Shockwave therapy can work wonders for erectile dysfunction, but like any good investment, you want to make sure you're getting the most out of it. Here at Hawaii Natural Medicine, we're all about giving our patients the best shot at success. Here are five things I'd recommend looking into before diving into shockwave therapy:
1. First things first, check those testosterone levels and make sure they're optimized. I've had plenty of guys eager to jump into shockwave and P-shot treatments, only to find out their testosterone levels were way off. Just getting their TRT dialed in often fixed their ED, and insurance even covered most of it.
2. If you're still smoking, it's time to kick the habit. Trust me, your chances of success with shockwave therapy are slim if you're still lighting up. You'll need to be smoke-free for at least a month before starting treatment.
3. Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels, especially if you're diabetic or pre-diabetic. Poorly controlled blood sugar can really throw a wrench in the works. I'm more than happy to work with you and your endocrinologist to get those A1C levels in check. Once they're below 6.4%, the shockwave therapy will be much more effective.
4. Let's talk about alcohol. I get it, these past few years have driven a lot of us to drink more than we should. But for the month leading up to shockwave therapy, try to limit yourself to one drink a day (or none at all). Alcohol can be a big factor in ED.
5. Don't forget about your vitamins. Over my 7 years of experience, I've noticed that deficiencies in Vitamin D, Omega-3 fats, Folate, B12, and Magnesium are pretty common. Lately, iodine has been cropping up more frequently too. Getting these levels checked and balanced can take a few months, but it's well worth it.
I know it can be frustrating when doctors overlook these important factors. Here at Hawaii Natural Medicine, we offer a holistic approach and most insurance plans cover our primary care services. Before you dive into shockwave therapy or any other costly treatments, I strongly recommend chatting with me at Hawaii Natural Medicine. It can make a world of difference in your results, and hey, it might just be all you need to get back on track.