Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a type of male sexual dysfunction that refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Typical symptoms include erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual arousal, and difficulty maintaining an erection. These symptoms can cause problems during sexual activity. ED affects many men, regardless of their age or lifestyle.
A new report published by the WHO reveals that many people are affected by infertility at some point in their lives. Approximately 17.5% of the adult population (approximately 1 in 6 people worldwide) experience infertility, and the estimates show that the prevalence of infertility does not vary across regions.
However, while infertility is generally thought to be caused by women, it is actually known that 48% of infertility cases are related to men (WHO statistics).
It can be divided into physical and psychological causes.
One of the causes is a deformed penis, such as hypospadias. Another is due to nervous system disorders such as stroke, head trauma, spinal cord injury, and surgery on pelvic organs. Another is due to reduced blood flow caused by narrowing of blood vessels in the penis. Another is due to disorders of organs that secrete hormones, such as the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and testicles.
Another unavoidable cause is aging. The function of producing sperm begins to age around 30 to 40 years old, and the function of producing hormones also declines. As a result, although there are individual differences, erectile and ejaculator abilities gradually decrease, and erectile strength also weakens.
Failure to have sex while lacking sexual knowledge, or premature ejaculation, can lead to fear of subsequent sexual intercourse, and even if sexual desire is present, the man loses his erection at the time of insertion, which can lead to failure. In this way, loss of confidence can lead to erectile dysfunction. In addition, prolonged exposure to intense stress from work or living environment can affect the parasympathetic nervous system and hormone secretion, inhibiting sexual desire.
In psychosomatic disorders such as depression and autonomic nervous system imbalance, the sexual desire itself can decrease, and erections can become difficult to achieve due to abnormalities in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and psychological biases can also cause the symptoms to persist for longer.
Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been reported to have a positive effect on sexual function.
Acupuncture is said to improve the flow of energy and blood circulation in the body, which may address insufficient blood flow, one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction. It is also believed that the relaxing effect of acupuncture on mental stress and anxiety may contribute to improved sexual function.
Scientific and clinical studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture are being conducted, and some studies suggest that acupuncture can improve sexual function. For example, some studies have shown that patients who received acupuncture reported improved erectile function and increased sexual satisfaction. This scientific evidence suggests that acupuncture is a promising option for ED.
We offer acupuncture and moxibustion therapy using acupressure points, electrical stimulation therapy, and techniques to regulate the autonomic nervous system.
Focusing on regulating the autonomic nervous system and stabilizing the mind and psychology, treatment is given to acupressure points, such as the sacrum, lower back, and lower abdomen, which are related to the lower autonomic nervous system centers that control symptoms of erectile dysfunction and erectile inhibition, as well as reaction points such as tenderness and hardness.
【Prescription example】San Yin Jiao (San Yin Ko), Shen Yu (Shin Yu), Shi Shi (Shi Shitsu), Zi Liao (Ji Liao), Zhong Liao (Churyo), Ming Men (Meimon)
These points are approached. This is a specific point stimulation for erectile dysfunction, contributing to the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and stabilizing the mental and psychological state. Point stimulation therapy promotes the body’s energy and blood circulation, improving sexual function.
ED tends to improve more easily when symptoms are mild. Self-care such as “quitting smoking, improving diet, exercise, and stress relief” is very important.
It is said that there are many ED patients who are smokers. Nicotine in cigarettes has a vasoconstrictive effect, leading to poor circulation. Poor circulation can reduce blood flow to the penis, hindering an erection.
Additionally, hormonal imbalances and reduced male hormone (testosterone) secretion can lead to reduced sexual desire.
Obesity is closely related to ED, and it is said that the risk is about 1.7 times higher when BMI is high. Also, high-calorie, high-fat, and high-salt diets can cause arteriosclerosis, leading to stagnation of blood flow to the penis. Therefore, it is important to focus on a balanced diet.
Lack of exercise leads to poor blood circulation, which also affects blood flow around the penis. Therefore, performing aerobic exercises such as walking to improve circulation is beneficial. In fact, there have been reports of ED improvement with aerobic exercise, and there are high expectations for its effectiveness.
Stress that is unconsciously accumulated can be a cause of ED, and in such cases, stress relief may lead to improvement. If improvement is not seen, counseling and other methods can also be effective. Additionally, if past sexual trauma is the cause, using ED medication such as Viagra while continuing sexual intercourse can help build confidence and gradually reduce the dosage.※When adjusting medication dosage, always follow your doctor’s guidance.
Understanding the type (cause) of ED and taking appropriate measures is important. Improvements in lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking and exercising are effective in many cases, so engaging in self-care is also essential.
Various treatments are used depending on the cause.
One type of psychotherapy is the non-electrotherapy method. This involves forbidding erections to remove the stress associated with erections during sexual intercourse. It is suitable for patients with functional (psychogenic) erectile dysfunction.
Drug therapy is applicable for both functional and organic erectile dysfunction. Currently, treatment using Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis is the main approach, with an effectiveness rate of about 70-80%. These medications enhance the effect of relaxing the smooth muscles of the penile corpus cavernosum, encouraging blood retention in the corpus cavernosum and making erections easier to achieve.
As testosterone levels decrease with age, testosterone replacement therapy is indicated for patients with decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. Testosterone injections are used for this purpose. Other methods include injecting medications into the penile corpus cavernosum to induce an erection.
Acupuncture treatment takes a different approach compared to drug therapy and psychotherapy. For example, while drug therapy can support temporary erections, it has limited ability to address the root cause. In contrast, acupuncture treatment focuses on adjusting the body’s energy and addressing the underlying causes of ED.