TL;DR: ED treatment in Busan by tier — PDE5i: $200–$400; LiSWT shockwave 6 sessions: $1,100–$1,400; ICI training: $350–$500; penile implant AMS 700 CX: $9,200–$11,500. All 45–65% less than US.
| Procedure | Busan, Korea | USA Private | UK Private | Australia | Singapore | Saving vs USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDE5i prescription (3 months) | $200–$400 | $400–$800 | £200–£500 | AUD 400–700 | SGD 300–600 | ~50% |
| LiSWT Shockwave (6 sessions) | $1,100–$1,400 | $3,000–$5,500 | £2,000–£4,000 | AUD 3,500–6,000 | SGD 3,000–5,500 | ~65% |
| ICI Training + starter kit | $350–$500 | $600–$1,000 | £400–£800 | AUD 600–1,000 | SGD 500–900 | ~45% |
| Penile Implant AMS 700 CX | $9,200–$11,500 | $20,000–$28,000 | £14,000–£20,000 | AUD 22,000–32,000 | SGD 22,000–30,000 | ~55% |
Data note: Penile Doppler ultrasound (USD $300–$450 separately) identifies whether shockwave is likely to be effective before committing to 6 sessions. IIEF-5 score determines starting tier. All pricing is clinic-reported and subject to change. Verify in writing with the clinic before booking flights or making financial commitments. Busan Urology Guide does not guarantee accuracy of pricing data.
Erectile dysfunction treatment ranges from a 1-day outpatient prescription visit (Tier 1 PDE5i) to a 12-day surgical stay (Tier 4 penile implant). The first step is determining which tier is appropriate — and that requires a IIEF-5 score assessment and ideally a penile Doppler ultrasound. Both are available at Busan urology clinics.
The most popular foreign patient ED protocol: complete sessions 1–3 in Busan during a 5-day visit, then complete sessions 4–6 at a home-country clinic with a STORZ or BTL medical-grade shockwave device. The treating urologist provides a written protocol specifying energy parameters for the home clinic. This splits the Busan visit cost without sacrificing the treatment course.
For men with severe ED (IIEF-5 1–7) who have failed Tiers 1–3, or post-radical prostatectomy neurogenic ED, the penile implant is the definitive treatment. The AMS 700 CX in Busan (USD $9,200–$11,500) is the same Boston Scientific device available at US academic centres ($20,000–$28,000). Same lifetime warranty. Same manufacturer.
Korea-based penile implant surgery is particularly cost-effective for US patients: the all-in Busan cost (procedure + flights + 12 nights hotel) typically totals less than the procedure cost alone in the US.