Category: What are the best treatments for erectile dysfunction

How Does SONICWAVE™ Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

At FullMast Men’s Health Clinic, we know erectile dysfunction is a big deal.

It’s a big deal in our communities, where half of all men over the age of fifty face erectile concerns. It’s a major issue in the bedrooms of our patients, in budding romances, and in otherwise happy marriages. It can signal life-threatening medical conditions or long-term sexual health issues.

Despite the seriousness and widespread nature of this concern, many men are unaware of the medically sound, long-term solutions available for erectile dysfunction. They believe that injections, pills, and implants are their only option. They look for ways to temporarily treat the symptoms associated with ED rather than addressing the real causes behind their condition.

For a long time, these treatments were the only ones available. But conclusive research has given some Canadian men another safe, effective treatment option: SONICWAVE™ therapy.

Some people come to our clinic seeking this option; others have never heard of it and are full of questions. This article seeks to clarify SONICWAVE™ therapy and how it is used in Canadian erectile dysfunction clinics.

How does SONICWAVE™ therapy work?

SONICWAVE™ seeks to restructure the tissues inside the penis with high-frequency vibrations and low-intensity “shock wave therapy.” Rather than temporarily addressing symptomatic issues, this treats the penis directly.

The use of shock waves to induce changes and regeneration is nothing new. Doctors frequently use this technology to treat chronic wounds, cardiac disease, and other issues related to circulation and damaged tissue. The waves of energy used in treating erectile dysfunction are extremely low intensity compared to other uses of this technology, so the term “SONICWAVE™” is used instead of “shock wave” therapy in this case.

Is SONICWAVE™ therapy safe?

This is a great question! It’s important to know all the possible risks before undergoing any treatment.

One of the main benefits of SONICWAVE™ therapy is that, unlike drug-based options, it lacks side effects. For some patients, PDE5 inhibitors (like Cialis or Viagra) can lead to headaches, a stuffy nose, or gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, research shows that these pills do not work for up to 35% of patients and that 70% of patients do not continue renewing their prescription by the 6-12 month mark. While they may be an important part of a multimodal treatment plan, for many men pills and injections are far from an “easy fix.”

Because SONICWAVE™ therapy is a non-drug option, side effects like this do not arise. This therapy is also non-surgical, making it safer than implants. Doctors use extremely low waves of energy as dictated by peer-reviewed research, ensuring that the treatment is safe and noninvasive.

Shock wave therapy is currently approved in over 20 countries. It is used in hundreds of clinics worldwide, including FullMast Men’s Health Clinic in Toronto and Vancouver.

To learn more about the approval of this treatment, you can read the 19 studies involving shock waves registered here. A detailed description of two major studies centring on the use of this technology for ED can also be found here.

Does SONICWAVE™ therapy really “fix” erectile dysfunction?

SONICWAVE™ therapy physically jolts the cells of the penis stimulating the growth of blood vessels and nerves.

As with any treatment, the answer to this question comes down to the individual. Certain factors, such as pre-existing medical conditions, can influence the level and duration of success. At FullMast, our doctors do a full evaluation to determine if a patient is a candidate for SONICWAVE™ and customize a treatment plan based on medical research and patient history.

This treatment is often pursued by men seeking long-term recovery instead of brief “fixes” for individual sexual encounters. That said, a doctor may recommend that you take PDE5 inhibitors alongside SONICWAVE™ as part of your treatment plan Paying close attention to an individual’s unique situation and employing a multimodal treatment plan is the key to successful ED treatment.

If you would like a free consultation with an accredited doctor specializing in erectile dysfunction in Vancouver or Toronto, call 1-844-500-1177 or book your confidential appointment online today.

03/08/2017
Are Erectile Dysfunction Pills Right For Me?

Prescription pills, such as Cialis and Viagra, are among the most commonly used treatments for erectile dysfunction.

How do pills like Viagra and Cialis work? Are these pills an effective long-term solution? Which pill, if any, is right for me?

As a Men’s Health Clinic, we hear questions like these all the time. It is important to understand how erectile dysfunction pills work before deciding to take them. Here are are some of our answers to the most common queries.

How do Erectile Dysfunction Pills Work?

To understand how these pills work, we have to first understand how erections work.

The brain, upon becoming sexually aroused, will send signals to a man’s penis to fill with blood and become erect. Seems easy enough, right?

Here’s the catch: the muscle of the penis must relax to allow for that inflow of blood. Drugs like Cialis and Viagra, also known as “PDE5 inhibitors,” help with that relaxation. They do this by temporarily “inhibiting” an enzyme that can get in the way of this process. This allows blood to flow into the penis, which can make it easier to get and maintain an erection.

