London has no shortage of private clinics offering erectile dysfunction treatment. A search will return GP-led services, men's health chains, aesthetic clinics, shockwave therapy centres and urology practices — all using broadly similar language, and all claiming to offer effective treatment.
For a man trying to make a well-informed decision about where to seek help, this can be difficult to navigate. The treatments on offer vary significantly. The devices being used are not equivalent. The level of clinical oversight differs considerably. And the consultation you receive at one type of clinic can be a very different experience from what you receive at another.
This guide is designed to help London men cut through that noise. It covers what a proper private ED consultation should include, what to ask before booking, and what the realistic treatment options are — so that whatever clinic you choose, you are making that decision with accurate information.
Why Private ED Treatment in London Has Become So Common
Many men with erectile dysfunction in the UK do not seek help through their GP. NHS waiting times, limited treatment options and — most commonly — a preference for privacy mean that private consultation has become a common route for men seeking ED treatment in London.
This is not a problem. Private ED care in London can be excellent. But without an NHS referral pathway, men are navigating a wide range of clinic types and treatment approaches without a guide.
"ED is a medical condition with a medical cause — and it deserves a medical assessment."
— Dr Kishore Bahl, Shockwave ReVibe ClinicWhat a Proper ED Consultation Should Include
Whichever private clinic in London you attend, the initial consultation should cover the following.
A structured clinical history
ED has several possible causes — vascular, hormonal, neurological, psychological and medication-related — and the right treatment depends on which of these applies (see what causes erectile dysfunction). A proper consultation takes a structured history covering onset, severity, progression, relevant medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, prostate history), medications, lifestyle factors and psychosexual context.
Validated severity assessment
The IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) questionnaire is a widely used, validated tool for measuring ED severity. A baseline score before treatment starts is how you measure whether treatment is actually working. A clinic that does not measure before and after cannot show you objectively whether you have improved.
Investigation where clinically indicated
Blood tests — such as testosterone, HbA1c (for diabetes) and cholesterol — are often appropriate before ED treatment begins. Low testosterone is a common and treatable contributor to ED, and undiagnosed type 2 diabetes is another (see ED and diabetes). These findings change the treatment approach, and they need a doctor to order, interpret and act on them.
Cardiovascular risk assessment
ED is not only a sexual health condition. Large studies have shown that men with ED have a higher risk of future heart attack and stroke — a meta-analysis of cohort studies found around a 44% increased risk of cardiovascular events (Vlachopoulos et al., 2013). ED can appear several years before heart symptoms, so it can be an early warning sign. A clinician who treats ED without considering the cardiovascular picture is missing an important part of the clinical context.
A clear explanation of treatment options — and their limitations
You should leave your consultation understanding what the proposed treatment does, what results are realistic, and what the alternatives are. Any consultation that presents one treatment as working for everyone is not giving you an accurate picture.
A Proper Private ED Consultation Checklist
- Structured clinical history — onset, severity, conditions, medications, lifestyle, psychosexual context
- Baseline IIEF score, so improvement can be measured
- Blood tests where indicated — testosterone, HbA1c, cholesterol
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
- A clear explanation of options, realistic results and alternatives
The Treatment Options: What Actually Works
Private ED treatment in London broadly falls into three categories. Here is an honest clinical summary of each.
PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis and generics)
Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) are the most widely prescribed ED treatments and the standard first-line option for most men. They work by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which enhances the blood-flow response to sexual arousal.
They are effective, well tolerated and safe for most men. Their limitations are also well established: they need to be taken before sexual activity, they do not treat the underlying vascular cause, and some men find they work less well over time. Men taking nitrate medicines for heart conditions must not take them. (See shockwave therapy vs Viagra.)
If a clinic offers PDE5 inhibitors without a proper clinical assessment and a check for contraindications, it is not providing safe clinical care.
Low-intensity focal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT)
Focal shockwave therapy for ED has a growing evidence base and, in my clinical experience, is one of the most important developments in ED treatment in recent years. It is included in the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines as an option for men with mild vasculogenic ED (ED caused by reduced blood flow).
