[Low-intensity shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction: Progression in application].

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasing, especially among men over 40 years old, and is positively correlated with age. It is predicted that there will be as many as 300 million ED patients around the world by the year 2025. Recent years has witnessed deeper insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of ED and significant breakthroughs in its treatment. However, few achievements have been made in the studies of its pathological change at the molecular level and the measures for its management and rehabilitation. Besides, quite a few cases fail to respond to 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Fortunately, low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT), as a novel non-invasive micro-energy therapeutic option, is promising to get repaired the injured corpus cavernosum of the ED patient and provide a new concept for the management of ED. This review introduces the current situation of the diagnosis and treatment of ED and the mechanisms of LiSWT acting on ED in animal experiments and clinical studies.