Erectile Dysfunction: Impotence or Premature Ejaculation

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According to the most recent study, the impotence affects about 5% of men over forty. At age 65, however, between 15% and 25% experience a form of erectile dysfunction on a regular basis. It is defined as the inability to have an erection that is hard enough for intercourse. An erection is the result of increased blood flow to the penis during arousal. When a man becomes aroused, muscles in the penis relax, allowing blow to flow into the penis. An erection occurs when more blood is flowing in than out. Any problem that interferes with this increased blood flow causes erectile dysfunction.

Cause of Erectile Dysfunction

There are several causes for erectile dysfunction. Some are physiological, and chronic health conditions such as having consumed too much alcohol, and medications. In particular, any illness that alters blood flow, such as atherosclerosis or weak veins can cause erectile dysfunction. It can even happen on occasion simply from being too tired.

There are also psychological causes. Stress, anxiety, low self esteem, depression, and unresolved anger can all contribute. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment, particularly when the causes for erectile dysfunction are psychological, at least in part.

Treatments

Acupuncture/Moxibustion, Herbal Medicine(External/Internal): We in TCM have treated numerous males with erectile dysfunction with very satisfactory results. A study published in the International Journal of Impotence suggests that acupuncture can be a very effective treatment when the problem is psychologically induced. The study showed that 64% of the participants reported their erectile dysfunction was cured after six weeks of treatment with acupuncture.

Treatment protocols depend on the patients’ own schedule and preference. Some patients get herbal medicine by a set for 2-3 weeks supply without acupuncture, due to their own busy schedule or their preference for herbal medicine over needles. Others get acupuncture on a regular basis. Moxibustion is also very effective as it directly warms kidney Yang energy.