# Low‐intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction due to diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease: An individual participant data meta‐analysis from a single center

## TL;DR

Low-intensity shockwave therapy is effective and safe for treating erectile dysfunction caused by diabetes or heart disease, according to a study using data from five trials.

## Contribution

The study confirms LiST's effectiveness in ED cases caused by diabetes or coronary artery disease, which had not been well studied before.

## Key findings

- LiST was equally effective for ED caused by diabetes or coronary artery disease compared to other causes.
- No adverse events were reported in the study.
- Subgroup analyses showed no difference in efficacy between 6 and 12 LiST sessions.

## Abstract

Background

Low‐intensity shockwave therapy (LiST) is a first‐line treatment for vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). However, its efficacy in challenging cases, such as ED solely due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) or coronary artery disease (CAD), has not been adequately assessed.

This study presents an individual participant data meta‐analysis of five double‐blind randomized controlled trials involving 208 patients treated in a single academic center using a standardized LiST protocol (ARIES 2 generator, 5000 impulses/session).

For outcomes, including International Index of Erectile Function‐Erectile Function Domain scores, sexual encounter profile question 3 responses, resistance index, and minimal clinically important differences, LiST was equally effective in patients with ED due to DM or CAD compared to other causes. Subgroup analyses showed equivalent efficacy for 6 versus 12 LiST sessions. No adverse events were reported.

These findings confirm LiST's safety and effectiveness across different causes of vasculogenic ED, supporting its broader application in clinical practice.