Unlike tablets, focal shockwave therapy is not taken before sex. It aims to address the vascular cause of ED — research suggests it stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and improves the function of the vessel lining, with benefits that can continue after the treatment course ends. For a full explanation, see low-intensity shockwave therapy for ED.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials found that shockwave therapy improved erectile function scores compared with sham (placebo) treatment, particularly in men with mild to moderate ED (Lu et al., 2017). A double-blind, sham-controlled study also showed that some men who no longer responded to tablets were able to respond to them again after shockwave therapy (Kitrey et al., 2016). Results vary from man to man, and not everyone will respond. (See the evidence for shockwave therapy in ED.)
A typical course is 6–12 sessions, depending on your assessment. Treatment is generally well tolerated: most men feel only a mild tapping sensation, and there is no need for anaesthetic or recovery time.
Penile injections and other second-line treatments
Injections into the penis (alprostadil) and urethral preparations are effective second-line treatments for men who do not respond to tablets. They need careful instruction and are not usually the starting point. They should be started and supervised by an experienced doctor.
Penile implants are a surgical third-line option for men with severe ED that has not responded to other treatments — highly effective when appropriate, but reserved for cases where other options have been exhausted.
| Treatment | How it works | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| PDE5 inhibitors (first line) | Enhance the blood-flow response to arousal; taken before sex | Do not treat the vascular cause; not with nitrates; may work less well over time |
| Focal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) | Aims to improve blood flow itself; 6–12 sessions | Best for mild to moderate vasculogenic ED; results vary |
| Injections / urethral preparations (second line) | Act directly on the erectile tissue | Need careful instruction and doctor supervision |
| Penile implants (third line) | Surgical device | Reserved for severe ED after other options have been exhausted |
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Everyone?
No. Shockwave therapy works best for men with mild to moderate ED caused by reduced blood flow. It may be less effective, or not appropriate, for men with:
- severe ED, or ED mainly due to nerve damage (for example after prostate surgery — see penile rehabilitation);
- ED that is mainly psychological (see psychosexual consultation);
- certain blood clotting problems or anticoagulant medication;
- active infection or cancer in the treatment area.
This is why a proper medical assessment matters before any treatment is offered.
Why Medical Oversight Matters for ED
This is the question most men do not think to ask — and it makes a real difference for ED in particular.
Shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow or shoulder problems is widely and competently delivered by trained physiotherapists and other musculoskeletal practitioners. ED is different, because it is so often linked to wider health problems:
- Diagnosis. ED can be an early sign of diabetes, heart and circulation disease, low testosterone, or neurological conditions. Identifying which applies — and recognising when another condition needs separate investigation — is part of the medical assessment.
- Combined treatment. The best outcome for many men involves shockwave therapy alongside other treatment — such as tablets, hormone treatment, or treatment for premature ejaculation. Having these options available within the same clinical pathway can make a real difference.
- Cardiovascular context. Because ED is linked to heart and circulation health, being able to arrange the right investigations and referrals matters.
A useful question to ask any clinic: who carries out the assessment, and can they prescribe or arrange other treatment if it is clinically indicated? Read more about why expert delivery matters.
Questions to Ask Before Booking Any Private ED Clinic in London
These five questions will tell you most of what you need to know:
1. Who carries out the consultation and treatment?
Ask for the practitioner's name and qualifications. You can check a doctor's registration on the GMC register at gmc-uk.org.
2. What type of shockwave device do you use — focal or radial?
For ED, the evidence is mainly for focal shockwave. If the clinic cannot answer clearly, ask more questions before booking.
3. Will I receive a full clinical assessment before treatment starts?
A responsible private ED clinic completes a structured assessment before recommending treatment. A quick online questionnaire followed by a prescription is not a clinical assessment.
4. Can you prescribe or arrange other treatment if it is needed?
For shockwave clinics in particular, this shows whether a full clinical pathway is available.
