Since becoming available in 1998, Viagra has been a godsend for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). But here’s the thing, Viagra only manages the symptoms, rather than treating the root cause of ED. That’s why in 2014, we excitedly reported we had heard about the next great advancement in fighting ED but that it was not yet available in SA.

Well, not anymore. It’s landed here this month and the new treatment of shock-wave therapy may free you from penis problems for 18 months (much longer than that little blue pill). Yes, you read that right. These are all the answers to the questions you might have about ED1000 Therapy.

Related: How To Handle Erectile Dysfunction Without Panicking

How Does It Work?

Previous research has found that shock waves to the heart can help new blood vessels form to treat ticker trouble, and doctors say the same method may work to alleviate ED caused by restricted blood flow. Docs use a wand attached to a machine to send small shocks directly to the penis. “It emits energy that increases growth factor levels, which in turn produce new blood vessels,” explains Dr. Vijay Sangar, consultant urologist at Spire Manchester Hospital in England, who uses ED1000 Therapy in his practice.

The new blood vessels address the issue of poor blood flow, fixing the problem at the root. And while shock waves directly to your shaft sound painful, Dr. Sangar assures there is no pain and minimal side effects.

Treatment includes 12 weeks of shock-wave sessions, after which a guy ideally doesn’t need to worry for at least 18 months — which some men might prefer to a sex life dictated by a prescription supply.

Can I Get It Done?

If you have documented vascular-related ED and there is no hormonal, neurological or psychological pathology then you’re on the home stretch to getting it done.

But, there are some criteria that might exclude you from being able to get the treatment. If your ED has a cause other than vascular etiology, of course. If you have a penile tumour, prostatic tumour, testicular tumour or a local tumour at the treatment area, you can’t get it. And finally, you can’t get it if you have a skin wound or infection at the treatment area.

Related: How To Maintain Your Erection

Where Can I Get It Done?

The ED1000 was developed by researchers in Israel, and whilst a few years ago the technology wasn’t commonplace, there are now over one thousand ED1000 systems around the world. But for now, South African guys with performance problems will have to seek out the help from one person. As it stands, there is only one practice in South Africa that has the ED1000.

The first ED1000 system in South Africa was installed on 3 June 2019 at the rooms of Dr. Gideon van Wyk, a vein specialist, at Life Healthcare Flora Hospital in Roodepoort, Johannesburg. And the first patients have already been treated. Not anywhere near Joburg? Don’t stress. Merlin Med is currently working to try and make the treatment more commonly available across South Africa.

Is There Any Down Time Or Pain?

The treatment is non-invasive and painless which means there is no need for hospitalisation before or after the treatment. You don’t even need to do any special pre-treatment procedure beforehand. And when we say it’s painless, we mean it; there is no need to be sedated at all.

Although, you might feel a tickling sensation where you are being treated during the treatment/ that usually passes immediately or shortly after you’ve stopped the treatment.

Once you’re done you will be able to return to your daily routine as there is no need for any post-treatment procedure. And to answer the most important question on your mind; there is no restriction on sexual activity before or after treatments.

Related: Physical Therapy For Erectile Dysfunction? Yes, It’s A Thing.

Does It Actually Work?

Although the treatment is only a few years old, the results so far are extremely promising: “The shock wave therapy works in two-thirds of folks with vascular or diabetes-induced ED,” Dr. Sangar says. Viagra, on the other hand, is helpful in 80 percent of ED cases, with other pills and injections slightly less dependable—but these only treat the symptoms, whereas the shock wave therapy tries to cure the problem, Dr. Sangar adds.

According to Medispec,  some patients reported improvement after 6 treatments already (which was 3 weeks from the initiation of therapy). Plus, there is a reduction in the amount of PDE5 inhibition medication (like Viagra) men take after all treatment sessions have been completed. We think those are some pretty great odds.

Until the you can try out the ED1000 yourself, treat your vascular ED the same way you would a bad heart: with plenty of blood-pumping exercise and a diet packed with healthy oils.

For more information, head to the bigedfix.com.

Originally published on menshealth.com