Focused Shockwave Therapy for ED: What to Expect, Week by Week

For most men, the usual first steps for ED are lifestyle changes and ED medication prescribed by their GP. ED can be an early sign of heart disease or diabetes, so please see your GP first. Please don't stop or change any medicine your GP has prescribed without talking to them.

If you'd like to find out whether focused low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT), which aims to improve blood flow, might be suitable for you, please see your GP first and then talk to us.

💬 Want to ask a question in complete confidence? Click here to message Rich Pearson privately on WhatsApp. It's confidential, there's no obligation, and Rich, our Clinic Director, will reply personally.

Why Blood Flow Matters in ED

Many physical cases of ED are linked to blood flow (vasculogenic)—meaning they are caused by reduced arterial inflow into the corpora cavernosa (the spongy erectile chambers inside the penis) or weakened micro-vessels that can no longer trap blood effectively.

As men enter their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, those tiny penile blood vessels naturally narrow or accumulate micro-plaque due to age, stress, blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar changes. Because penile arteries are only 1 to 2 millimetres wide (roughly half the diameter of coronary arteries), they can be one of the first places in the body to show signs of restricted circulation.

What the guidelines and research say: The European Association of Urology (EAU) 2025 guidelines include low-intensity shockwave therapy as a possible option for men with mild ED caused by blood-flow problems. This is a weak recommendation, and the EAU recommends lifestyle changes and prescribed ED medication as the usual first steps. A 2025 Cochrane review rated the evidence as low certainty, and results vary from person to person. Please see your GP first.

(If you haven't read our foundational article yet, you can also explore our earlier guide: Understanding the Effectiveness of Focused Shockwave Therapy for ED).

Storz Medical focused shockwave equipment used for ED treatment at our Highams Park clinic

Focused and radial shockwave: what's the difference?

Focused shockwave concentrates energy at a set depth below the skin, while radial shockwave spreads out from the skin's surface. For ED we use the Storz Medical DUOLITH focused shockwave system. We'll explain the options and what to expect at your assessment.

The Storz focused shockwave machine we use for vasculogenic erectile dysfunction.

What Happens During a Course?

The course is 6 sessions of about 20 to 25 minutes, usually once or twice a week, with 3,000 shocks per session. Focused shockwave aims to encourage new small blood vessels to grow, so any change is gradual rather than instant. Studies usually look for changes in the weeks and months after the course ends. Some men notice a small improvement and some notice none, so we can't promise a particular result or say how long any change will last. We'll talk through what's realistic for you at your assessment.

🩺 Curious where your current score sits? Take 60 seconds to view our confidential IIEF-5 Erectile Health Self-Assessment Questionnaire here.

Clinic Director Rich Pearson in our private treatment room in Highams Park, East London (E4).

Total Discretion: What Happens Behind Closed Doors?

We know that picking up the phone or walking into a clinic to talk about Erectile Dysfunction takes courage. Most men put off seeking help for years because they dread the idea of sitting in a brightly lit, crowded clinic waiting room where everyone knows why they are there.

We designed our clinic at 102 Larkshall Crescent, Highams Park (London E4 6NS) specifically to remove every ounce of awkwardness for our male pelvic health patients.

🔒 Zero Crowded Waiting Rooms: We operate strictly by private, staggered one-to-one appointments. You will never be sat in a waiting room awkwardly making eye contact with other patients.

🏥 A sports injury and MSK clinic: Because we also treat sports injuries, marathon runners and tendon pain, anyone seeing you arrive will most likely assume you're visiting for a sports injury, back problem or Achilles treatment.

👨‍⚕️ 1-to-1 continuity with Rich Pearson: every men's health consultation and treatment session is carried out personally by Clinic Director Rich Pearson (BSc Hons, Storz-trained, Venn Healthcare accredited). You will never be passed around between different staff members.

⏱️ Short sessions: There are no needles, no surgery and no sedation, and most men can carry on with their day afterwards. There's free parking on our drive, plus free street parking opposite, and Highams Park Overground station (from Liverpool Street or Walthamstow) is a short walk away.

Non-invasive treatment, with your care kept confidential.

As well as treating Men for Erectile Dysfunction - we also use Storz Focused Shockwave to treat men suffering from Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) & Non-Bacterial Prostatitis, which frequently overlaps with erectile difficulties).

We have a lot of experience in treating CPPS with Focused Shockwave Therapy, so if you are struggling with non-bacterial prostatitis, then give us a confidential call or send us a WhatsApp to see how we could potentially help you.

Transparent Pricing: How Much Does ED Shockwave Cost in London?

As an independent, director-led clinic in Highams Park, East London (E4), we use Storz Medical DUOLITH focused shockwave technology and keep our prices simple. The ED course costs £1,500 in total. That includes your £100 consultation and written report, plus 6 sessions of 3,000 shocks each. If you go ahead after your consultation, you can pay the balance session by session, at about £233 a session.

View our full clinic fee guide here: Transparent Treatment Prices at The Shockwave Therapy Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions (ED Focused Shockwave)

❓ Can I keep taking my ED medication during a course of shockwave therapy?

Please ask your GP or the person who prescribed it. Please don't stop or change any medicine your GP has prescribed without talking to them. Let us know about any medicines you take at your consultation.

❓ Does the treatment hurt?

Most men feel only mild discomfort, such as a light tapping or pulsing sensation, and we adjust the energy to your comfort throughout the session. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as redness, tenderness or occasionally bruising.

❓ Do I need a GP referral to book?

You don't need a referral to book, but we recommend you see your GP first. ED can be an early sign of heart disease or diabetes, so your GP may want to check things like your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Please don't stop or change any medicine your GP has prescribed without talking to them.

Ready to Take the First Step - Without Any Pressure?

You don't have to commit to a full course just to get honest answers about whether focused shockwave therapy might be suitable for you.

Choose whichever discreet option below feels most comfortable for you today:

1. 💬 Message Rich Privately on WhatsApp — Send a confidential text message directly to Rich Pearson to ask any questions or arrange a quick, private 10-minute phone chat.

2. 🌐 Visit Our Dedicated ED Shockwave Therapy Page — Explore the full clinical science, protocols, and suitability details on our main Men's Health hub.

3. 📅 Book Your Confidential Consultation Online — Get in touch via our secure contact form or call us directly on 07807 333469.