Short answer
Low-intensity shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that applies gentle acoustic waves to the penis to encourage better blood flow in men with vascular erectile dysfunction. Each session takes about 15-20 minutes without anaesthesia, and a course is usually around 6 sessions. There is no downtime, and results are typically assessed 1-3 months after the course.
What is shock wave therapy (ESWT)?
Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy, usually shortened to ESWT or Li-ESWT, delivers gentle acoustic waves to the tissue of the penis through a handheld applicator. It is thought to stimulate the growth of small blood vessels and improve blood flow.
It is different from the higher-energy shock wave treatment used to break kidney stones, and it does not involve needles or medicines.
Who is it for?
ESWT is best suited to men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction caused mainly by reduced blood flow, confirmed by your urologist. It may also be discussed for some men with Peyronie's disease to ease pain. It is less likely to help when ED is severe or caused by nerve damage. A doctor assesses suitability in person, often with a Doppler ultrasound.
How the treatment is done
You lie comfortably while the doctor applies gel and moves the applicator over several areas of the shaft and the base of the penis. Most men feel a light tapping sensation and no pain. Sessions are usually given once or twice a week.
Because a course runs over several weeks, many patients complete part of it in Istanbul and plan a return visit, and your coordinator schedules this around your travel. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land, and a personal coordinator stays with you discreetly throughout.
Recovery and results
There is no recovery time and you can return to normal activities straight away. Improvement, if it occurs, is gradual and is usually assessed 1-3 months after the final session.
Results vary. ESWT can be combined with oral medication or lifestyle changes, and some men find that medication works better after a course. Metropolmed's own medical team performs the treatment in Istanbul, and 12 months of follow-up are included.
Your private consultation
Your consultation is private and confirms whether ESWT is the right choice before any session begins. Before you travel, your coordinator asks about your erection history, current medicines, especially blood thinners, and any earlier tests. Because a course runs over several weeks, your coordinator helps you choose between a longer single stay and two shorter visits. Sessions are booked at discreet times, and you can return to your hotel straight afterwards.
Consultations take place one to one in a private room, with a medical interpreter if you need one, and you can ask for a male or female interpreter and coordinator. Your records, photographs and test results are kept strictly confidential and shared only with the clinicians treating you. Metropolmed holds the Turkish Ministry of Health international patient authorisation (USHAŞ AK-0164), and its own TÜRSAB-licensed travel division (licence 13032) books your hotel.
Risks and safety
ESWT is low risk. Some men notice mild discomfort, temporary redness or slight bruising at the treatment site. It may not be suitable if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, an infection in the area or a penile implant.
Research on ESWT is still developing and it does not help everyone. Your urologist explains the realistic benefit for your situation before you begin.
Recovery timeline
- Session 1Assessment and first treatment
- Week 1-3Sessions once or twice a week
- Course endUsually around 6 sessions completed
- Month 1-3Gradual improvement assessed
- Month 12Final follow-up review
Frequently asked questions
Is shock wave therapy painful?
No. Most men feel only a mild tapping sensation, and no anaesthesia is needed.
Can I complete the full course in one trip?
Sometimes. Depending on the protocol your doctor chooses, sessions may be grouped closer together during a longer stay, or split across two visits.
How long do the effects last?
It varies. Some men notice benefit for a year or more, and a repeat course may be considered if the effect fades.
Can ESWT be combined with tablets?
Yes. ESWT is often used alongside oral medication, and some men find that tablets work better after a course.
