Efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus on-demand tadalafil for erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LIESWT) versus 20 mg of Tadalafil in Erectile dysfunction (ED) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 51 men with ED. Twenty-five were in the LIESWT group and 26 in the Tadalafil group. Patients in the LIESWT group received 6 sessions (2 per week) with an average of 6,000 shocks per session with the PiezoWave(2) unit. Other patients self-administered Tadalafil on demand. The outcomes were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score, Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and Self-Esteem And Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire before, at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. Treatment-related side effects and costs were recorded too. RESULTS: The mean age in the LIESWT group was 43.7 years old, and in the Tadalafil group was 47 years old. After the 6 and 12-week follow-ups, both groups showed significant improvement when comparing the baseline values to the follow-up variables for all IIEF-5, EHS, and SEAR (P < 0.05). There was a notable statistical difference between the two groups regarding the side effects, as the shockwave group was with mild side effects (8%), while the Tadalafil group (44%) of patients had side effects (p < 0.05). This cost difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001). LIESWT is more costly compared to Tadalafil. CONCLUSION: LIESWT has a comparable short-term therapeutic efficacy with higher safety outcomes than on-demand 20 mg of Tadalafil for ED patients.