5. How do you track treatment outcomes?
Ask whether the clinic uses the IIEF questionnaire before and after treatment. Objective outcome measurement is good clinical practice.
What to Expect at Shockwave ReVibe Clinic
At Shockwave ReVibe Clinic in Notting Hill Gate, every consultation and every treatment session is delivered personally by Dr Kishore Bahl, a GMC-registered doctor (GMC 6070860) and former NHS Specialist Doctor in Urology, with more than 30 years of medical experience and extensive experience in urology since 2009.
The initial consultation covers a full structured history, a baseline IIEF score, relevant investigations where indicated, and cardiovascular risk assessment where appropriate. Where focal shockwave therapy is the right option, treatment is delivered using a focal shockwave system. Where prescription treatment is appropriate alongside shockwave therapy, Dr Bahl can prescribe — so the full clinical pathway is available in one practice.
Fees
- Initial consultation: £59
- Consultation and first session together, if shockwave therapy is suitable and started on the same day: £99
- Further shockwave sessions: £250 each
- No GP referral is needed, and all consultations are completely confidential
Ready to talk? Call 020 3004 0564 or book online. See our full Erectile Dysfunction Treatment London service, our Men's Health Clinic, or read Shockwave Therapy for ED.
Dr Kishore Bahl
Every consultation and treatment session at Shockwave ReVibe Clinic is delivered personally by Dr Bahl. Read our complete guide to ED treatment →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best private ED treatment in London?
There is no single answer — the best treatment depends on the cause and severity of your ED. For many men with mild vasculogenic ED, focal shockwave therapy is a good option that aims to treat the underlying cause. For others, tablets may be the right starting point. A proper clinical assessment determines which applies to you.
How much does private ED treatment cost in London?
Prices vary between clinics, so it is worth checking exactly what is included. At Shockwave ReVibe Clinic, the initial consultation is £59, and shockwave sessions are £250 each. A typical course is 6–12 sessions, depending on your assessment. See how many sessions you might need.
Do I need a GP referral for private ED treatment in London?
No. You can book directly with a private clinic without a GP referral.
Is ED treatment at a private clinic confidential?
Yes. Your records are kept confidential and are not shared with your GP without your consent, except in the rare situations where the law requires it. Many men prefer to keep sexual health concerns private, and that is your right.
How quickly can I be seen in London?
At Shockwave ReVibe Clinic, appointments are usually available within a few days of enquiry. Call 020 3004 0564 or book online.
Is shockwave therapy available on the NHS for ED?
It is not routinely available on the NHS for ED, so most men access it privately.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most men feel only a mild tapping sensation. No anaesthetic is needed, and you can return to normal activities straight away.
What if I've already tried Viagra and it stopped working?
This is common. A double-blind, sham-controlled study found that some men who no longer responded to tablets were able to respond again after shockwave therapy (Kitrey et al., 2016). A consultation will establish whether this approach is suitable for you. See shockwave therapy vs Viagra.
Clinical References
- Vlachopoulos CV, Terentes-Printzios DG, Ioakeimidis NK, et al. (2013). Prediction of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 6(1): 99–109.
- Gruenwald I, Appel B, Vardi Y. (2012). Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy — a novel effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in severe ED patients who respond poorly to PDE5 inhibitor therapy. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(1): 259–264.
- Lu Z, Lin G, Reed-Maldonado A, et al. (2017). Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment improves erectile function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Urology, 71(2): 223–233.
- Kitrey ND, Gruenwald I, Appel B, et al. (2016). Penile low intensity shock wave treatment is able to shift PDE5i nonresponders to responders: a double-blind, sham controlled study. Journal of Urology, 195(5): 1550–1555.
- European Association of Urology (2024). EAU Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health. EAU Guidelines Office, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
Dr Kishore Bahl is a GMC-registered doctor (GMC 6070860), a former NHS Specialist Doctor in Urology, and founder of Shockwave ReVibe Clinic, 22 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JE. To book a consultation, call 020 3004 0564 or visit shockwave-revibe.co.uk.
This article is for general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation. Last reviewed: October 2026