Although they may seem quite similar, the differences between PDE5 inhibitors can be vast. For example, the half-life of Viagra is 4 hours, while Cialis has a 17.5 hour half-life. That means the effects of Cialis can last up to 36 hours! This is something which should definitely be considered when choosing which medication to use. It’s important to discuss any potential prescription with a doctor who has in-depth knowledge of all the differences between available pills. ED specialists at clinics like FullMast are informed about the different molecular structures of pills like Cialis and Viagra, and can advise whether any of these are a good choice for you.

Positive Effects of Sex

In January 2023 the results of a large scale study were published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

The study showed that men with ED who used PDE-5i pills had fewer heart problems and live longer than non-users. And, the study found, the more of these pills men take the longer they live.

The study, which looked at men over a fourteen year period in the United States, is known as “retrospective” which does not untangle the reasons for the benefits. Are the improved health outcomes a direct result of the medication on the cardiovascular system or because the men who are using the pills are having sex which has proven health benefits?

Our strong hunch is that the benefits of the pills are because the men that use them are having sex more often than those who do not, and it is well proven that intimate relations relieve stress and give the heart a workout.

Having sex creates a positive feedback loop. Sex makes one feel good and encourages one to undertake other exercise. Exercise and healthy living make a man more appealing to their partner, which in turn strengthens their relationship.

At FullMast we are strong advocates for having supportive intimate relations and it is necessary to attain erections hard enough for satisfying intercourse. Pills can play their part so too can Dual-Action SONICWAVE.

Men who take ED pills live longer – likely because they enjoy the health benefits of loving sexual relationships.

What are the Side-Effects of ED Pills?

Erectile dysfunction is a health issue, so you should approach treatment in a health-centered way. That means understanding everything you can about the drugs you’re taking, speaking with a specialist, and making sure any treatments are compatible with your medical history.

In the case of PDE5 inhibitors, that medical history is a critical factor. Some of the same issues which can cause erectile dysfunction, such as heart issues and blood pressure, could interact badly with these medications. Mixing these drugs with nitrates (nitroglycerin tablets or patches) can also make these drugs a dangerous choice for men.

Side effects of PDE5 inhibitors include vision loss, headaches, body pains (especially in the lower back), stuffy nose, gastrointestinal issues (such a diarrhea and indigestion), and a flushing of the face. If you take these drugs, any side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately.

By looking at the root cause of your ED, examining your medical history, and paying attention to any potential side effects, a specialist can decide whether they a PDE5 inhibitor should be considered as a part of your treatment plan.

Are Pills Like Cialis and Viagra Good Treatments for ED?

Many men have reservations about leaving their love life to a prescription. They’re right to be cautious. Taking a pill like Viagra or Cialis will not address the critical underlying causes of ED, many of which are central to a patient’s overall health.

Beyond that, it can be a stressful solution: Having to schedule sex around a pill can take some of the spark and spontaneity out of a relationship, and depending on pills like Viagara and Cialis can be expensive and inconvenient over time.

Many men prefer to pursue long-term treatments which improve performance for the rest of their lives, rather than just a night or two. That’s why we take a multimodal and health-centered approach at FullMast by prescribing these drugs not necessarily as a long-term solution, but as a tool to improve the efficacy of more permanent treatments, such as SONICWAVE™ therapy.

A consultation with a trained ED specialist is the best way to decide which treatment is best for you. There are many different solutions which can work together to help you reclaim your sex life.

If you’re in the Toronto or Vancouver area and want to know what treatment option is right for you, call 1-844-500-1177 or contact us online today!

Note that in the context of this article “specialist” is used to denote a clinical focus, not a medical specialist such as an urologist.

04/11/2016
8 Questions With FullMast’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ron Mayer

1-Hello, Dr. Mayer. Thank you for sitting down with me today. Would you mind discussing the main issues that come up most often in your clinic?

Well, primarily, men come into the FullMast clinic for erectile issues and questions about testosterone therapy. When a man comes into our office, and he’s around 45 years old and he presents with erectile issues, the first thing I have to think about is cardiovascular illness. Men who present with early-onset erectile dysfunction will most often have cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and high cholesterol.

2. As FullMast’s Chief Medical Officer, what are some concerns you’ve noticed when patients come into your office? How have you been able to address these?

I’ve noticed that some patients are reticent to come into a clinic where there are other men who are sitting around in the waiting room. They’re not necessarily ashamed, but there is still stigma around sexual health and erectile issues. In order to combat this, we manage our consultations according to a specific protocol. The consultations are an hour long. When a patient comes in for his consultation, the previous patient has already left. We have one treatment room. Our main concern is the comfort of the patient. We want to ensure privacy and confidentiality as much as possible.

