What to expect during treatment
Most men who come to us don't know exactly what to expect. How does it feel? Does it hurt? How long does it take? This article describes a treatment session step by step, so you know what lies ahead.
How does a shockwave session feel?
The most common reaction after a first session? That it was less than expected. Many men anticipate something invasive. In reality, it is calm, quick, and virtually painless.
- The consultationThe session starts with a brief conversation. The doctor asks how things are going, discusses any changes, and answers your questions. During the first session this is more extensive; after that, it is short and focused.
- The treatmentYou lie on a heated treatment table. The doctor applies gel and places the shockwave device on the erectile tissue. You feel a light tapping on your skin, similar to the ticking of a heating pipe. Most men find it an odd sensation, but not painful.
- Trigger pointsIn addition to the erectile tissue, the doctor also treats trigger points in the perineum and pelvic floor. At a trigger point, you may feel a brief, sharp pressure. The doctor stays on that spot until the tension releases. This is the most intense moment of the session, but it is short.
- Five to six locationsThe doctor treats five to six different locations. The entire procedure takes twenty to twenty-five minutes. After that, you get up and go home.
- AfterwardsAfter shockwave, there are no restrictions. You can exercise, work, and be sexually active immediately. Some men feel a slight sensitivity at the treated area, which disappears the same day.
How does a PRP session feel?
PRP is often combined with shockwave in the same session. The entire combined session takes approximately sixty to eighty minutes.
- Numbing creamAt the start of the session, the doctor applies a numbing cream. It needs about twenty minutes to take effect. In the meantime, you can undergo the shockwave treatment.
- Blood drawApproximately 20 ml of blood is drawn from your arm. Comparable to a standard blood test. Nothing out of the ordinary.
- The centrifugeThe blood goes into a centrifuge that separates it through a double-spin process. This takes about fifteen minutes. During that time, you can have a cup of tea, check your phone, or simply sit. After two spin cycles, approximately 2 ml of concentrated plasma remains, rich in platelets and growth factors.
- The injectionThe doctor injects the PRP into the erectile tissue. Thanks to the numbing cream, you feel virtually nothing. Some men describe a slight pressure, but no pain. The doctor performs the injection personally.
- AfterwardsAfter PRP, there are restrictions for 24 hours: no sexual contact, no hot baths or sauna, and no heavy physical exertion. Mild sensitivity or minimal swelling is normal and disappears within one to two days. After that, you resume everything.
What it's like here
No waiting room full of people. No hospital atmosphere. The treatment table is heated. Tea and water are ready. The doctor explains what he is going to do before each step and asks for permission before touching you.
Most men feel relieved after their first session. Not because something spectacular happened, but precisely because it was so normal. A quiet room, a doctor who explains what he's doing, and a treatment that was less of a big deal than you expected.
What men say after the first session
“It was less than I expected. I had imagined much worse.”
“A strange sensation, but no pain. Now we wait and see.”
“I'm looking forward to the next session.”
How many sessions and how long?
- ShockwaveSix to twelve sessions, spread over six to twelve weeks. Each session takes twenty to twenty-five minutes. One to two times per week.
- PRPOne to three sessions, depending on your indication. Each session takes approximately thirty minutes. Combined with shockwave when indicated.
- Combined sessionShockwave and PRP in one visit: sixty to eighty minutes total. The doctor schedules this so you don't need to come in more often than necessary.
Preparation
For a shockwave session, you don't need to do anything. For PRP, the following applies:
- ✓Drink extra water in the three hours before treatment (approximately two litres). This improves the quality of the plasma.
- ✓Avoid heavy meals and alcohol 24 hours beforehand.
- ✓Bring your medication overview if you haven't done so already.