Erectile dysfunction is common in men who have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and usually stems from problems caused by poor long-term blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels. This has the potential to damage the erectile tissue leaving it impossible for a man to achieve or maintain an erection.

Over the age of 50, the likelihood of having difficulty with an erection occurs in approximately 50% to 60% of men with diabetes. Over the age of 70, there is about a 95% likelihood of having some difficulty with erectile dysfunction.

A doctor will usually consider underlying causes of your erectile dysfunction and provide information about medication such as oral medications (Viagra, Cialis, etc.), vacuum devices and penile implants. (Penile implants will involve invasive surgery).

They will talk to you about your lifestyle choices, whether you are a smoker, what you drink and what you eat. We can provide help with your lifestyle choices under the guidance of Sarah Danaher our Medical Dietitian.

What happens during ED therapy
To get an erection, men need healthy blood vessels, nerves, male hormones, and a desire to be sexually stimulated. Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (LiST) rejuvenates the blood supply to the penis.

In many cases, focused shockwaves applied to the muscles of the anterior, superior and pelvic floor, the perineal area under the testicles and also to the shaft of the penis will aid the recovery of blood flow to the penis and revitalise a diabetics sex life, intimacy and the ability to enjoy spontaneous erections and vaginal penetration.

Treatments are relatively pain-free, you may feel some tingling sensation during the treatment, is non-invasive, of short duration and produces long-term results.

The erectile dysfunction therapy we undertake at our clinic is performed using the latest Swiss engineered technology Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (LiST) system, the STORZ DUOLITH® SD1 which provides ultra-focused shock wave therapy, superior to radial shockwave used by many other practitioners and which is the most advanced device of its kind available today.