3. What are some questions men should ask their doctors during their annual physical?

Annual physicals are not recommended for men until they’re 50 years old. Before 50 years of age it should be once every two years. During these annual checkups, they should ask for a colonoscopy, a rectal (prostate) exam, which involves the detection of PSA, the prostate-specific antigen. Certainly as a man gets older, he should ask about exercise and weight loss, especially if he is overweight or obese. Most physicians don’t talk to men about those issues. Even a slightly overweight man who doesn’t get that much exercise will present with signs of erectile dysfunction. The most common manifestations of ED are cardiovascular issues, hypertension, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.

4. Do issues of mental health ever arise during these consultations?

Yes, these issues come up quite often. Men who are low on testosterone often come in slightly blue and with less energy. Sometimes, we have a conversation about the use of antidepressants. As part of the assessment, we also evaluate psychogenic causes of erectile dysfunction especially if the man is in his early thirties. Often times the causes are not organic but psychogenic. But keep in mind, psychogenic causes may also occur in men in their fifties as well.

5. Does fitness or nutrition ever come up during a consultation?

One of the first things we talk about is exercise. I usually ask them, ‘Do you walk?’ Walking is a good way to start becoming active. I recommend they measure the steps they take every day. There are many phone apps out there to help them keep track of the number of steps they take. I would recommend 1,000 steps per day, or 100 steps per minute to get their heart rate up.

Vitamin D is also important especially in the wintertime: 5,000 units per day along with magnesium. A trick I tell them is when to start and when to stop: if they go outside at noontime, and their shadow is longer than their height, take the vitamin D, but if at noontime, their shadow is shorter than height, don’t take it that day. I would also recommend lots of unsaturated fats, which can be found in olive oil, avocado, and walnuts (which contain arginine, a precursor for nitric oxide, which assists in producing a fully erect penis).

6. Do most men who come into your office have some type of support network?

They do, but it’s mostly support from their partner, especially because their partner is equally affected by these erectile challenges. They often come into the clinic with their partners. Men usually don’t like to talk about these issues with other people like friends or family members. Hopefully over time people will see sexual health as being another facet of overall health, but today, many men are still worried about how people perceive their masculinity. They don’t want to be questioned by their buddies or their friends. I’ve noticed men don’t joke about these issues until they’re in their seventies. In the1990s when Viagra come out, men became more open to discussing sexual health. It opened up the lines of communication; the commercials were humorous, and men felt more comfortable talking about it.

7. What age group do you see most often at the clinic?

The range is anywhere between 20-80 years old. Usually, younger patients have erectile issues that stem from psychogenic issues rather than men in their fifties and beyond. Younger men also have concerns with premature ejaculation.

8. Dr. Mayer, thank you for your time today. Before we say goodbye, is there anything else you would like to add?

Oh, that’s not a problem at all. Thank you. Yes, so I have noticed that many therapies nowadays focus on medications such as Viagra and Cialis, but there are many non-medicinal therapies and procedures out there. In fact, medications tend to wear off over time. FullMast has pioneered the first new and Health Canada approved treatment for erectile dysfunction called SONICWAVE, which is a non-surgical, non-medicinal therapy that uses high-frequency vibrations to stimulate nerve function, cell regeneration, and increase blood flow to the penis.

If a man has diabetes or has had prostate surgery or who presents with neurogenic issues, we’re going to recommend both SONICWAVE and Viberect. Viberect is another vibration technology that helps the secretion of nitric oxide. We believe in multimodal therapies so we also recommend pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that are responsible for maintaining blood flow and rigidity in the penis.

Overall, we’re here to help men handle the sensitive issue of erectile challenges by providing the best care possible at our clinic. We also want to open up the conversation about men’s sexual health and about maintaining sexual activity as men age. Myself and sexologist Dr. Stephen de Wit will be presenting at an upcoming talk on August 2nd to discuss these key topics in men’s sexual health.

10/06/2016
What to do about erectile dysfunction?

“A quarter of new patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) are younger than 40, yet many are quick to mock young men who struggle with getting or maintaining an erection,” writes Laura Donovan in an article in attn.

The article recounts a post from a young guy on Reddit that describes his partner’s anxiety. Often couples blame the problem on a lack of motivation thinking they are not sexy enough. It is commonly thought that young males when they see an attractive woman can get and maintain an erection, but it is rarely the case.

In reality the mechanisms that cause an erection are complex. They happen due to increased blood flow into the spongy tissue with the outflow restricted because the veins are constricted by the outer sheath. The tissues are like a muscle that if not used become smaller, which means they become unable to push against the outer sheath. When it becomes harder to get an erection it can be embarrassing and so they avoid trying and the cycle becomes self-reinforcing.

Unfortunately if the penis does not become erect or semi-erect for long periods the cells don’t get enough blood flow to remain healthy and so the problem gets progressively worse.

SONICWAVE treatment kickstarts the regeneration of the cells and so it becomes possible to achieve an erection again. That is the good news! The other good news is that to keep the penis healthy it has to stimulated regularly through sex or masturbation.

13/11/2015