. “They feel more blood flow and fullness in their penis, and don’t require as much ED medication as before.”
Clinical studies show that 60-70% of men who are good candidates for firmaWâve have dramatic improvement in their erections after completing all six treatments.
One year later, 50-60% of them still report long-lasting erections.
Two years out from initial treatment, 50% still enjoy the benefits of firmaWâve therapy.
Just as impressive are the comments Dr. Sun is hearing from his UPNT patients who have completed firmaWâve therapy.
“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if this was going to work at first, but I have to say I’ve seen a huge improvement—and my wife is certainly loving it!”
“After the third treatment, I woke up the next morning with morning wood. I haven’t seen that in years!”
“Viagra worked for me, but I’d always get a headache. After my firmaWâve treatment, I don’t need to take it anymore.”
“I don’t like taking pills, so the idea of something that could regenerate blood vessels in my penis was really appealing. I’m so happy I ended up doing it.”
“I tried an ‘at-home’ acoustic wave thing. It didn’t work, so I gave up on the whole shockwave thing. Then I heard about firmaWâve—and it really worked on me. I’m thankful my UPNT care provider explained the difference between shockwaves. Before, they all sounded the same.”
Dr. Sun notes a bi-annual follow-up treatment may be needed. “Depending on a man’s situation, one 30-minute firmaWâve session every six to twelve months can serve as a maintenance step to help ensure blood vessels in the penis continue to supply erections the way they should.”
Is firmaWâve covered by insurance?
An initial consultation with Dr. Sun is usually covered by most insurance providers. At this time, though, firmaWâve treatment is not covered by insurance. Cost for the series of six, 30-minute treatments is $3,000 ($500 per treatment). Men receive a $500 discount when they pay for the series up front—lowering the cost to $2,500 for the series of six treatments.
We are your firmaWâve experts.
Urology Partners of North Texas boasts a team of skilled, experienced and compassionate urologists who know how to successfully treat ED. Every day, we help men reclaim a more satisfying love life.
Ready to firm things UP?
Go to firmawave.com to learn more to request a consultation with Dr. Sun
